Understanding international students’ agency in developing employability: Case study of a post-1992 university in the United Kingdom

Employability remains a critical issue for international students in the United Kingdom. This study adopts the Employability Agency Framework proposed by Pham et al. to explore how a group of international students actively exercised their agency to enhance their employability during their Master's studies in the United Kingdom. A post-1992 university, which prioritises vocational training and graduate employability, was selected for the study. Using qualitative interview data from four academics and 14 international students from a programme in educational studies, this research explores the ways international students conceptualise employability, the strategies they employ to enhance their job prospects and the systemic barriers they encounter. Findings reveal that although the participants actively developed their transferable skills, adaptability and resilience, there are systemic barriers that reduce their opportunities for employment. The identified barriers include restrictive visa policies, information asymmetry, occupational downgrading, employer discrimination and low-quality careers support provided by the host university. There was a view among participants that ethnic resources and social networks could facilitate their access to jobs in the United Kingdom. This study suggests that improving international student employability requires a multi-faceted approach. Universities need to provide international students with tailored careers support and clear guidance on UK work requirements, and to foster stronger partnerships with employers. Policymakers need to make visa policy less hostile to international students in order to create an inclusive labour market.