Na šta mislimo kada kažemo… Za jednake šanse u obrazovanju

This publication addresses the issue of equal educational opportunities, a critical objective in public policy agendas across various countries in recent years. Education is recognized as a key factor in reducing income inequality, with its potential to facilitate social mobility and improve economic outcomes, thus contributing to a fairer distribution of income. This research focuses on the structural barriers to educational access, particularly for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and advocates for policy interventions aimed at reducing these disparities. It discusses financial and non-financial barriers to higher education and compares different models of financing higher education, including merit-based, need-based, and universal systems. The paper emphasizes the necessity for reforms in Serbia’s higher education financing system to ensure more equitable access for marginalized groups, thereby aligning with global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education. By exploring practical policy solutions, such as targeted financial support and affirmative action programs, this research contributes to the broader discourse on European integration, particularly in relation to the alignment of Southeast European countries’ education policies with EU standards. Through these recommendations, the study offers a roadmap for addressing educational inequalities, which is pivotal for both national development and regional cohesion within the EU framework.