The researchers analyzed numerous publications on the digitalization of education in the context of globalization. The authors thereby identified the most relevant areas related to the introduction of digital technologies and digital tools into the educational process. These included the creation of a virtual (digital) educational environment, transition to online learning, and learning in a mixed format. In all observed aspects, the impact of globalization processes on the problem field of education, including the higher education system, was noticeable. This impact can be viewed both from the positive side and from the point of view of social risks of transforming higher education institutions under the influence of digitalization, and expressing situations of uncertainty in changing the configuration of relations between the subjects of the new educational reality. The purpose of this research was to study the processes of transformation of higher education institutions in expanding digitalization in the context of globalization. Data were collected through a quantitative questionnaire and observations. Under the influence of globalization, the role of the teacher and student is changing, and the field of digitalization in the management and technological spheres is expanding. Digitalization expands the possibilities of flexibility in education, promotes openness, increases student involvement in the learning process, improves the interaction of universities, and increases the speed of innovation. However, it is necessary to calculate the possible negative consequences of this transformation. Keywords: digitalization, online education, virtual educational environment