The Subarea – Comparative Education and International Studies contributes to the Edu-HRight Research Unit by strengthening scholarship on the intersection of education, human rights, democracy and social justice. It provides a critical perspective on how institutional structures and educational policies can either advance or undermine rights-based educational practices.

Research Focus Areas

Trends in Comparative Education and International Studies

Current Research Projects

Here is the information organised into a clear table:

Research Outputs

Journal Articles

Larey, D.P. (2026) Student Voice in South Africa: Placing students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds at the epistemic center of the university. (under review, Issues in Educational Research). (UFS) 

Solomon, C., Gcelu, N. & Larey, D.P. (2025). Experience of Lecturers Applying Innovative Assessment Strategies for Quality Teaching and Learning in Two Modules, University of the Free State. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, Vol. 24, No. 9, pp. 874-892

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.9.42

Correia, J., Larey, D.P., Le Hanie, C., Steyn, H., & Teise, K. (2025). The dynamics of new and established Higher Education Institutions: Scholarly reflections in comparative education. Southern African Review of Education, Special Edition on Comparative and International Education in the SADC region, pp. 43-69 https://saches.co.za/sitepad-data/uploads/2025/07/SARE-30-1.pdf#page=47

Larey D.P. (2024) ´ Neo-liberalism and the changing of school direction: An Edupreneurial leadership approach. International Journal of Educational Management. https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Larey&showAll=true

Larey D.P., Le Roux A and Jacobs L (2024) ´Evoking edupreneurial leadership towards social justice among historically disadvantaged communities´, International Journal of Leadership in Education, DOI: 10.1080/13603124.2021.1882700

Larey D.P. (2023) ´ An exploration of African-student agency: placing students from historically disadvantaged communities at the centre´, Perspectives in Education. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/ xxxx

Maree, N. & Vos, D. 2021. The influence and value of science and technology in the education systems of South Africa and Russia. Perspectives in Education, 39(4):27–42.

Blake, R., Vos, D., De Beer, Z.L. & Serfontein, E. 2022. A comparative study regarding support services for teachers in public schools in the BRICS member states. Journal of Humanities, 62(3):498–526.

Kampfer, L., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2023. Ondersteuningsdienste aan leerders in openbare skole in die onderwysstelsels van die BRICS-lidlande. Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe, 63(4):836–859.

Claassens, A., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2024. Die invloed van infrastruktuur op die gehalte van onderwys in die BRICS-organisasie. LitNet Akademies, 21(1).

Correia, J., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2025. The influence of science and technology on the Foundation Phase policies of the BRICS associate countries: A comparative study. Perspectives in Education, 43(3).

Blake, R., Serfontein, E., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2026. Die interne determinant van historiese aard en die onderwysstelsels van die BRICS-lande: ’n Vergelykende studie. LitNet Akademies.

Ramonyai, I.P., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2026. Socio-economy as an external determinant of an education system: A comparative study between South Africa and Nigeria. Perspectives in Education.

Xaba, MI & Nhlapo VA. 2014. Principals’ views on challenges of their school governance roles at schools. Africa Education Review, 11(3): 424-444 

Nhlapo VA. 2020. The leadership of the principal in fostering sustainable school facilities. South African Journal of Education, 40(2): #1790

Kwatubana SJ & Nhlapo VA. 2020. Headteachers’ most important task: changing mental models of teachers for effective health promotion initiatives. Education and Health, 38(1): 8-15

Kwatubana, SJ, Nhlapo, VA, & Moteetee NR. 2021. The role of principals in school health promotion in South Africa: A qualitative study. Health Education 

Khanya, TM & Nhlapo, VA. 2025. A social and epistemic analysis of the systemic barriers to Higher Education for Low-Achieving Matriculants in South Africa. Journal of Education Studies (Special issue)

Nhlapo, VA. 2026. A comparative analysis of legal frameworks governing risk management in school facilities in selected BRICS+ and SADC countries. Research in Social Sciences and Technology.

