Despite increasing scholarly interest in tertiary student perceptions of plagiarism, very little is known about those held by postgraduate (PG) students, although differences between undergraduate (UG) and PG students relate to both their characteristics and the demands of their studies. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research within the context of international education, where managing plagiarism is seen as a major challenge. This paper reports on a recent online survey with 207 Vietnamese (n = 72) and local (n = 135) PG students at a New Zealand university regarding their perceptions of plagiarism. The findings showed significant differences both between and within the two groups. Perception variations arose from a range of influences and prior experiences, not just the culture in which the students were initially educated. Differences related to participants’ age, gender, academic levels, disciplines, and teaching experience. This study’s findings contribute knowledge about under-researched PG students and problematize prevalent stereotypes of international students regarding plagiarism. They generate implications for higher education institutions to accommodate international and domestic PG student needs in ways that respect their diversities in detail as individuals, not as members of a homogeneous group. Further qualitative research to explore PG student perceptions in greater depth is recommended.

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<b>This study investigated perceptions of plagiarism among Vietnam- and New Zealand-educated postgraduate students in a New Zealand university. Informed by Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory, Bandura’s social cognitive theory of moral thought and action, and Marginson’s theory of student self-formation, various aspects of student backgrounds were explored and analysed to identify and explain factors influencing their perceptions.</b><div><b><br></b><p>An explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, qualitative dominant, was employed. The quantitative phase consisted of an online survey with 207 Vietnam- and New Zealand-educated postgraduate students at Victoria University of Wellington. Survey results informed the instrument development and purposeful sampling for the qualitative phase. 12 survey respondents with divergent understandings of plagiarism were selected for participation in a longitudinal series of interviews to seek in-depth information about their understanding and attitudes towards plagiarism, and how their perceptions of plagiarism had developed. </p><p><br></p> The findings revealed that postgraduate students held a range of different views regarding plagiarism at university. Some of them thought students were responsible for their plagiarism, viewing intentional plagiarism as a moral issue, and unintentional plagiarism as part of the learning process. The others were concerned about university’s responsibilities in terms of plagiarism education and management, considering plagiarism as a form of academic cheating, and a scholarly offence. The study found multiple influences on students’ perspectives, habits, and expectations regarding plagiarism, affirming the relevance of the underpinning theories. Students from diverse backgrounds possessed distinct sources of embodied cultural capital, including understanding of plagiarism. They developed moral standards through various environments that they interacted within. As they progressed through their doctoral studies, most students showed deepening understanding of plagiarism and the importance of correct practices. They actively developed their own voice in writing and strived to write with integrity. <p><br></p><p>The research advances knowledge about Vietnam- and New Zealand-educated postgraduate students’ perceptions of plagiarism, populations that have not been previously studied. It offers an alternative perspective to deficit models regarding plagiarism by international students by contributing rich qualitative evidence showing multiple influences on student perceptions. Findings point to practical implications to help university faculty engage with students’ needs and expectations in ways that respect their diverse social and educational backgrounds and generate meaningful and productive outcomes across student groups, thus enhancing equity. </p></div>

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This chapter draws on the literature and on the authors' own research to present insights into the experiences and perspectives of international students transitioning into Anglophone higher education classrooms. The projects focused on Vietnamese, Indian, and African students' experiences in New Zealand. Using various research approaches—mixed methods, interpretative phenomenology, and narrative—these studies captured multiple aspects of student experiences. These students came from diverse cultural backgrounds and had a variety of motivations for studying abroad. They encountered multiple challenges related to unfamiliar academic conventions and different teaching and learning approaches. In the chapter, common challenges and features of the student experiences are organized under the themes of diversity (backgrounds, motivations, and linguistic), academic challenges (writing, reading, and plagiarism), relationships, agency, and support services. The chapter concludes with recommendations for institutions and faculty to accommodate student needs in ways that respect their diversity.