In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in interest among high school graduates for studies in the field of natural sciences. International studies show that interest in science and technology among elementary and secondary school students in Western European countries is low and declining, while in many non-European countries, especially in developing countries, interest in these fields remains strong (Van Griethuijsen et al., 2015). According to experiences from practice in our high schools, many students perceive natural sciences as difficult and insufficiently engaging, which can affect their choice of future profession. Many graduates choose studies that offer quicker employment or are more oriented towards creative industries. Additionally, a lack of inspiring teachers and practical experiences in learning contributes to the declining enthusiasm for this field. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on students' interest in natural sciences. The quality of education and the methods employed by teachers can significantly impact student interest. Parents who value science and encourage their children to explore and learn, as well as the social environment and media, can also play a significant role. Personal interactions with science, such as participation in experiments, science competitions, or workshops, can stimulate interest and positive attitudes. The decreasing number of students opting for studies in mathematics and natural sciences presents an important problem, as societal development increasingly relies on achievements in the fields of natural sciences, technology, and mathematics (Kennedy et al., 2014). This trend may have long-term consequences for the development of science and technology in society. To better understand the reasons behind the reduced interest of students in studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in our country, this work analyzes a survey conducted among 327 final-year high school students from Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, aimed at providing insight into students' interest in natural sciences, the criteria for choosing future professions, and their attitudes toward biology and ecology as fields of natural science. The findings of the research show that only 14.1% of the respondents are considering enrolling in one of the study programs at Faculty of Natural Sciences. When it comes to biology, the students expressed a moderately positive attitude towards biology as a subject and professions in the fields of biology and ecology. What encourages further work on improving the education system and the quality of natural science teaching is the fact that the respondents rated the importance of biology as a science very positively. This clearly indicates that they recognize its significance in everyday life and its potential and importance for improving the quality of human life.

Keywords: High school students, natural sciences, higher education.