Non-academic support helps international postgraduate researchers succeed in their studies

Authors

  • David J. Gilbert University of Salford, UK
  • Keren Poliah University of Salford, UK
  • Hannah Helm University of Salford, UK
  • Maggie Milburn University of Salford, UK
  • Katherine Yates University of Salford, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/51qbn076

Keywords:

International postgraduate researchers, Higher Education, Foreign students

Abstract

International postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are students who undertake postgraduate research in a country other than their country of origin. Following the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) is the second most common destination for PGRs. When international PGRs travel for educational purposes, they encounter multiple challenges. This article explores the experiences and needs of international PGRs as they settle into academic life in the UK, offering significant insights for the wider UK Higher Education sector. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through four focus groups. Thematic analysis identified three main themes and three subthemes. The main themes were: “wider factors impact the PhD,” “sense of community empowers the PGR journey,” and “the impact of support.” Subthemes included accommodation challenges, the importance of pastoral support, and employment for income and experience. The findings show that international PGR progression depends on far more than academic support, addressing a critical gap in understanding their settlement challenges. Given that most existing research primarily examines academic needs, this study makes an important contribution to the literature.

Author Biographies

  • David J. Gilbert, University of Salford, UK

    David Junior Gilbert, PhD, is a University Fellow in the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford, Manchester. Gilbert was the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) lead for international postgraduate researchers at the University of Salford in 2023. d.j.gilbert1@salford.ac.uk

  • Keren Poliah, University of Salford, UK

    Keren Poliah, PhD, is a researcher at the University of Salford. Her thesis, Words from World Watchers: Experiences with the Occult in Mauritius, resists conventional Anglo-centric PhDs and creates a space for the subaltern to be heard through research. Her interests include religious studies, indigenous research, marginalized subjects, deep listening, photography, and method writing.

  • Hannah Helm, University of Salford, UK

    Hannah Helm, PhD, is a sessional lecturer in English Literature and Widening Participation Manager in the Doctoral School at the University of Salford. Her major research interests lie in equality, diversity, and inclusion; access to higher education; and feminist, anti-sanist, and anti-ableist representations of women in literature and film. Email: drhannahhelm@hotmail.com

  • Maggie Milburn, University of Salford, UK

    Maggie Hardman, PhD, SFHEA. Retired from the University of Salford. Her research interests include the lived experiences of nonnative doctoral candidates in the completion of their studies. Email: maggie.hardman@outlook.com

     

  • Katherine Yates, University of Salford, UK

    Prof. Katherine Yates is Director of the Doctoral School at the University of Salford and has a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable postgraduate research environment. Katherine's area of research interests are biodiversity conservation planning, marine spatial management, stakeholders, policy, marine protected areas, and fisheries management. K.L.Yates@salford.ac.uk

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2026-06-15

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Vol. 16 No. 15 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 David J. Gilbert, Keren Poliah, Hannah Helm, Maggie Milburn, Katherine Yates

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How to Cite

Gilbert, D. J., Poliah, K., Helm, H., Milburn, M., & Yates, K. (2026). Non-academic support helps international postgraduate researchers succeed in their studies. Journal of International Students, 16(15), 55-80. https://doi.org/10.32674/51qbn076