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Equity and inclusion in higher education: mapping policy approaches and gaps in evaluation

This ad hoc report explores which policies are focused on improving access, progression and completion for all learners, in order to enhance equity and inclusion in higher education.

Details

Identification
ISBN: 978-92-68-28620-3, DOI: 10.2766/2151058, Catalogue number: NC-01-25-110-EN-N
Publication date
7 November 2025
Authors
Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture | Expert Network on Economics and Sociology of Education and Training (ENESET)
Geographical scope
  • European Union
Level of education focus
  • Higher education
Thematic areas covered
  • Quality and inclusive education for all

Description

This report is intended to support policymakers in designing and implementing policies to enhance equity and inclusion in higher education, with a focus on improving access, progression and completion for all learners – and, in particular, to support students from underrepresented, disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds. The report’s original objective was to identify “what works” in equity and inclusion policies within a European context by mapping policy measures that have been evaluated and shown to have a demonstrable positive impact in higher education systems at national level. However, our desk research revealed that such evaluations are scarce: in most countries, monitoring is limited, and comprehensive evaluations or impact assessments remain rare.

 

Author: 

ANA SKLEDAR MATIJEVIĆ, Institute for the Development  of Education  

NINOSLAV ŠĆUKANEC SCHMIDT, Institute for the Development of Education 

THOMAS FARNELL, Institute for the Development  of Education 

 

Cite this publication as:

European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Skledar Matijević, A., Šćukanec Schmidt, N., & Farnell, T. (2025). Equity and inclusion in higher education : mapping policy approaches and gaps in evaluation, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/2151058

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  • 7 NOVEMBER 2025
Equity and inclusion in higher education - ad hoc report