Unemployment remains a persistent economic challenge in South Africa, with youth unemployment reaching 45.5% in Q1 2024. Digital entrepreneurship has emerged as a potential solution; however, recent studies indicate limited institutional support for information technology (IT) students in developing entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. The current IT curriculum in higher education focuses on technical skills over business acumen, leaving graduates underprepared for self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures. This study, conducted at a private college in Durban, South Africa, explored the readiness of final-year IT students for digital entrepreneurship, assessed the current state of the curriculum and identified the gap between academic preparation and the demands of the digital economy. Through a qualitative, exploratory approach using focus groups, the study investigated the perceptions and challenges of IT students regarding the role of higher education institutions in fostering entrepreneurial mind-sets. The data collected was thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns in IT students’ perceived barriers and institutional shortcomings for digital entrepreneurship. Key findings indicate a lack of confidence among students in their entrepreneurial abilities, compounded by inadequate institutional support and resources for digital entrepreneurship. IT students expressed a need for mentorship, networking and funding, which seem to be more accessible to students doing a Commerce qualification. The IT curriculum was also perceived as overly focused on traditional employment, thereby lacking entrepreneurial components like digital marketing and business management. The study highlights the importance of creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that addresses these gaps. The study concludes by proposing actionable interventions, including integrated entrepreneurship modules and IT-specific incubators, to address these gaps.