First-year Students’ University and Programme Selection at a South African University:

Higher education is a tool for social and economic development as well global competitiveness. It thus crucial students to make informed decisions when enrolling at university and, ultimately, deciding what career pursue. This article offers insights into the factors that influence students’ selection of programme, focusing on historically disadvantaged in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data was gathered by means qualitative focus groups convenient sampling employed select sample from population first-year students. The findings indicate residential proximity university, university’s reputation, programme image, entry requirements, affordability funding selection. With regard selection, considered include background dynamics, subjects involved, failure meet family, peer or others, be selected first choice programmes, lack guidance availability. found principally influenced student’s while largely external factors.
 Key words: University, students, higher