Fernández, Almudena CotánMartins, Maria HelenaAlexandre Borges Santos Terremoto, Maria LeonorDíez, Anabel Moriña2025-12-152025-12-152025-11-141356-2517http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27956Grant numbers EDU2020-112761RB-100/FederFundsThis paper aims to explore, from an ecological approach, the perception of the concept of academic success and the personal factors that contribute to the university success of graduates with disabilities. This paper focuses on the personal factors of academic success based on the experiences and perspectives of graduates with disabilities. The study adopted a phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews. The data were collected at a Portuguese University in southern Portugal and analysed using an ad hoc inductive and qualitative coding system. The results reveal the diversity of perceptions about academic success and the importance of resilience, autonomy, and self-determination. These data contrast the conventional notion of success focused exclusively on academic performance and highlight to recognise the diverse contributions of these students to the university environment. Regarding personal factors, resilience is a recurring factor among participants. Adapting and persevering in the face of challenges was essential for success, alongside autonomy, self-efficacy, and self-determination.engStudents with disabilitiesHigher EducationAcademic successPersonal factorsResiliencejournal article10.1080/13562517.2025.25876361470-1294