Nhlapo, V.A, Marais-Botha, R. & Botha, FJL. 2024. Using technology (or not) to enhance teaching and learning in historically disadvantaged school-communities. South African Journal of Educational Leadership and Management (SAJELM), 3(1)

Mayisela, K. & Nhlapo, V. A. 2025. Linking Physical Resources to School Effectiveness: A Comparative Analysis between Schools from Different Quintiles. In Education at a Crossroads (pp. 57-62). BCES Conference Books, Vol. 23. Sofia: BCES.

Makwele, B. & Nhlapo, VA. 2026. Understanding cyberbullying as a human rights violation in the educational ecosystem of South African schools. In Education as an ecosystem: A global dialogue. BCES Conference Books, 2026, Vol. 24. Sofia: BCES.

Books/Book Chapters

Larey D.P., Nichols H and Dhlamini J (2023) ´Administration of microteaching process and content´, in Okeke CI, Adu EO, Mncanca M and Ugwuanyi CS (eds) Managing the micro-teaching process in initial teacher training: A practical guide for teaching practice preparation, Van Schaik Publishers, Hatfield, Pretoria. 

Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2021. BRICS as a supranational taxon for Comparative Education. In: Wolhuter, C.C. & Steyn, H.J. (eds.) Critical Issues in Education Systems: Comparative-International Perspectives. Potchefstroom: Keurkopie.

Vos, D., De Beer, Z.L., Nhlapo, V.A. & Khumalo, J.B. 2021. The South African Education System. In: Wolhuter, C.C. & Steyn, H.J. (eds.) World Education Systems: Entering the 21st Century. Potchefstroom: Keurkopie.

Vos, D. 2022. The Educational Administration as a component of the South African Education System. In: Vos, D., De Beer, Z.L. & Niemczyk, E.K. (eds.) The South African Education System: Core Characteristics in Focus. Potchefstroom: Keurkopie.

Vos, D. 2022. Support Services in the South African Education System. In: Vos, D., De Beer, Z.L. & Niemczyk, E.K. (eds.) The South African Education System: Core Characteristics in Focus. Potchefstroom: Keurkopie.

Vos, D. & Wolhuter, C.C. 2022. The intersection of education, human rights and diversity: Mapping the scholarly discourse. In: Serfontein, E., Wolhuter, C.C. & Naidoo, S. (eds.) Scholarship of Education and Human Rights in Diversity. AOSIS.

Vos, D. 2023. Educational control from a historical perspective. In: De Beer, Z.L. & Nhlapo, V.A. (eds.) Education through a historical lens. Potchefstroom: Keurkopie.

Vos, D, Nhlapo, VA. & Otto, M. 2020. The aims of the Russian Education system compared with the education objectives of the BRICS member states, in D. Vos, Z.L. De Beer & E.K. Niemczyk (eds.), BRICS Education: A New Dawn (BRICSEd Volume 1), pp. 181-215, AOSIS, Cape Town. ISBN 978-1-928523-22-2

Nhlapo, VA. 2022. Using and maintaining ageing school facilities in Gauteng: perceptions of school staff and school governing bodies, in Van Jaarsveld, L., Wolhutter, CC & Van Der Vyver, CP (eds). Education Leadership: Scoping, perspectives and future trajectory. ISBN 978-1-77995-221-9

Nhlapo, VA. & Mohosho, N.R. 2023. Teacher appraisal for professional development and performance measures in school effectiveness, in TM Makoelle, R Mestry & P du Plessis (eds). School effectiveness and school improvement in South Africa: A guide for school leaders. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, ISBN 978-1-5275-2518-4

Fullard, LE, Wolhuter, CC, Nhlapo, VA & Steyn, HJ. 2024. Exploring Programme Delivery in the Further Education and Training Phase of South African Secondary Schools amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges, Mitigation Strategies and Transformative Approaches. BCES Conference Books, 22(2024).

