South African Rural Matriculants' Perceptions of Barriers to Higher Education

A qualitative method was employed to investigate rural matriculants’ perceptions of the barriers to Higher Education (HE). Data was collected from a purposive sample of High School matriculants (N=6) through focus group discussions. The Narrative Enquiry approach was used to analyze the data. The study suggested the following major barriers: lack of information about career options and opportunities; lack of information about the process of applying to universities; peer discouragement; fear of negative stereotypes of rural background; lack of parents who appreciate the benefits of higher education; not wanting to leave one’s home; lack of financial support; getting married; family responsibilities and lack of interest in Higher Education. The study recommended the following interventions: provision of a full scholarship to improve affordability and the introduction of guidance and counseling program in the school to increase students’ awareness of career options and opportunities.