More students than ever are entering higher education across Europe. But does access automatically mean equal opportunity?

The second episode of Education and Youth in 10’, a brand new podcast series produced by EACEA A6, takes a closer look at this question through a discussion on what some describe as the “inclusion illusion” in higher education: the idea that systems may appear open and accessible, while many students still face important barriers once they are inside them.

In “Equal access, unequal outcomes: the inclusion illusion in higher education”, EACEA analyst David Crosier is joined by Arno Schrooyen Vice-President of the European Students’ Union and by Thérèse Zhang, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Policy unit at the European University Association, for a conversation on the realities students experience across Europe today.

Together, they explore how inequalities continue to shape higher education journeys, from financial pressure and housing costs to mobility opportunities, wellbeing and academic success. The episode also looks at the growing diversity of student populations and the challenge for institutions to ensure that inclusion is not only about participation rates, but also about meaningful support and equal chances to thrive.

Rather than focusing only on policy language or statistics, the discussion brings in the perspective of those working directly with students and universities across Europe. The result is a short but insightful exchange on what inclusive higher education should really mean in practice.

Hosted in a concise 10-minute format, Education and Youth in 10’ aims to make European education and youth debates more accessible through conversations with analysts, policymakers and stakeholders from the field.

Listen to the episode on the Audiovisual Portal. Also available on Spotify.