Ta, Binh ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5252-045X, Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Ha ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7509-3633 and Van Dyke, Melinda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8872-3451 (2026) The Transition to Tertiary Education: How Do International Students Overcome Transition Challenges? In: Springer Briefs in Education. Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Ha, Van Dyke, Melinda and Hurley, Peter, eds. Springer, Singapore, pp. 49-77.

Abstract

This chapter examines the academic literature on international student perspectives on the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to navigate their transition into tertiary education in Australia. It reports findings from a systematic literature review following guidelines such as PRISMA to avoid bias in selecting and appraising studies. The search was conducted in September 2024 using three databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest. In total, 830 papers were screened with 66 included for analysis. We found 19 themes of transition challenges under four categories consisting of adapting to life in Australia, language barriers, academic challenges, and health and well-being issues. We also found 17 themes of transition coping strategies under three categories: seeking support from education providers, seeking support from other sources, and relying on personal strengths. Based on these findings, we conclude by identifying areas that could be improved to enhance the transition experiences of international students in Australia.

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