Evaluation of the Obstacles Encountered by South African International Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions

Abstract

The South African higher education system has seen a gradual rise in the number of international students, mainly from African countries but not exclusively confined to other nations. Although the number of international students has significantly risen in recent decades, there is less knowledge about the obstacles they face and the potential effect of these issues on them. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the difficulties encountered by international students at higher education institutions, providing insight into the complex obstacles that affect their academic, social, and cultural assimilation. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, incorporating a questionnaire as the research design to collect perspectives from international students. The findings indicate that communication, finances, environment, access to resources, and administration are factors that contribute to the obstacles encountered by international students. This highlights the necessity for specific support mechanisms and policy adjustments to improve the overall educational experience for this expanding demographic. The results of this assessment provide important insights for educational institutions, governments, and stakeholders that want to promote inclusive and supportive settings that facilitate the achievement and well-being of international students in higher education.