| Summary: | A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2013 === The study used a mixed methods methodology to investigate the factors that influence university students’ career decisions. This was motivated by the fact that students in disadvantaged communities are challenged by the negative socio-political conditions that resulted from the South African Apartheid system and these conditions limited the resources for people in disadvantaged communities. As more opportunities became available, it is vital that students entering tertiary education are equipped with the necessary skills and support to make informed career decisions. The sample consisted of 155 third year students from four faculties at the University of Zululand. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analysed using a systematic approach. The results indicated that the factors influencing influence university students’ career decisions are the students’ educational background, home background, parental marital status parental occupation socio- economic status, the love for their careers, financial aid and high employment opportunities. The dissertation concludes that appropriate career education and guidance are essential for previously disadvantaged tertiary education students in order for them to maximize the opportunities available to them.
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