Entrepreneurship Education Key in Promoting Entrepreneurial Intent: Undergraduate Students Perspectives

Numerous developing nations are grappling with high unemployment rates, as exemplified by South Africa’s 32.1% unemployment rate. This has resulted in a surge in youth unemployment, with graduates also facing a significant 44.3% unemployment rate. It is incumbent upon tertiary institutions to provide entrepreneurship courses to furnish students with the requisite skills and knowledge. Developing countries are lagging in terms of entrepreneurship education programmes that address the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. South Africa is no exception, as there is a dearth of entrepreneurship qualification programmes aimed at cultivating students’ capabilities for the entrepreneurial sector. To address unemployment among South African graduates, it is imperative to assess the efficacy of entrepreneurship programmes offered by universities of technologies. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of entrepreneurship education on the enhancement of students’ entrepreneurial skills and aspirations. The study employed a quantitative research paradigm rooted in positivist philosophy. A nonprobability sampling technique was utilized, resulting in a sample size of 269 undergraduate students enrolled in entrepreneurial modules. The findings of the study highlighted inadequacies in the university’s entrepreneurship education programmes, particularly in terms of adequately supporting students’ entrepreneurial aspirations and providing them with the necessary access to modern technological tools essential for success in a digitally driven business environment. It was suggested in the research that educational establishments should prioritize fostering students’ entrepreneurial growth to improve their capabilities and aspirations, thereby contributing more effectively to tackling the rising unemployment levels in South Africa. The paper also emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurial skills and provides students with the essential means to excel in a challenging business environment. Universities are advised to revise their entrepreneurship courses to assist students in gaining expertise in entrepreneurship. Alongside enhancing the syllabi, innovative teaching approaches aligned with contemporary industry developments should be utilized.