Belonging,Identity,and Institutional Inclusion Among African International Students in Higher Education
The internationalisation of higher education has transformed universities into culturally diverse learning environments, creating opportunities for intercultural engagement while highlighting challenges related to inclusion and equity. India has become an important destination for African international students because of its expanding higher education sector, affordable tuition, English-medium programmes, and educational partnerships with African countries. However, little empirical research has explored their experiences of belonging, identity, and institutional inclusion. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined the experiences of 100 African international students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across Indian higher education institutions. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The study was informed by Social Justice Theory and Decolonial Theory. The findings indicate that students experienced language barriers (65%), differences in teaching methods (58%), limited faculty interaction (52%), cultural adjustment difficulties (62%), social isolation (55%), nationality-based stereotyping (52%), racial discrimination (45%), complex administrative procedures (58%), inadequate orientation programmes (55%), and insufficient support services (52%). Despite these challenges, 55% reported identity transformation, 52% developed hybrid cultural identities, and 72% relied on peer support networks. Correlation and regression analyses showed that these challenges were significantly associated with lower academic performance, reduced sense of belonging, and poorer well-being. The study provides empirical evidence from the Indian higher education context and demonstrates the relevance of Social Justice and Decolonial perspectives. The findings offer practical recommendations for strengthening institutional support, promoting intercultural engagement, and advancing more equitable and inclusive internationalisation practices.