Almost thirty percent of high school graduates are either undecided or do not plan to pursue further studies. Meanwhile, 34 percent aim for public universities, 15 percent prefer private institutions in Montenegro, and 22 percent consider studying abroad.

This information comes from the “Analysis of the aspirations of high school graduates transitioning from secondary to higher education,” and was presented by the Agency for Quality Control and Assurance of Higher Education (AKOKVO) at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI).

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry, as well as from secondary and higher education institutions. Notable speakers included Marija Gošović, General Director of the Directorate for Secondary and Vocational Education at the Ministry, Tatjana Ćalasan, Acting Director of AKOKVO, Martin Unger from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, and Milica Kavedžić, Assistant Director of AKOKVO in the Quality Assurance and Research Sector.

The Law on Higher Education mandates that the Agency perform quality assurance according to European standards, which include conducting thematic analyses and suggesting measures for enhancing higher education quality. Gošović emphasized this as she launched the analysis presentation.

The initiative to explore high school graduates’ aspirations began in late 2023, aiming to understand their motives, desires, plans, and the level of information available to them regarding their transition to higher education. This transition is crucial not just for individual careers but also for broader societal and economic health, Gošović stated.

Gošović noted that the research’s success is highlighted by the participation of 35 percent of all high school graduates in Montenegro (1,780 students) from 45 high schools across 23 municipalities.

The analysis offers valuable insights into the social demographics of high school graduates, their educational achievements, perceptions of the quality and accessibility of higher education, and the distinctions between private and public institutions. It also highlights the need for additional information and guidance to assist young people in making informed decisions aligned with their potential and ambitions, according to AKOKVO announcements.

Ćalasan started her segment by quoting graduates from various schools across Montenegro and emphasized the analysis’s relevance for both high school graduates and educational policymakers.

She pointed out that this is not only the first analysis of its kind in Montenegro but also within the region, marking a foundational step for future research and educational quality improvement.

Key findings were shared by Milica Kavedžić and Martin Unger, the editors of the “Analysis of the aspirations of high school graduates transitioning from secondary to higher education.” They highlighted significant conclusions, noting a weak correlation between parental education and income levels with graduates’ academic success. The education system appears to mitigate disadvantages linked to lower parental educational backgrounds or incomes. However, gender disparities in academic achievement were noted, with males outperforming females at a rate of two to one, while almost half of all females achieve excellent results.

Students from northern regions, predominantly from low-income families, exhibit poorer academic performance and lower intentions to pursue higher education. “Improving economic conditions in this region is a long-term goal for policymakers, and initiatives to enhance the educational aspirations and performance of high school graduates would be particularly beneficial in the north,” Kavedžić remarked.

Graduates’ plans reveal important trends: 34 percent prefer public universities, 15 percent opt for private institutions, 22 percent wish to study abroad, and 29 percent are undecided or uninterested in further studies. “Among those wanting to study, 70 percent choose Montenegro despite 61 percent rating foreign university quality as superior,” Unger noted.

Approximately half of prospective students believe that the quality of education at public institutions is preferable to that at private ones. Notably, there is a stark contrast regarding perceptions of academic success, with many students believing degrees from private universities are easier to obtain.

“Based on these findings and suggestions, education policymakers in Montenegro are encouraged to take concrete actions to support high school graduates in making informed decisions about their educational futures. We hope these insights will inspire further research among stakeholders,” concluded the analysis editors.

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