This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers influencing university graduates in Zambia when it comes to establishing their own businesses. Employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research adopted a descriptive research design and utilized purposive and convenience sampling techniques. A sample size of 250 respondents was selected, and both questionnaire surveys and interviews were employed for data collection. The results revealed that several barriers hindered university graduates from venturing into business and these barriers included lack of capital, limited governmental support, inadequate managerial skills, taxation challenges, lack of confidence, and deficient entrepreneurship skills.Suggestions from the study include simplifying taxation policies, enhancing the education curriculum to incorporate entrepreneurial skills, providing entrepreneurship training to graduates, and establishing supportive government policies and financing mechanisms. These measures are essential for addressing the challenges faced by university graduates and promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career path in Zambia.
Keywords: Education, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship barriers, University graduate
