Introduction: Open-access software has become an essential tool in higher education, significantly enhancing research productivity. This scoping review aims to explore the existing research on the impact of open-access software on research activities within higher education institutions. Objective of the Study: The primary objective is to investigate how open-access software facilitates access to scholarly resources, enhances researcher collaboration, and streamlines various research processes. Additionally, the study aims to identify gaps in existing knowledge and suggest areas for future research. Methods: A scoping review methodology is used, involving systematic searches and analyses of relevant literature from academic databases, including peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and grey literature. The review follows a structured framework: (1) identifying the research question, (2) developing a search strategy, (3) selecting relevant studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. Findings: The review indicates that open-access software significantly enhances research productivity by offering unrestricted access to various scholarly articles, datasets, and collaborative tools. Faculty members report increased efficiency in literature reviews, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, resulting in more publications and improved research quality. The review also highlights the role of open-access software in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. Discussion: The discussion delves into the implications of the findings, emphasizing the transformative potential of open-access software in higher education. It also addresses challenges such as limited awareness, technical issues, and data security concerns. Conclusions: The study concludes that open-access software holds significant promise for enhancing research productivity in higher education. By addressing the identified challenges, institutions can create an environment that supports high-quality research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.