Regions with higher levels of education offer better employment opportunities, higher incomes, and longer life expectancy, while less favorable educational structures contribute to higher unemployment and demographic challenges.
Last Monday, at a consultation within the framework of the Rectors' Conference of the Republic of Slovenia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara Toplak Perović , Secretary General of Alma Mater Europaea University, spoke on this topic. She emphasized the importance of investing in education as a key factor for reducing regional disparities and improving socio-economic conditions.
Alma Mater Europaea University has included 1,000 students in the public health system, which has saved the state significant funds. According to OECD data from 2024, the annual cost per student is 17,050 EUR (18,533 USD). Since the average duration of study is four years, the total cost of educating one student amounts to 68,200 EUR. The total savings for 1,000 students thus reach 68,200,000 EUR. It is important to emphasize that the calculation does not take into account that a health sciences student is generally more expensive than the average student. Alma Mater has also educated more than 1,000 health professionals, which means an even greater actual saving for the state.
Public universities have a long tradition and a wide network of study programs. Due to public funding, they enable broad accessibility and lower tuition fees. In addition, they provide strong research support and stable funding from public sources, which contributes to the sustainable development of knowledge.
Private universities, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility and innovative approaches, as their tuition-based funding allows them to more quickly follow trends in education and the labor market. Their advantage is faster adaptation to the needs of the economy and a more personal approach to students. Moreover, they often have stronger connections with the economy and the international environment, opening additional opportunities for students. They also play an important role in education in more remote regions, where public universities are not always present.
Diversity means variety and richness, which manifests on multiple levels. Among people, it is expressed through cultural, linguistic, gender, age, and ideological diversity. In nature, it is recognized as biodiversity, which includes bacteria, fungi, insects, mammals, and plants. In society, diversity is reflected in the coexistence of different identities, experiences, and perspectives, where greater diversity contributes to a more dynamic and innovative environment.
Diversity is not an obstacle but a source of innovation, learning, and progress. Society advances when it knows how to include and connect diversity and establish cooperation.
Differences also exist among institutions, as public, private, and non-governmental organizations differ in their operations but together contribute to social progress. Diversity is particularly important in educational institutions, where diverse types of establishments, from public and private universities to faculties and independent higher education institutions, allow for different approaches to education, innovation, and societal development.