Vos, D, De Beer, ZL, Nhlapo, VA. & Khumalo J. 2021. The South African Education System, in HJ Steyn & CC Wolhuter (eds.), World Education System Entering the Twenty-First Century, Keerkopie: Noordbrug

Nhlapo, VA & Kwatubana, SJ. 2021. School safety, safety as a health issue and crisis management for health and safety, in HJ Steyn & CC Wolhuter (eds.), Critical Issues in Education Systems: Comparative-International Perspectives, Keurkopie: Noordbrug

Steyn, HJ & Nhlapo, VA. 2022. The Component of the South African Education System: Education System Policy. In De Beer, ZL, Vos, D. & Niemczyk, EK. South African Education System: Core Characteristics in focus. Keurkopie: Noordbrug

Nhlapo, VA. 2023. History of Education in South Africa. In ZL de Beer & VA Nhlapo, Education through a historical lens. Keurkopie: Noordbrug

Conference Presentations / Conference proceedings

Larey, D.P. (2026). ‘Student voices: An exploration of African-student agency to inform teaching and learning practices’. In: Education and New Developments 2026: Conference Proceedings. Portugal. Published by inScience Press, Rua Tomas Ribeiro pp. 667-671 (UFS)

Aluko, OO & Larey, DP. (2025). Post-colonialism and Identity in Africa: The Lingering Impact of Colonial Languages. The Paris Conference on Arts & Humanities, pp. 167-185 https://papers.iafor.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/pcah2025/PCAH2025_93943.pdf

Larey DP and Mweli P (2024) ´ African Knowledge and Eurocentric Knowledge Systems Within the South African Curriculum´, American Education Research Association, AERA Online Paper Repository.

Larey DP (2021) ´Unravelling journeys of oppression in higher education: An autobiography on the becoming of a woman academic´, African Academic Research Forum, 170-178.

Larey DP (2021) ´A promise of purple wildflowers: An autobiography – a quest of becoming free´, American Education Research Association, AERA Online Paper Repository.

Zengeya TM, Alexander G. and Larey DP (2021) ´Considerations of talent management in retention of academics in the National University of Lesotho´, Education and New Developments 2021, 601-604. DOI: 10.36315/2021end127

Vos, D. 2021. The objectives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in correlation with the objectives of the BRICS organisation. ATINER (Athens Institute for Education and Research), virtual. (Accredited and subsidised)

Vos, D. 2021. The importance of managing resources in challenging times. BCES (Bulgarian Comparative Education Society) Conference, virtual. (Accredited and subsidised)

Vos, D., De Beer, Z.L. & Niemczyk, E.K. 2021. BRICS Education: A new dawn. AOSIS international video presentation, virtual. (Accredited and subsidised)

Vos, D. 2022. The influence and value of science and technology in the education systems of South Africa and Russia. ATINER, 24th Annual International Conference on Education, May 2022, virtual. (Accredited and subsidised)

Vos, D. 2022. The influence and value of science and technology in the education systems of South Africa and Russia. ATINER, 6th Annual International Symposium on the Future of STEAM Education, July 2022, virtual. (Accredited and subsidised)

Vos, D. 2023. Multiculturalism, interculturalism, secularisation and school autonomy: Responses to hyperdiversity in education in the BRICS countries. ATINER, 25th Annual International Conference on Education, 15–18 May 2023, Athens, Greece. (Accredited and subsidised)

Correia, J., Vos, D. & De Beer, Z.L. 2025. The influence of science and technology on the Foundation Phase policies of the BRICS associate countries: A comparative study. BCES Conference. (Accredited and subsidised, co-presenter)

Vos, D. 2025. A comparative study of the Pilot Smart Secondary School Project’s effectiveness in transforming education in rural South African schools. Poster presentation, Edu-HRight Conference, Sun City, South Africa. (Co-author)

Nhlapo, VA. 2015 June  22-23. Paper presentation: Sewer spillage: A health hazard to communities in the informal settlements. Kilimanjaro, Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark.

Nhlapo, VA. 2016 April 4-6 Paper presentation: Effectiveness of access control in ensuring safety at schools. EASA conference (Richards Bay)

Nhlapo, VA. 2018 October 22-24 Presented a paper at a SAERA conference in Pretoria: The leadership role of the

Principal in fostering sustainable school facilities maintenance.

Nhlapo, VA. 2019. Co-presented a paper at a SAERA conference in Durban: Headteachers’ most important task: changing mental models of teachers for effective health promotion initiatives.

