Identifying the academic literacy needs of international higher degree by research (HDR) students in Australian universities

A comprehensive scoping review

Authors

Keywords:

academic literacy needs, higher degree by research, international students, acculturation, identity

Abstract

With the number of international students completing their higher degree by research (HDR) studies in Australian universities steadily rising, how best to support their academic literacy needs remains unclear. Although research exists on undergraduate and postgraduate international students and their needs when studying in their host countries, there appears to be limited literature that focuses on the needs of international students completing HDR or doctoral studies. As the first phase of a qualitative research project aimed at addressing this gap, this paper presents findings from a comprehensive scoping review on the academic literacy needs of international HDR students at Australian universities. In this holistic approach, academic literacies have been defined to not only include the acquisition of academic skills but also ways of knowing and being in a host institution. As for methodology, the review utilised Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the PRISMA extension framework for scoping reviews with findings analysed and interpreted thematically through conceptual models of academic literacy. In-depth analysis of 11 articles revealed two overarching themes of ‘Acculturation’ and ‘Identity’, which included the sub-themes of ‘academic acculturation’ and ‘social acculturation; and ‘agency’ and ‘competing identities’, respectively. This review highlights the need for a culturally informed approach to understanding and meeting the academic literacy needs of international HDR students. Such an approach will involve applying a non-deficit framework that acknowledges and celebrates international students’ diverse ways of knowing and being.

Author Biographies

Dr Lesley Andrew, Edith Cowan University

Dr Lesley Andrew is a Senior Lecturer and Master of Nursing course coordinator within the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University. Lesley is also a researcher and supervisor of higher degree by research (HDR) students. Her research interests include nursing and nurse education, public health, primary health care and equity and she actively publishes in these areas.

Dr Carmela De Maio, Edith Cowan University

Dr Carmela De Maio is an academic and researcher at Edith Cowan University. She was a lecturer on the PhD (Integrated) program at Edith Cowan University where she taught Research Project Management. Her background is in law, education and English as a second language. Carmela actively teaches and publishes in her areas of research interest which include academic integrity, student learning and support, higher education, and legal education.

Dr Sharon Matthews, Edith Cowan University

Dr Sharon Matthews is Team Leader, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Communication Advisers, at the Centre for Learning and Teaching, Edith Cowan University. In this role, she supports students to develop their academic literacies and communication skills. In the past she was worked as the peer learning coordinator and learning adviser for university students. Sharon's areas of research include New Zealand drama, peer-led learning and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Dr Jo Macfarlane, Edith Cowan University

Dr. Jo McFarlane is a Higher Degree by Research Communication Adviser at Edith Cowan University, focussing on the oral and written communication of HDR students. Her interests lie in doctoral research in general, as well as in the development of researchers, international students, student well-being and research literacy.  Dr McFarlane was one of the first lecturers involved with the PhD (Integrated) program at Edith Cowan University.

Dr Tina Yan, Edith Cowan University

Dr Tina Yan is an early career researcher at Edith Cowan University with a research background in diet/nutrition and gut microbiota. While completing her PhD, she was a Peer Assistant and Research Assistant at the Centre for Learning and Teaching where she provided support for doctoral students. She is currently conducting an interventional study on improving gut health of long-distance runners and community members through the introduction of a novel dietary fibre.

Dr Michael Stein, Edith Cowan University

Dr. Michael Stein is a Higher Degree by Research Communication Adviser at Edith Cowan University. Dr. Stein’s research background is in Asian Communication, Media and Cultural Studies, and his current research interests relate to doctoral education, academic literacy and learning, research writing and development, as well as ways to enhance the wellbeing of research students.

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Published

2026-05-16

How to Cite

Andrew, L., De Maio, C., Matthews, S., Macfarlane, J., Yan, T., & Stein, M. (2026). Identifying the academic literacy needs of international higher degree by research (HDR) students in Australian universities: A comprehensive scoping review. Journal of Academic Language and Learning, 20(3), C1-C17. Retrieved from https://www.journal.aall.org.au/index.php/jall/article/view/1093

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Conference Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Lesley Andrew, Dr Carmela De Maio, Dr Sharon Matthews, Dr Jo Macfarlane, Dr Tina Yan, Dr Michael Stein

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