A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on International Student Management in Higher Education Institutions Over the Past Two Decades

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth discussion of the current research status, thematic focus and keywords, and impact of the management of international students in higher education through bibliometric analyses. Utilising bibliometric and thematic analyses, the study examined 38 articles in the Web of Science database from 2005 to 2024. The findings revealed an upward trend in research output and academic activity in this field, suggesting a gradual escalation in the level of attention being directed towards it. The thematic analysis method was employed to identify the major themes of international student management in higher education, including internationalised higher education, academic performance and international student satisfaction. These themes reflect the current research hotspots and trends, and point to the direction of future research. The keywords encompass internationalised higher education, academic performance, international student satisfaction, Australia as a destination for international students, and the impact of the promotion of internationalised education on international student satisfaction. These keywords thus reveal the core areas and research priorities of international student management research in universities.

Received: 31 January 2025 / Accepted: 18 April 2025 / Published: 08 May 2025