Challenges and obstacles experienced by mother students of Nazarbayev University during their graduate studies

Abstract

The number of re-entering mother students to higher education is increasing around the world. The pattern of obtaining new knowledge among them shows the demand and future expectations for a more prosperous life. This study will present the experience of mother students at higher education and investigates what challenges and barriers they faced and how they overcome problems related to balancing their roles during their study. The research is conducted based on a qualitative method. This approach helped to understand the challenges encountered by mother students and their response to difficulties in life's multiple roles and experiences. The findings show that there are several factors affecting graduate mother students to successfully pursue a university degree, such as multiple role strains, situational, dispositional and institutional barriers, level of self-confidence and social and family support. Furthermore, universities, departments, faculty, and peers have to perceive the needs of mother students in real-life conditions and enhance the relationship with them by providing support. These findings are directed at policy makers, departments and university leaders and suggest an implementation of supporting policies to help struggling mother students. The consequences of not fulfilling the demand of mother students can influence their academic performance.