What is it about?
This study explores why some international doctoral students are able to successfully complete their PhD programs at a university in the Global South, specifically in Malaysia. While much research focuses on doctoral education in developing countries, far less is known about students who pursue PhDs in other Global South contexts. Using interviews with international doctoral graduates, this study looks at what helped them stay motivated, overcome challenges, and finish their degrees on time. Rather than focusing on problems or failures, this research uses an appreciative inquiry approach, which emphasizes strengths, positive experiences, and successful strategies. The findings show that students’ passion for research, self-discipline, perseverance, and emotional resilience were crucial, along with support from supervisors, institutions, peers, friends, and family. Together, these factors created a supportive environment that enabled students to succeed despite limited resources and structural challenges.
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Why is it important?
Doctoral education is becoming increasingly global, yet most research still centers on universities and students in the Global North. This study is important because it highlights the voices and experiences of doctoral students in the Global South, an area that remains underrepresented in academic research. By focusing on success rather than deficit, this study challenges common assumptions that Global South doctoral education is inherently disadvantaged. It also brings attention to South-South student mobility, where students move between Global South countries for advanced study. The findings offer practical insights for universities seeking to better support international doctoral students, especially in resource-constrained settings. At a time when student mental health, doctoral attrition, and global inequities in higher education are growing concerns, this research provides timely guidance on how strengths, community, and institutional support can work together to improve doctoral completion and well-being.
Perspectives
As an author, this publication is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the lived experiences of doctoral students whose voices are often overlooked in global higher education research. Having worked closely with many doctoral students in the Global South, I have seen firsthand both the challenges they face and the resilience they demonstrate. This study reinforces my belief that doctoral success is not only about motivation, relationships, and shared commitment, but also about institutional prestige or resources. I hope this work encourages scholars and policymakers to move beyond deficit-based narratives and to recognize the strengths, agency, and potential of doctoral students and universities in the Global South. Ultimately, I see this research as a step toward more equitable and inclusive knowledge production in global higher education.
Hui Zhan
Ohio University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Facilitators to doctoral completion among international students in a Global South University: An appreciative inquiry perspective, PLOS One, January 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0340779.
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