Access

Place guarantee to ECEC

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) in North Macedonia is not compulsory, and there is no legal guarantee of a place in preschool education. National education reforms and policy documents have nevertheless prioritised the expansion of preschool participation, including plans to gradually increase coverage and strengthen early learning services, particularly for children aged 5–6 years.

Despite recent investments in preschool infrastructure and new kindergarten facilities, access to ECEC remains uneven across the country. Participation rates have improved compared with previous years but remain below the European Union benchmark of 95% enrolment for children aged 3–6. Access to preschool education continues to vary depending on socioeconomic status, geographic location and availability of infrastructure, with children from rural areas and vulnerable groups facing greater barriers to enrolment.

Participation rates among Roma children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds remain significantly lower than the national average. Limited preschool capacity in some municipalities and the uneven distribution of ECEC facilities continue to represent important challenges for improving access.

Affordability

In public preschools, parents or guardians pay a monthly participation fee for meals and care, while the majority of the costs of preschool education are covered by the state and municipal budgets. The parental contribution is determined by the municipality and typically amounts to around 1,490 MKD (approximately 24–25 EUR) per month, although the exact amount may vary depending on local decisions.

Certain categories of children, such as those from socially vulnerable families or single-parent households, may benefit from fee exemptions or subsidised preschool services.

Parents of children attending private preschool institutions pay monthly tuition fees that vary depending on the services provided and the institution. These fees generally range between 150 and 500 EUR per month.