Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Internationalisation of higher education has become a global trend, with African universities increasingly engaging in cross-border collaborations, student and faculty mobility, and curriculum internationalisation. Notable among the African countries pursuing rigorous internationalisation is South Africa, which has developed comprehensive policy frameworks aimed at addressing past inequalities and aligning with democratic values. It is against this background that this study examined the opportunities for internationalisation in higher institutions. This study adopted a qualitative research design using the case study approach. The purposive sampling technique was adopted to select academics of different nationalities with tenured appointments in South African universities. Data, which were collected using interviews and documentary analysis, were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from the study revealed enhanced academic quality and curriculum development, increased research collaboration and knowledge exchange, faculty and student mobility, and economic and institutional growth as some of the opportunities arising from internationalisation and collaboration. The challenges identified included funding constraints and economic barriers, unfriendly policy and regulations, limited institutional capacity, geopolitical and safety concerns and brain drain. This study concluded that, as a leader in Africa's internationalisation of higher education, South Africa presents numerous opportunities for scholarly cooperation, economic development, and cross-cultural interaction. It is recommended that South Africa support the growth of higher education across Africa, among other initiatives. Keywords: Internationalisation, Higher education, African universities, Globalisation.