Srawung: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vol. 5 Issue 1 (2026)

Beyond Motivation: Multifactorial Determinants of Student Achievement in Cambodian Higher Education

Chat Pound (BELTEI International University)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study investigates factors contributing to academic achievement among undergraduate students in five higher education institutions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the research collected quantitative data from 399 students through structured surveys and qualitative insights through semi-structured interviews with students, lecturers, and administrators. Multiple regression analyses revealed that personal factors explained 53.9 percent of variance in academic achievement, with motivation emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.312, p < 0.001), followed by time management (β = 0.281, p = 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.255, p = 0.002). School climate and social factors accounted for 48.9 percent of variance, with teacher-student relationships (β = 0.286, p < 0.001) and peer support (β = 0.234, p = 0.002) demonstrating significant influence. Economic factors explained 46.4 percent of variance, with family income (β = 0.322, p < 0.001) and access to learning resources (β = 0.286, p < 0.001) constituting primary predictors. Environmental and ecosystem factors, particularly technology and internet access (β = 0.297, p < 0.001), accounted for 42.7 percent of variance. Students in private universities demonstrated moderately higher achievement than public university students (p = 0.014), while no significant gender differences emerged (p = 0.407). The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by integrating contemporary factors including digital learning, technology integration, and psychosocial well-being. Recommended strategies encompass enhanced scholarships, strengthened lecturer-student relationships, expanded digital infrastructure, increased student participation in decision-making, and multi-stakeholder collaboration aligned with Cambodia's Vision 2050 and national education priorities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jssh

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

Description

In 2022, SRAWUNG (Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities) giving opportunities for social researcher to publish scientific article. The editorial team of SRAWUNG seek publication on the paper which related to the contribution of Social and Humanities and to consider them carefully for external ...