At the Faculty of Mathematics three years ago, 708 candidates fought for 435 places, and this summer, the course that educates teachers of mathematics, as well as astronomy and astrophysics, remained unfilled.
Although a degree in informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics is a "ticket to a good future", freshmen take different career paths.
Photo: PMFVice Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Dr. Miljan Knežević
The vice dean of the Faculty of Mathematics in Belgrade, Dr. Miljan Knežević, tells "Vreme" that the decline in interest in computer science studies in Serbia, including mathematics and computer science studies at the Faculty of Mathematics, may be related to the reduced interest of future students in teaching professions.
"The teaching profession in Serbia, which requires a lot of commitment and responsibility, is often perceived as less attractive due to somewhat lower salaries, poorer working conditions and the inappropriate social position of teachers," says Knežević.
No one wants to be a teacher
In September, the second enrollment period this year, there were only twenty candidates for all three majors of the Faculty of Mathematics.
Not even all 156 budgetary positions were filled, let alone 214 in total.
In schools in Serbia, there is the biggest deficit of mathematics, physics, chemistry, informatics and German language teachers. They generally find well-paid jobs in companies.
Employment websites show that computer scientists are offered a starting salary of 150.000 dinars, something teachers could only dream of.
The interlocutor of "Vremen" says that it is necessary to achieve a positive feedback loop in the education system, which is of crucial importance for the survival of every country.
"Better pay and working conditions would increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession and raise its reputation." I remind you that in ancient Japan, the emperor bowed only to the teacher," says Knežević.
"Also, it is necessary to organize regular and high-quality programs for the training and development of teachers, which will enable them to keep up with the latest methods and technologies in education and teaching," says Kneževć.
The line of least resistance
Vice-dean Knežević also says that vacancies at his faculty may be a consequence of the decline in popularity of "difficult" faculties - children and their parents choose slightly easier studies.
"Currently, there is a trend in Serbia that many students choose a simpler path to follow during their basic academic studies," he says. "However, facing challenges early can be beneficial, and prepare all of our potential candidates exceptionally well for future success."
The Faculty of Mathematics is known for certain "demanding subjects", but as Knežević says, they are designed to influence the development of specific critical thinking skills, as well as analytical abilities in order to solve complex problems.
"All these are highly valued facts on the labor market in Serbia and abroad - you only need to look at our alumni, for example. On the other hand, most often the choice of an easier path can result in long-term consequences for the career opportunities of graduated students."
Adaptation as a winning strategy
On the social network Reddit, popular among young people for discussions on various topics, it can be seen that some students point out the strict faculty criteria, while others claim that the Faculty of Mathematics prepares them to be the most desirable candidates in the profession.
"Honestly, the Faculty of Mathematics is quite difficult and demanding. Perhaps one of the most demanding at the University of Belgrade. The Bologna system has not changed us much. It is possible that it is more difficult for some students than before," says Knežević.
He adds that the Faculty of Mathematics is ready to direct plans and activities towards achieving better study conditions.
"Our students and our employees are our biggest brand right now," he adds.
Thanks to the success of its students, the Faculty of Mathematics is, as they say, "side by side" with the prestigious faculties of the Western world, Russia, and China.
The University of Belgrade is on the 388th place in the list of the best world universities, on the 166th place among European universities, and on the 87th place when it comes to mathematics, according to the official website of the Faculty of Mathematics.
