<![CDATA[Higher education institutions are increasingly expected to produce graduates who possess not only academic competence but also social responsibility, civic engagement, and the ability to address complex community challenges. Service learning has emerged as a transformative pedagogical approach that integrates academic learning with meaningful community service, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences. Growing emphasis on experiential and community-based learning has intensified interest in understanding the educational value and broader impact of service learning within higher education contexts. This study aims to examine the integration of service learning in higher education and evaluate its contribution to student learning outcomes, civic development, and community engagement. A qualitative research design based on systematic literature review and thematic analysis was employed. Data were collected from peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, policy documents, and educational studies published between 2015 and 2025. Findings indicate that service learning significantly enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, social awareness, and civic responsibility among students. Meaningful collaboration between universities and community partners also contributes to reciprocal benefits, including community empowerment and the development of sustainable social initiatives. Institutional support, curriculum alignment, reflective learning practices, and stakeholder collaboration emerged as key factors influencing successful implementation. The study concludes that integrating service learning into higher education strengthens the connection between academic knowledge and social engagement, fostering holistic student development while promoting universities’ contributions to community well-being and sustainable societal development.]]>
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