Significant changes in global doctoral education have occurred in recent decades. Many countries have adopted strategies to intensify and expand their doctoral education. Meanwhile, the number of doctoral students globally has increased, with a notable surge in the enrollment of international doctoral students (IDS). Previous studies have investigated IDS-related issues such as students' motivations, learning experiences, and post-graduate development; yet a comprehensive review of the existing literature on IDS is lacking. This study reviews the IDS literature since the year 2000, aiming to unveil the landscape of contemporary IDS research within a fast-changing context of global doctoral education. Using bibliometric analysis and data retrieved from Web of Science, we examine trends in IDS publications, key authors, influential journals, geographic distribution by countries and institutions, and significant research themes within IDS studies. The concept of asymmetry is used to interpret the findings, which contribute to a critical understanding of the current landscape of IDS research. The findings serve as valuable references for examining the dynamic and changing context of IDS research, providing valuable insights for future studies.