A Systematic Review of International Higher Education Scholarships for Students From the Global South

Abstract

This systematic literature review maps an emerging subfield in educational research : international scholarships for students from the Global South. To untangle the multiple and sometimes competing rationales for scholarship programs, this study identified and reviewed 105 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters published from years 2010 to 2019. From the findings, six primary and distinguishable program rationales emerge: scholarships to develop skills development and human capital, to enhance diplomatic relations, to promote social change, to spur sustainable development, to internationalize universities, and to increase students’ access to higher education. In the analysis, complements and contradictions among the rationales are explored, thereby emphasizing the importance of clarifying programs’ goals and designs. The goal of this review is to highlight variances, opportunities, and omissions within the literature to inform scholars, administrators, and policymakers in the field of international higher education.