Determinants of Student Dropout in Rural South African Universities - Research

This paper sought to investigate the alarming rate of student dropout in institutions of higher learning in South Africa, with special focus on rural universities. A qualitative case design of two conveniently selected campuses of one rural university, and the purposive sampling technique were used in the study. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were utilised to collect data. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Findings of this study revealed the extent to which emotional, social and academic factors contribute to the high rate of students' decisions to give up on their dreams and eventually dropout of university. The study concludes that students dropped out partly due to various factors such as emotional, infrastructures, poor teaching and learning venue and accommodation infrastructure. Recommendations include urgent and adequate priority provision of infrastructural needs and programmes that assist first years to have quick adjustments to university life.