Higher education strategies for enhancing employability of international students

A systematic review in the post-pandemic era

Authors

  • Sha Xu Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Azlin Norhaini Mansor Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Salleh Amat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/mv48v134

Keywords:

International students, Employability, USEM model, Higher education

Abstract

This study investigates the role of higher education strategies in enhancing the employability of international students in the postpandemic era, employing the USEM (understanding, skills, efficacy beliefs, metacognition) as a theoretical framework. By focusing on targeted interventions, this research explores how higher education institutions address key employability dimensions to support students’ academic, professional, and personal development. Using a systematic literature review approach guided by the PRISMA framework, the study included 23 publications from 2020--2024. The findings highlight the effectiveness of strategies such as culturally responsive reflective practices, work-integrated learning (WIL), tailored career support, and curriculum-embedded skill development. These approaches enhance students' abilities, equipping them with the ability to succeed in competitive and diverse labor markets. By providing actionable insights, this research enriches the understanding of employability strategies within the USEM framework and offers valuable recommendations for institutions and policymakers to design culturally inclusive, evidence-based career interventions.

Author Biographies

  • Sha Xu, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    XU SHA is a PhD candidate who is currently in her 1st year at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She is studying educational management. She is passionate about enhancing the academic development, career readiness, and employability of international students. Her research interests and practical focus lie in higher education studies, university support strategies, and initiatives aimed at improving the academic performance and employability of international students. She can be contacted at: p142645@siswa.ukm.edu.my

  • Azlin Norhaini Mansor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    Dr. Azlin Norhaini Mansor received her Ph.D.  in Educational Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Master of Education and Bachelor of Science (Biology) from New York State University at Albany, New York, USA. She was a teacher (1987-1997), an Assistant Director at Educational Planning and Research Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, (1997-2010) and a senior lecturer at Matriculation Division, Ministry of Education (2010-2012) before appointed as a senior lecturer in UKM in 2012 till now.  She is currently an Associate Professor and a member of Centre for Shaping Advanced and Professional Education (UKMShape). Her publications and research interest includes Educational Leadership, Educational Management, Policy evaluation, and various fields involving teaching and learning.  She can be contacted at email: azlinmansor@ukm.edu.my  

  • Salleh Amat, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    Dr. Salleh Amat, associate professor in counseling at the school of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is a respectable counselor educator.  He received his Bachelor of education and Master of education majoring in counseling from University Putra Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia respectively. He pursues his Ph. D. in counseling supervision from the University of Wyoming, USA in 2006. Assoc. Prof. Dr Salleh is a licensed and registered counselor in Malaysia and he is also a member of Malaysian Board of Counselor since 2013. He is also active in research and community service activities that focus on the mental health and emotional well-being of the community.  At this moment he is the director of Career Advancement Centre (UKM-Karier) that assists students with improving their job search skills, identifying and working toward career goals, and boosting networking skills among student at this university. He can be contacted at email: sallehba@ukm.edu.my

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Published

2025-04-29

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Vol. 15 No. 5 (2025): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Xu, S., Mansor, A. . N. ., & Amat, S. . (2025). Higher education strategies for enhancing employability of international students: A systematic review in the post-pandemic era. Journal of International Students, 15(5), 117-138. https://doi.org/10.32674/mv48v134