Supporting International Students’ Success: How can we further enhance policies for facilitating the academic transition of international students?

This policy brief provides recommendations for supporting international students’ success and easing their academic transition while studying in the Philippines. Recognizing international students' significant role in fostering economic, cultural, and diplomatic growth, this policy brief outlines actionable recommendations aligned with CHED Memorandum Order No. 55 serie s of 2016. Private universities dominate international student enrollment from 2018 to 2023. Popular programs include graduate degrees in education, management, and physical education, and undergraduate programs, such as English education and early childho od education. Chinese, Indian, and Nigerian students constitute most enrollees. This policy brief offers recommendations following the RAPID framework that include establishing accessible services such as language adaptation programs, comprehensive orienta tion sessions, and International Student Centers to address holistic needs. It emphasizes the importance of quality assurance mechanisms, culturally sensitive instruction, and psychosocial support frameworks to foster inclusion and engagement. Additionally, it calls for a review of current policies to align internationalization efforts with national goals and capacities, ensuring the Philippine higher edu cation system remains globally competitive. This policy brief ultimately aims to contribute to the susta inable development of Philippine higher education while addressing the socio-political and economic realities of the sector.

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