Nhlapo, VA. 2022 November 28-30. Presented a paper at SACHES conference in Cape Town. Reimagining the pedagogical approaches after COVID-19 pandemic in Higher Education in South African: A case study of a university in Gauteng Province

Nhlapo, VA. 2025 November 19 - 21. Co-Presented a paper in Rustenburg (Royal Marang Hotel). Cyberbullying as a Human Rights violation in South African schools: Perspectives of secondary school teachers in the North West Province

Nhlapo, VA. 2025 November 19 - 21. Co-presented a paper in Rustenburg (Royal Marang Hotel).  A social justice analysis of the systemic barriers to higher education for low-achieving matriculants in South Africa 

Nhlapo, VA. 2023 June 27-30. Presented a paper in Sofia, Bulgaria at a Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES): Reimagining the pedagogical approaches after COVID-19 pandemic: South African Higher Education Context

Nhlapo, VA. 2024 September 17-18.  Presented a paper in Mauritius at an African Education Leadership Round Table (AELRT) Linking physical resources to school effectiveness: A comparative analysis between quintile ranking of schools

Nhlapo, VA. 2025 September 24-27. Presented a paper in Turkiye, Istanbul. A social justice perspective on linking physical resources to school effectiveness: A comparative analysis across school quintiles

Postgraduate Research

List current postgraduate students and topics.

H Kalp – (2026) Exploring the interplay between formal leadership, informal teacher leadership, and teacher well-being in selected secondary schools.

C. Fortunate – (2026)

 A critical analysis of servant leadership approaches among district officials in leading effective schools in the Gauteng Educational District

M Modisane – (2026) Between Neurodivergence and Discipline: An Exploration of How Special Needs Schools in South Africa Implement Codes of Conduct for Neurodiverse Learners

I Matshane - (2026) School principals’ perceptions of parental involvement in selected rural schools: A transformational leadership approach

B. Taaibosch - (2026) Transformational Leadership Practices of Principals and Teacher Performance in Deprived Secondary School Contexts: A comparative perspective

Prof D Vos (supervisor / promoter) – current students:

J Correia (PhD, promoter, registered 2025) – Securing classrooms against violence against teachers and institutional responses in BRICS+ schools: A comparative study.

N Hounsell (Maree) (MEd, supervisor, 2023–2026) – Technology as external determinant in the education systems of South Africa and China: A comparative study.

M Oelofse (MEd, supervisor, registered 2025) – The influence of political trends on school governance in the BRICS+ countries: A comparative study.

M.M. Khalishwayo (MEd, co-supervisor, registered 2026) – Exploring novice principals’ human resource management practices in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district secondary schools.

Prof D Vos – recently completed:

L.E. Fullard (PhD, co-promoter, 2025) – Exploring the effectiveness of education transformation in rural South African secondary schools: A comparative study.

R Blake (PhD, co-promoter, 2025) – Die historiese aard as interne determinant van die onderwysstelsels van die BRICS-lidlande: ’n Vergelykende dokumentêre studie.

1. P. Ramonyai (MEd, supervisor, 2023–2025) – Socio-economy as an external determinant of an education system: A comparative study between South Africa and Nigeria.

Nhlapo, VA

Thekiso, S. M.Ed (Accepted in 2024). The role of principals in managing physical facilities of schools in South Africa: a comparative perspective.

Supervisor

Kgodane, F M.Ed (Accepted in 2025). First year students’ academic experience at a South African university

Supervisor

Khoza, I  M.Ed (Accepted in 2026). Exploring school financial management for SDG 4 and social justice in Sedibeng West District public schools

Supervisor

Simelane S. PhD (Accepted in 2023). The Incorporation of Work Integrated Learning Curricula in South African Universities

Co-supervisor

Mocoancoeng TF. PhD (Accepted in 2026). Stakeholders’ development and implementation of strategies to promote healthy living in university and accredited private student residences

Supervisor

Collaborations and Partnerships

List national and international partners.

Prof D Vos:

Prof Jan de Groof, University of Antwerp, Belgium – BRICS project and co-authorship of the AOSIS volume BRICS education: A new dawn (2020).

