Universities in Macedonia
Universities in Macedonia by City:
SkopjeTetovoAbout universities in Macedonia
Educational institutions in Macedonia have undergone a dramatic restructuring over the past ten years. In 2000, the Law on Higher Education revised much of the country’s educational practices, before Macedonia finally became a member of the Bologna Process in 2003. Since then, universities and colleges in Macedonia have been partially implementing ECTS based curriculums, courses and credit systems, but the country is still working towards full Bologna Process alignment. The TEMPUS office of Macedonia is fundamental in bringing about this change, while the Macedonian Ministry of Education oversees all public and private educational reform.
Both, private and public educational institutions exist in Macedonia; however, the majority of colleges in Macedonia are now public. The government is responsible for the majority of higher education funding, though university and college students still pay some tuition fee. The academic year is typically from September to May, with a division in December to make two semesters. Higher education courses are typically delivered in the Macedonian language, and there are three types of higher education institutions:
Most universities in Macedonia will offer a two-cycle program similar to the three-cycle program offered by the Bologna Process, resulting in a bachelor’s degree (BA). Exceptions include studies in medicine (both pharmaceutical and veterinary) as well as dentistry. The first cycle can last between three to four years depending on the course. Two-year pedagogical academies and colleges in Macedonia will award professional titles and official diplomas to those who complete their programs, but they do not provide graduate studies or bachelor degrees (in Macedonia, a bachelor’s degree is also known as a diplomiran).
Admission to a Macedonian university or college requires passing an entrance examination. Students who hold an International Baccalaureate or Macedonian Secondary School Education Certificate qualify to be considered for entry into a university or college. Colleges in Macedonia include multiple institutes and courses ranging from music to medicine, architecture to engineering, philosophy to dentistry.
Second Cycle/Master’s Degree in Macedonia
The second cycle, which accounts for all postgraduate studies, usually lasts from one to two years (two to four semesters). The result of a second-cycle completion is a master’s degree, in Macedonia it is known as a magister. For students seeking to pursue a doctorate, a 12-month internship is also required for the master’s degree.
Those pursuing a doctorate (Doktor na Nauki) have the option of a one to three-year program after their second cycle. A master’s degree is required, and most studies at this level cover the sciences, medicine, education and technology.
Five-Year First Cycles and Unified Programs in Macedonia
Institutions in Macedonia also provide the option of five-year first cycles or five to six-year unified programs of study in the fields of engineering, pharmaceuticals, stomatology, medicine and veterinary medicine. These students typically earn their master or doctorate before the age of 25. Those specializing in dentistry typically take a five-year first cycle and one additional second-cycle year of study to earn their master’s degree.
Originally there were only two main universities in Macedonia. With the changes implemented by the Bologna Process, a multitude of private and state institutions were allowed to flourish. According to a 2007 study, somewhere over 60,000 students are currently enrolled in Macedonian universities and colleges, with nearly 3,000 teaching staff. Scholarships are available to all students, but especially foreign students seeking education in Macedonia.
Both, private and public educational institutions exist in Macedonia; however, the majority of colleges in Macedonia are now public. The government is responsible for the majority of higher education funding, though university and college students still pay some tuition fee. The academic year is typically from September to May, with a division in December to make two semesters. Higher education courses are typically delivered in the Macedonian language, and there are three types of higher education institutions:
- Universities in Macedonia, which offer four to six-year programs.
- Colleges and Pedagogical Academies, which typically offer two-year programs.
Most universities in Macedonia will offer a two-cycle program similar to the three-cycle program offered by the Bologna Process, resulting in a bachelor’s degree (BA). Exceptions include studies in medicine (both pharmaceutical and veterinary) as well as dentistry. The first cycle can last between three to four years depending on the course. Two-year pedagogical academies and colleges in Macedonia will award professional titles and official diplomas to those who complete their programs, but they do not provide graduate studies or bachelor degrees (in Macedonia, a bachelor’s degree is also known as a diplomiran).
Admission to a Macedonian university or college requires passing an entrance examination. Students who hold an International Baccalaureate or Macedonian Secondary School Education Certificate qualify to be considered for entry into a university or college. Colleges in Macedonia include multiple institutes and courses ranging from music to medicine, architecture to engineering, philosophy to dentistry.
Second Cycle/Master’s Degree in Macedonia
The second cycle, which accounts for all postgraduate studies, usually lasts from one to two years (two to four semesters). The result of a second-cycle completion is a master’s degree, in Macedonia it is known as a magister. For students seeking to pursue a doctorate, a 12-month internship is also required for the master’s degree.
Those pursuing a doctorate (Doktor na Nauki) have the option of a one to three-year program after their second cycle. A master’s degree is required, and most studies at this level cover the sciences, medicine, education and technology.
Five-Year First Cycles and Unified Programs in Macedonia
Institutions in Macedonia also provide the option of five-year first cycles or five to six-year unified programs of study in the fields of engineering, pharmaceuticals, stomatology, medicine and veterinary medicine. These students typically earn their master or doctorate before the age of 25. Those specializing in dentistry typically take a five-year first cycle and one additional second-cycle year of study to earn their master’s degree.
Originally there were only two main universities in Macedonia. With the changes implemented by the Bologna Process, a multitude of private and state institutions were allowed to flourish. According to a 2007 study, somewhere over 60,000 students are currently enrolled in Macedonian universities and colleges, with nearly 3,000 teaching staff. Scholarships are available to all students, but especially foreign students seeking education in Macedonia.