Many universities around the globe are now strategically focusing on increasing the number of international candidates enrolled in their higher degree research (HDR) programs. Australia hosts more than 20,000 international HDR candidates, which constitutes around 32 per cent of the total HDR cohort (DET, 2017). International HDR candidates can make original contributions to knowledge and the enrichment of research as well as to the development of cultural understandings and transnational networks in their host universities. However, many of these potential contributions often remain under-recognised and international HDR candidates continue to report substantial challenges in successfully completing their studies.