discrepancies between enrolment and graduation rates. Limited access to practical training at sea can hinder students ability to meet the necessary qualifications for graduation, as practical experience is a critical component of maritime education. This issue, alongside financial challenges, inadequate infrastructure and misalignment of curricula with industry needs, further exacerbates the difficulty students face in completing their studies. It is a trend which underlines the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve retention and graduation outcomes, ensuring that more students are not only enrolling but also completing their education and entering the maritime workforce. The findings also highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address these barriers,including financial aid programmes, curriculum reform and improved academic and career support services to align graduation rates more closely with enrolment trends.