Abstract:

Transformation in education policy following the establishment of a democratic South Africa has resulted in a marked increase of first-generation students in our higher education institutions. First generation students are students whose parents did not obtain a tertiary qualification. First generation students have been found to experience a range of challenges including financial stress, poor social support, isolation and marginalization, cultural adaptation challenges, and greater family and work responsibilities, to name a few.

However, there is limited literature in this area in developing countries like South Africa. This project aimed to address this gap in the literature.

A cross-sectional survey was used to identify barriers and facilitators to participation, retention, and success in higher education. Both first-generation and non-first generation students (N = 482) completed a demographic questionnaire covering a broad range of variables, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ 12), and the General Self-efficacy Scale. In addition, academic performance information was collected from participants. Statistical analyses will be focused on obtaining descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including correlations and regression analyses.

Keywords:

First-generation status, first-generation students, higher education, academic performance, academic challenges, psychosocial challenges, social challenges, psychosocial needs, attrition, degree completion/throughput.