Measuring university students’ perceptions about the role of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intentions in Cape Town

Abstract: Entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) is best seen as a multidimensional construct made of individuals’ beliefs about their abilities and capabilities for tackling the challenges and nurture entrepreneurial intentions towards starting a new business. This study conducted in Cape Town –South Africa- aims at identifying the factors of self-efficacy and the role self-efficacy plays in rising entrepreneurial intentions among university students. Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire-survey, where entrepreneurship students were the respondents. SPSS 22 was used to conduct Bivariate and multivariate tests of statistical significance. Reliability of the data collection instrument was test with the use of Cronbach’s Alpha and the variable of self-efficacy scored the reliability level of 0.877. The validity was ensured by the assessment of the instrument by the two statisticians and two academics who are experts in their fields. The findings reveal the existence of a positive relationship between entrepreneurship university students’ self-efficacy and their entrepreneurial intentions. The paper formulates the recommendations to various and concerned stakeholders; government, civil society organisations, parents, entrepreneurship university lecturers as well as universities themselves