Abstract: It was known to all that oxidation of alcohols can be extensively used for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds due to the resulting imine intermediates generated from as-synthesized carbonyl compounds with amines. Based on the long and ongoing research experiences, recent progress in transition metal-catalyzed alcohol oxidation for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds from the perspective of different types of products was categorized and summarized, in which the transition metal-catalyzed aerobic and dehydrogenative oxidation of alcohols for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds were particularly highlighted.