Shaping the Future of African Higher Education in a Globalized World
Call for Abstracts: Shaping the Future of African Higher Education in a Globalized World
Navigating the Influence of Globalization on Curriculum, Student Mobility, and International Collaboration
The impact of globalization on African higher education is a critical area of study, particularly as universities across the continent increasingly engage in the process of internationalization. As institutions seek to remain competitive in a global knowledge economy, understanding how globalization shapes educational practices is vital. This call for papers invites scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore how globalization and internationalization influence African universities, with a particular focus on curriculum development, student mobility, and international partnerships.
Globalization offers African universities both significant opportunities and complex challenges. By adopting globally relevant curricula, institutions can attract diverse international students and faculty, enhancing their global reputation and competitiveness. International partnerships also play a vital role in fostering collaborative research and cross-cultural exchanges, enriching the academic environment, and preparing students for success in a connected world. However, these advancements must be balanced with the preservation of African cultural identity and the promotion of social justice within higher education.
We seek contributions that critically analyze these dynamics, offering insights into how African universities can strategically navigate and shape globalization to benefit both local and global communities. Potential areas of focus include:
Areas of Focus for the Journal could include the following:
- Decolonization of Curriculum in African Universities: Exploring initiatives, challenges, and outcomes in decolonizing curricula to better reflect African perspectives and knowledge systems.
- Technology and Innovation in African Universities: Examining the integration of technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) tools in teaching, research, and administration, and its impact on educational outcomes and accessibility for international students.
- Student Mobility and Internationalization: Assessing the trends, challenges, and benefits of student mobility between African and international universities, and its implications for student success.
- Social Justice and Inclusion in African Universities: Exploring initiatives aimed at promoting social justice, diversity, and inclusion within African higher education institutions.
- Leadership and Governance in African Higher Education: Evaluating the effectiveness of leadership and governance models in African universities and their role in fostering academic excellence and institutional resilience.
- Cultural Identity and Global Competence: Discussing the balance between maintaining cultural identity and fostering global competence among local and international students in African universities.
These topics are designed to capture a range of contemporary issues, encouraging diverse research contributions that can contribute to the global understanding of African higher education.
Only selected abstracts (120 words) will be invited to write the full manuscript. All full manuscripts/submissions will go through the standard peer review process. The publication fee for this special edition is discounted or waived for all scholars in need, thanks to the generous institutional support that has facilitated its publication.
Key Dates:
- Abstracts submission due Nov 30
- Full manuscript Deadline: Feb 15
- Peer Review Notification: Apr 15
- Publication Date: Jun 15, 2025
Submission Process:
Submissions should offer new perspectives on how African universities can adapt to and influence global educational trends, ensuring their relevance and leadership in the global higher education landscape.
We invite scholars, practitioners, and researchers to submit original research articles, theoretical papers, case studies, and reviews that contribute to the aims and scope of this volume.
Full manuscripts should be submitted through the Journal of International Students' online submission system to complete the standard peer review, see "Future of African Higher Education" section. Please ensure that your manuscript complies with the journal's formatting and referencing style.
For inquiries about this edition, please contact the editor:
NAZIEMA JAPPIE, PhD
Editor, Journal of International Students
Director, Centre for Educational Assessments
Deputy Dean, Centre for Higher Education Development
University of Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 650 2076
naziema.jappie@uct.ac.za
www.cea.uct.ac.za
Resources for Authors/Editors:
Full Manuscript Types
Research Articles (4,500-7,500 words) submissions use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research to make a new and demonstratively significant advancement in under-researched aspects of the field related to topics outlined in the journal's Aims & Scope.
Research in Brief is designed for concise analyses of specific topics or questions, using new or existing data sources. Articles should include a brief introduction, a discussion of the data, up to two figures/tables, a maximum of 10 references, and be within 2,000 words. Titles should be under 10 words, and an abstract of 120 words or less is required and manuscripts undergo standard peer review.
Download recent articles from the latest edition:
