Irregular Class Attendance at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa: A Case Study of a University of Technology

Résumé fourni par la source

This paper examines the pervasive issue of irregular class attendance among students in higher education institutions, focusing specifically on the context of South Africa. A comprehensive case analysis was conducted at a prominent University of Technology in the Western Cape province. The study illuminated the multifaceted factors contributing to irregular attendance patterns and explored students' and academic instructors' perceptions of how attendance influences academic engagement and success. Through a mixed-methods research approach, the investigation incorporates students’ surveys and academic instructors’ interviews to gather nuanced insights into the causes and consequences of irregular class attendance. The research identifies socio-economic factors, academic workload, and personal circumstances as key determinants influencing students' attendance behaviour. Furthermore, the study examines perceived links between attendance behaviour, student engagement, and academic success. The study findings contribute to the understanding of attendance dynamics in the South African higher education landscape. At the same time, the findings offer practical recommendations for institutional policies and interventions to address the attendance challenge. The study provides a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance the overall educational experience and success rates of students in higher education institutions in South Africa. Received: 11 January 2026 / Accepted: 21 July 2026 / Published: September 2026

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