Abstract:
This phenomenological study explores the work-life balance experiences of international PhD
students studying full-time in UK higher education. This research sought to answer the
question: how do international PhD students maintain a balance between academic demands
(work) and personal life? It intends to understand how these students manage the demands of
their research and personal life while considering the financial needs, language barrier,
attrition rate and visa requirements they face during their studies. Drawing on interpretivism,
this phenomenological study uses the qualitative method of semi-structured interviews to
explore the personal experiences and perceptions of these individuals. The participants were
recruited, utilising purposive and snowball sampling. The research sample was from 26
participants who were students at a University in North West England from various fields and
different levels of study. The data collected was analysed using the step by step guide of
thematic analysis outlined by Braun & Clarke (2006). The findings of the research indicate
that the major challenge these students face in their PhD journey is financial constraint. They
also experienced challenges such as language barriers and isolation as a result of being distant
from their extended family, although most of them had their spouses and children around.
Despite the challenges experienced, the desire to complete their PhD led them to develop
coping strategies such as prioritising, setting out a plan and working with a schedule. The
support from their family and society also helped them to maintain a good work-life balance.
Additionally, the support from their supervisors, institutional workshops and seminars as well
as their colleagues acted as a form of organisational support, thereby helping most of them to
balance their work (study) and family lives.
