Migrant academics’ career capital experiences in Australian universities: a qualitative study

Migrant academics’ teaching, research and leadership knowledge and skills are essential and valued in their host higher education institutions, globally. However, there is limited evidence on understanding migrant academics’ career capital experiences in Australian universities. Drawing on a career capital framework, this qualitative study explores the experiences of 26 international academics at Australian universities. Based on interview findings, migrant academics have developed capitals in terms of knowing-why, motivation to migrate and seek employment at Australian universities, knowing-how, utilising accumulated human capital in teaching and research activities, and knowing-whom, developing and relying on social connections to have a positive impact on teaching and research work. The findings contribute to the literature because career development experience of migrant academics in Australia is an underexplored phenomenon, underpinned by career capital theory. The implications of these findings for international academics and higher education institutions are also discussed.