International students in the South African higher education system: A review of pressing challenges

Abstract

The internationalisation of South Africa’s higher education system, has involved (among other developments) the steady increase of international student enrollment, particularly from other African nations. While there has been a considerable increase in the percentage of international students within the past few decades, little is known about the challenges they confront and the ways in which socio-political and economic issues facing South Africa and the higher education system may impact them. This paper focuses on significant features of the South African higher education system and considers some of the theoretical challenges faced by international students within this context. Pressing socio-political and economic issues facing South African higher education specifically, and the nation more generally are highlighted and in turn their relevance for challenges faced by international students relating to xenophobia, discrimination and financial difficulties are addressed.