Study in Macedonia (FYROM)
Higher education in Macedonia (FYROM) is provided by colleges and pedagogical academies offering two-year courses, as well as by universities, which offer four to six-year courses in a range of disciplines.
Upon successful completion of higher education courses at university faculties/institutes, students are awarded a Diploma with professional title e.g. Engineer, Lawyer, Teacher, at the lower (college) level; Graduate Engineer, Graduate Lawyer, Graduate Teacher at the higher (faculty/institute) level. The duration of studies leading to higher-level diplomas depends on the type of faculty.
The Law on Higher Education of 1997 stipulates that five-year programmes will be introduced in universities and higher education institutions. Reforms have begun to bring Macedonian higher education in line with international standards.
The academic year begins in October and ends next year in September.
Classes are taught in in Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish.
Find the best information about what it’s like to study in Skopje, including degree course offers, career opportunities, student life, living costs, and more.
General application requirements
Foreign students with grants and scholarships from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia are not required to sit for the entrance examinations except for the Faculties of Architecture, Pedagogy, Physical Education and Art. Foreign students must have completed a four-year secondary school and have passed the final examinations. You will need the following for the application process:
- Name of secondary school credential required
- Minimum score/requirement
- Alternatives to credentials: International Baccalaureate or special examinations
- Entrance examination in two subjects depending on the educational programme of the institution (minimum 60 points).
- A certificate of knowledge of Macedonian is compulsory.
Before applying, make sure to ask the international student office of the university, for detailed application information.
For more information visit: http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/macenco.htm
Academic stages
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type)
College studies last two years and offer training at a semi-academic level in certain fields of the Economy and other services.University level studies (Bachelor)
The first-level degree of university study is obtained on completion of a four to six-year course in a university. The exact duration of studies leading to higher-level diplomas depends on the type of faculty.
For instance: Faculty of Medicine, 6 years of study (in Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry); Technological/Metallurgical Faculty - 5 years of study; Faculty of Law - 4 years of study. Each graduate student can specialize in relevant professional fields - e.g. Surgery, Obstetrics, Engineering, etc. Such specialization requires one to five years of practical training.
University level second stage (Master's Specialization)
The Magister degree (Master of Science/Master of Arts) is awarded after two years' study followed by research and the writing of a thesis which is defended in public and approved by a mentor. Each graduate student can specialize in relevant professional fields - e.g. Surgery, Obstetrics, Engineering, etc. Such specialization requires one to five years of practical training.
University level third stage (Doctorate)
The title of Doctor of Science is conferred to candidates who have obtained the Master's degree and after an approved period of research and the defence of a doctoral dissertation.
Primary school teachers are trained at the Pedagogical Faculty. The programme lasts for four years. After a one-year probation period, they must sit for a state professional examination.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary school teachers are trained in the Pedagogical Faculty and some other faculties in four-year programmes of Linguistics, Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports, Arts, etc., as well as a set number of pedagogical and psychology subjects. Those who graduate without having studied in these fields must take a special course and an examination. After a probation period they must sit for a state professional examination.
Non-traditional studies (Other forms of non-formal higher education)
A few universities offer a great variety of courses for additional education. They do not award degrees but offer special courses leading to a particular qualification. Higher education institutions offer part-time studies.
English language preparation for studying in Macedonia
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Macedonian universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Living in Macedonia (FYROM)
- You'll need 350-530 EUR/month to cover living costs.
- 120 EUR – 180 EUR per month for a one-room apartment.
- 220- 300 EUR per month for a three-room apartment.
- A meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about 3-4 EUR.
- The beneficial attributes of thermal spas have been used since the old time of the Roman Empire, as can be seen in many archaeological sites in Macedonia.
- Coffee breaks with your friends during the day are a common practice.
- Macedonian leaves the impression of a country that never sleeps.
- In every town, you will find café-bars for day and night entertainment where you can spend many enjoyable moments with your friends.
- Macedonia is well known outside the country for its large number of caves. There are 346 registered caves in the country, although the total of actual caves is probably somewhere between 400 and 500.
- In Macedonia, there are three National parks and 74 protected natural areas.
- The natural beauty of the Republic of Macedonia welcomes people with its attractive locations which allow each visitor to discover Macedonia in its own way: cave exploring, hiking, biking, horse riding, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, skiing, rock climbing.
- The mountain slopes allow for development of winter tourism, with many winter centres operating in the country.
- Macedonia is a land of grapes and wine. Vintage represents a continuation of a long tradition.
- The megalithic observatory Kokino, ranged on the fourth place on the NASA’s list of the oldest observatory in the world.
- Explore Macedonia's churches and monasteries (more than 900), featuring fresco paintings, and other church items carved in wood.
- The Ottoman Empire has also left its marks on this territory with a great number of mosques, baths and market places.
About Macedonia (FYROM)
The Republic of Macedonia is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with an area of 25,713 square kilometres bordering on Serbia to the north, Kosovo to the north-west, Greece to the south, Bulgaria to the east and Albania to the west. Due to such a geographic location, the Republic of Macedonia is and has been an important crossroads of many different civilisations, religions and cultures throughout history.
According to the last census in the Republic of Macedonia live around two million people.
Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, is the biggest political, economic, educational and cultural centre. Macedonia is predominantly a mountainous country with a great number of exceptional natural treasures and beauties. In Macedonia there are 34 peaks rising to over 2,000 metres and rich in vegetation. The influences of the Mediterranean and the Continental Climate positively affect the high fertility of the cultivated land and the development of cattle breeding as well as the development of both winter and summer tourism. Macedonia is a country of lakes of extraordinary natural beauty that offer favourable conditions for the development of tourism.
The name "Macedonia" is in fact the oldest surviving name of a country in the continent of Europe. Various peoples have inhabited Macedonia, and ancient civilisations have flourished on these lands. In 724-512 BC, the Macedonian Empire was established and developed, followed by the Persian Invasion. Alexander the Great reigns the new empire for ten years, beginning with 333 BC. Later, Macedonia became a Roman province. Beginning with 178 AD many barbarian tribes invaded the territory of the former province. Empires like the Byzantines, Bulgarians and Ottomans reign over the lands the following centuries.
The Treaty of San Stefano in 1878, ending the Russo-Turkish War, gave the largest part of Macedonia to Bulgaria. Bulgaria lost much of its Macedonian territory in the Second Balkan War. Most of Macedonia went to Serbia and the remainder was divided between Greece and Bulgaria.
In 1918, Serbia, which included much of Macedonia, joined in union with Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. On Sept. 8, 1991, Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia.
Universities, colleges and schools in Macedonia (FYROM)
Kumanovo
- Euro College (1 Master)
Ohrid
Tetovo
- South East European University (7 Masters)
Interested in scholarships for Macedonia (FYROM)? Check out our scholarship search page.
How to Apply to a Master's in Macedonia (FYROM)
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Macedonia (FYROM), you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Macedonia (FYROM)?
To apply to a university in Macedonia (FYROM) you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Macedonia (FYROM) so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Macedonia (FYROM)
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Macedonia (FYROM) are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.