Metaverse-Integrated Education in TVET: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The integration of metaverse technologies into education has garnered increasing scholarly interest, particularly in the domain of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), where immersive, skill-based learning is critical. This study presents a bibliometric analysis to systematically examine the evolution, trends, and thematic structure of research at the intersection of the metaverse and TVET. The analysis focuses on literature retrieved from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2015 to 2025. A total of 165 relevant documents were identified after rigorous screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study employed performance analysis and science mapping techniques using VOSviewer to explore publication trends, types of documents, geographical distribution of research output, and key thematic clusters. Findings reveal a growing body of research in recent years, with a marked increase in publications from 2021 onward, reflecting the global surge in interest following the COVID-19 pandemic and the broader adoption of digital technologies. Malaysia and Indonesia emerged as leading contributors to the research landscape, signalling strong regional interest in aligning TVET systems with Industry 4.0 and immersive technology advancements. The document type distribution predominates journal articles and conference papers, underscoring this field's dynamic and evolving nature. Thematic analysis indicates that the core research clusters revolve around virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, educational technology, and immersive learning systems. These themes highlight an interdisciplinary convergence where digital innovation, pedagogy, and skills training intersect to redefine how technical education is delivered. Despite the potential, the analysis also reveals significant research gaps, particularly in empirical validation, accessibility, infrastructure challenges, and pedagogical integration. This study contributes by mapping the current knowledge structure and research trajectory of metaverse applications in TVET. It offers valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers to understand emerging directions, identify knowledge gaps, and formulate strategies for effectively integrating immersive technologies in vocational education. Future research should expand to multiple databases, conduct longitudinal studies, and explore policy frameworks that ensure equitable and sustainable deployment of metaverse solutions in education.