Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access

Factors Influencing Science High School Students’ Aspirations to Pursue Medical Programs at the University, Rwanda

Aime Fidele Ndayiragije Mvuyekure, Kingsley Jacob Garba, Joseph Rwandema, Berton Barikumana, Philippe Hakizimana, Simon Pierre Ndayishimye Mvuyekure, Ishimwe Thierry Patrick

5 May 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 5, pp. 510-522

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-02

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Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing science high school students’ aspirations to pursue medical programs at the university level in Rwanda. Employing a quantitative design that integrated descriptive–evaluative, correlational, and comparative approaches, the research analyzed how social influence, personal motivation, personal interest, family background, and financial consideration shape students’ intentions to study medicine. Data were collected from a sample of 238 Senior Six (S6) students drawn from five science-oriented high schools using a validated four-point Likert scale questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression at a 0.05 significance level. Results revealed a high level of aspiration among students (M = 3.35, SD = 0.54), primarily driven by intrinsic motivation, personal interest, family encouragement, and financial readiness. Social influence showed a weak negative correlation (ρ = –0.169, p = 0.009), indicating that external pressure minimally affects students’ career choices. Financial consideration (R² = 0.997) emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by family background (R² = 0.487) and personal interest (R² = 0.388). These findings highlight that students’ ambitions to pursue medicine are strong but heavily conditioned by economic feasibility and access to educational opportunities. The study underscores the urgent need to expand medical schools and training programs in Rwanda to accommodate the growing student demand and reduce geographic and financial barriers. Strengthening scholarship schemes, mentorship initiatives, and institutional capacity will ensure that motivated students can fulfill their aspirations, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable national healthcare workforce.

Keywords: Social Influence, Personal Interest, Personal Motivation, Family Background, Financial Consideration, Science High School Students, Predictors, Aspirations, Medical Programs

Aime Fidele Ndayiragije Mvuyekure, Kingsley Jacob Garba, Joseph Rwandema, Berton Barikumana, Philippe Hakizimana, Simon Pierre Ndayishimye Mvuyekure, & Ishimwe Thierry Patrick (2026). Factors Influencing Science High School Students’ Aspirations to Pursue Medical Programs at the University, Rwanda. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(5), 510-522. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-02

@article{Aime2026,
  title   = {Factors Influencing Science High School Students’ Aspirations to Pursue Medical Programs at the University, Rwanda},
  author  = {Aime Fidele Ndayiragije Mvuyekure and Kingsley Jacob Garba and Joseph Rwandema and Berton Barikumana and Philippe Hakizimana and Simon Pierre Ndayishimye Mvuyekure and Ishimwe Thierry Patrick},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {5},
  pages   = {510-522},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-02},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-02}
}

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