The Socialisation of Underrepresented International Doctoral Students in the Field of Education in Australia

This study aimed at a deeper understanding of underrepresented international students’ engagement in a doctoral program in an Australian research-intensive university. Experiences of students were analysed at different stages of the program. Findings indicated that the students’ primary values, aspirations and expectations transformed towards the end of the program due to their professional experiences and global forces that pushed them to adopt safer and flexible career options. Moreover, students’ knowledge and mindsets were developed more through interaction with their supervisors than their peers. The situated interaction between the students and the program revealed tensions and misinterpretations.