Assessing the Effectiveness of Academic Advising on Student Retention and Graduation Rates in South African Universities

Academic advising plays a critical role in student retention and graduation rates in higher education institutions. In South African universities, the significance of academic advising has gained attention as a means to support students, especially in overcoming academic challenges and navigating socio-economic barriers. This study thus aimed to assess the effectiveness of academic advising in improving student retention and graduation rates in South African universities. A desktop research approach was employed, drawing from recent literature, institutional reports, and case studies from various universities. The study identified the strengths and weaknesses of academic advising systems, focusing on how personalized, holistic guidance impacts student success. Findings suggested that while academic advising contributes positively to student retention, its effectiveness is often hindered by inadequate resources, inconsistent implementation, and insufficient staff training.The study recommended strategies to optimize academic advising to enhance its impact on retention and graduation outcomes. The contribution of this study to scholarship lies in its comprehensive, context-specific analysis of academic advising within South African higher education. By synthesizing diverse sources and highlighting both the enablers and barriers to effective advising, this research fills a gap in the literature and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and institutional leaders seeking to improve student outcomes through enhanced academic advising practices. Keywords: Academic advising, student retention, South African universities, academic support, student success.