The mediation of self-efficacy in the effect of entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurship intention of university students in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the role that self-efficacy plays in the relationship between entrepreneurship education factors and the entrepreneurship intention of university students in South Africa. An online survey was conducted among students registered at a distance learning institution. The results of the study confirmed that the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship intention is mediated by self-efficacy. Self-efficacy does not mediate the relationship between work readiness, career education, entrepreneurship orientation and entrepreneurship intention. However, there is a direct relationship between entrepreneurship education and self-efficacy. Work readiness, career education, and entrepreneurship orientation have a direct relationship with self-efficacy. Higher education institutions must not only incorporate entrepreneurship education into their curriculum, but they must also ensure that efforts are made to encourage students to believe in their ability to establish their own businesses.