Dissertation (MA Education)This study explored the role of parental involvement in career choice decisions among students of higher education institutions in Tanzania. It focused on the parents’ perception on career choice of higher education students. The Social Cognitive Career Theory guided the whole process of data collection and analysis in the study. The study employed a mixed methods research approach using cross sectional design. In the study, there were 113 respondents comprising of parents and students. Moreover, the methods of data collection were semi-structured interviews and questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analyzing framework. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis by using SPSS version 26. The study explored the perception of parents towards students career choice decisions in higher education institutions in Tanzania. It was revealed that parents had positive perception on students’ career choice decision. However, in some incidents, parents had negative attitudes about students’ career choice decision. With regard to the second objective, which examined the contribution of parents’ socio-economic status towards students' career choice decision in higher education institutions in Tanzania, the study revealed that economic status (money) was the factor which influenced students’ career choice in higher education institutions in Tanzania. This was done through parents paying tuition’s fees, since some of the courses were very expensive to the extent that the low income families could not afford. The findings also revealed that money was being used to finance vocational aspirations. It was also noted that, parent’s prospects in career choice decision were influenced by employment opportunities. In addition, the study revealed that parent’s expectations in career choice among students were challenged by unemployment, indiscipline at work place and labour mobility. In order for students to achieve their career choice the study conclude that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should devise career orientation programmes that should be implemented from secondary schools up to higher education institutions. Likewise, the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board should give loans to all degree programmes in higher education institutions of learning. This will overcome the tendency of some students opting to study courses that are granted loans by the board but which are not their favourite choices