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Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial education (EE), financial support (FS) and role models (RMs) on one’s attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE) and on entrepreneurial intention (EI) based on the theory of planned behaviour. Design/methodology/approach In this study, quantitative research design, a deductive approach and purposive sampling have been used to collect data from 352 individuals from various Malaysian higher education institutions. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The findings have provided interesting insights into how EE, FS and RMs have a significant impact on one’s ATE and their EI. Surprisingly, RMs did not emerge as a significant predictor of EI. However, it is worth noting that mediating relationships were of significance, indicating that one’s ATE plays a substantial mediating role between EE, FS, RMs and EIs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the few that investigate the relationships between RMs, FS and EE in relation to enhancing EIs through the mediating role of one’s ATE in Malaysia. Based on the findings of this study, stakeholders in Malaysia’s education sector are being urged to develop policy guidelines for the designing and teaching of entrepreneurship education as well as to develop FS mechanisms for business start-ups. They are also being encouraged to expose students to entrepreneurial RMs to improve their ATE and their EIs.