A framework for identification of the readiness and suitability of multicultural postgraduate research degree candidates

Abstract

Abstract International students, particularly those from non-English speaking countries seeking admission to higher degree by research in Anglophone universities face multiple challenges in understanding the educational system rules, and socially adapting to the host country. Through a targeted literature search we identified barriers and facilitators to the multicultural students’ integration into a foreign education system which could hinder either their admission to postgraduate research courses or their performance during Master’s or doctoral enrolment. The four emerging themes were incorporated into checklists: English proficiency, Academic literacy, Communication and interpersonal skills, and Socio-demographic and cultural influences. These formed the basis for the development of the Supervisor’s Tool for Assessment of Readiness (STAR), an amalgamation of the checklists to provide an objective and comprehensive view of all aspects potential supervisors -and higher degree by research candidates- need to consider in the postgraduate admission process. We encourage readers to test and validate STAR in their academic environments and modify to suit their local needs.