Hue Khuong Thi

Thu Dau Mot University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i5n38

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ABSTRACT

This study investigates the influence of Creative barriers (CB) and Entrepreneurship education (EE) on the Entrepreneurial intention (EI) of university students in Vietnam, while examining the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy (ESE). Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and Human Capital Theory, this research develops a comprehensive framework to explain intention formation in emerging economies. Using a quantitative approach, survey data from 588 undergraduates were analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. Results support all seven hypotheses, revealing that CB significantly inhibit both ESE (β = -0.190, p < 0.001) and EI (β = -0.199, p < 0.001). In contrast, Entrepreneurship education exerts a robust positive impact on ESE (β = 0.557, p < 0.001) and EI (β = 0.331, p < 0.001), while ESE serves as a primary predictor of intention (β = 0.401, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis confirms that ESE acts as a partial mediator; notably, the positive indirect effect of education through ESE (β = 0.223) substantially outweighs the negative indirect impact of barriers (β = -0.076). These findings emphasize that fostering actionable self-belief is more critical than mitigating external constraints alone. The study contributes theoretically by extending the Theory of Planned behavior through a domain-specific lens and offers practical insights for policymakers to prioritize experiential curricula over theoretical instruction. Ultimately, reducing institutional barriers and enhancing psychological efficacy are vital for cultivating a sustainable entrepreneurial spirit in Vietnam.

KEYWORDS:

Creative barriers, Entrepreneurship education, Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy, Entrepreneurial intention, Vietnam.

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Cite this Article:Thi, H. K. (2026). The Impact of Creative Barriers and Entrepreneurship Education on University Students' Entrepreneurial Intention in Vietnam: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITY & MANAGEMENT RESEARCHS, 5(5), 1257-1268. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i5n38

VOlUME 05 ISSUE 05 May 2026