Perceived Barriers to Academic Success Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

University students must overcome numerous obstacles that greatly challenge their academic success. Understanding the factors and triggers of barriers to academic success is essential for enhancing the academic achievement and well-being of university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the most common types of barriers and assess their severity among university students. Data were collected through an online questionnaire provided to 320 university students in Malaysia. The response was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and this study also used Likert scale items that measure the severity of various obstacles to academic success. This study reveals that personal and academic barriers, including a lack of motivation, mental health challenges, difficulty understanding course materials, and a heavy workload, are among the most commonly reported challenges. On the other hand, financial barriers and institutional barriers present minor to moderate challenges for students. Therefore, understanding the obstacles that these students face can guide educators and policymakers to plan a more conducive learning environment for student success.