Entrepreneurship Education and its Influence on Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Qualitative Study among Malaysian Undergraduates

Entrepreneurship education has gained increasing attention as a critical factor in fostering entrepreneurial intentions among university students. However, the extent to which such education influences students’ mindsets and motivations remains underexplored, particularly from a qualitative perspective. This study aims to explore how undergraduate students perceive the role of entrepreneurship education in shaping their intentions to become entrepreneurs. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 undergraduate students from a Malaysian public university. Drawing on in-depth interviews with business students, the research identifies personal motivation, self-efficacy, family support, and the perceived value of entrepreneurship education as key influences. Thematic analysis grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour revealed three major categories: psychological factors, social influences, and educational support. Findings suggest that experiential learning and institutional encouragement significantly boost students’ confidence and interest in entrepreneurship. This qualitative investigation contributes to a better understanding of how educational environments can foster entrepreneurial mindsets in higher education. The study also offers practical implications for universities and policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education programs in cultivating entrepreneurial aspirations among undergraduates. The study contributes to a better understanding of how educational environments can foster entrepreneurial mindsets in higher education