Dr Indra Persuad, University of Seychelles – comparative research on teaching as a career choice in South Africa and the Seychelles.

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia – Erasmus+ staff exchange and internationalisation partnership (2025).

Prof Nikolay Popov, University of Sofia, Bulgaria – President of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES).

Prof Gregory Papanikos – President of the Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER).

Prof Steve Greenfield – international research networking.

Community Engagement Activities

Prof DP Larey

Transformative Professional development project – in collaboration with local schools in Mahikeng and the North-West Department of Basic Education

Prof D Vos:

WE AIM (2018–2020) – support to schools experiencing management and learner-discipline problems.

2019 – assisting the school governing body of Promosa Secondary School with interviews for the principal post.

2018–2022 – assisting students to prepare for job interviews and to draft curricula vitae.

2019 – World Teachers’ Day address for the North West Department of Basic Education (Dr Kenneth Kaunda District): The educator as a professional person.

Annual involvement in the Teaching Practice (TPRAC) programme, observing and assessing lessons in Mathematics, Sciences and Life Orientation.

Nhlapo, VA

A strategic approach to addressing infrastructure maintenance challenges in a Gauteng secondary school. (In progress)

Funding and Grants

List funded projects.

Prof DP Larey:

NRF Thuthuka - 2022 – 2024 (R 300 000)

Prof D Vos:

Internal – Edu-HRight Research Unit grant (R50 000) and DVC: Research and Innovation grant (R182 000) for the BRICS Project, 2018–2022: Education systems of the BRICS member countries: A comparative study.

External – Erasmus+ grant (2025) for internationalisation and staff exchange between the NWU and the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Research Impact

Describe impact on education, policy and communities.

The research has the potential to contribute to more equitable and rights-based educational practices by highlighting how power, policy and governance influence access to education. It can inform education policy by identifying gaps between democratic policy intentions and their implementation in admission practices (and access and success at the university). For communities/ society at large, the research may strengthen awareness of educational rights and support more inclusive, transparent and socially just decision-making that promotes equal opportunities for learners and students in higher education. 

The comparative work on the BRICS and BRICS+ education systems led by Prof D Vos gives South African policymakers and practitioners a systematic evidence base for judging local provision against that of comparable emerging economies. By examining support services, infrastructure, governance, language and the place of science and technology across member states, the research identifies which system-level arrangements protect learners’ and teachers’ rights in practice, and where South African provision falls short. The findings have been taken up in textbooks and edited volumes used in teacher education, and the master’s and doctoral studies flowing from the project continue to build comparative-education capacity within the Faculty.

Future Research Directions

Outline future priorities.

Future priorities include further research into equitable and rights-based admission practices, strengthening collaboration with education stakeholders, and translating research findings into policy and practice. Attention will also be given to community engagement, knowledge dissemination and continued scholarship on education, democracy, human rights and social justice.

Further research can be conducted to expand the theorisation of African student agency through providing an alternative to existing frameworks that inadequately reflect African educational realities.

Prof D Vos will extend the comparative programme from the original BRICS member states to the enlarged BRICS+ grouping, with particular attention to school governance, the safety of teachers in schools and the influence of technology on education systems. Priority will also be given to consolidating the international partnerships with the University of Ljubljana, the University of Antwerp and the University of Seychelles, and to translating comparative findings into material that is directly useful to school leaders and provincial education departments.

News and Achievements

List awards, grants, ratings and achievements.

Prof D Vos:

IRICO awards for research output: 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Erasmus+ international mobility grant (2025) – NWU and the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

North-West University: Academic Honorary Colours (2001).

Department of Education: Regional and District Education Award (2002).

Department of Education: Recognition of Achievement (1991).

Prof VA Nhlapo

Top performer Award 2015.

Emerging Teaching Excellence Award 2016.

Promotion: Associate Professor 2025

Most Productive Researcher 2025

Programme Leadership Award 2025 (Recognises programme leaders and coordinators who demonstrate exceptional commitment, accountability and service beyond their core academic responsibilities).