Sexual harassment is an epidemic throughout global higher education systems and impact individuals, groups and entire organizations in profound ways. Precarious working conditions, hierarchical organizations, a normalization of gender-based violence, toxic academic masculinities, a culture of silence and a lack of active leadership are all key features enabling sexual harassment. The aim of this study is to review scientific knowledge on sexual harassment in higher education. A thematic focus is on: (1) knowledge derived from top-ranked peer-reviewed articles in the research field; (2) the prevalence of sexual harassment among students and staff; (3) reported consequences of sexual harassment; (4) examples of primary, secondary and tertiary preventive measures; and (4) core challenges to research on sexual harassment in higher education. The published research evidence suggests several findings of importance, mainly: (1) prevalence of sexual harassment among students is reported by on average one out of four female students; (2) severe consequences of sexual harassment impacts individuals but the effects on the quality in research and education is unknown; (3) there is almost no evidence supporting the supposed effects of major preventive measures; and (4) research on sexual harassment in higher education lacks theoretical, longitudinal, qualitative and intersectional approaches and perspectives.