Strategic Overview

At European level, public policy framework in the context of education is standardized and it relates to: (1) The objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, including the objectives of education; (2) The objectives of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020),  including relevant indicators; (3) Sustainable Development of partner countries in the field of higher education; (4) General objectives of the renewed framework for European cooperation in the field of youth; (5) The purpose of European Development dimension in sport, especially mass sport, in line with the EU work plan for sport, and (6) the promotion of European values, in accordance with the Treaty on European Union.

According to all relevant legislative and strategic documents, the national educational development orientation is focused on inclusion of the Republic of North Macedonia in the global integration processes at a European and world level. The country’s determination for inclusion in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes and EU is reflected in all national public policy strategies and documents.

The key national strategic document, adopted by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia is the “Education Strategy for 2018-2025 and Action Plan”. The strategy is the basis of the activities of the institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia in the field of education for the period till 2025. It builds on the current state in the educational system and aims at their gradual development according to the established priorities. The strategy is based on clear identification of the main challenges of Education sector, thus ensuring its relevance through careful definition of the priority areas to be addressed within the period till 2025. At the same time, in order to meet the criteria of credibility, only the measures that can be implemented within the planned period are included in the Strategy and supported by a costed Action Plan with identified sources of funding. However, the strategy suggests also longer term objectives which may be considered while programming the next phases of education development in the country. The document covers six main pillars of education system – Pre-school Education; Primary Education; Secondary Education; Vocational Education and Training; Higher Education and Research; and Adult Learning and Education. These are followed by a seventh pillar, covering general issues in the education system. Those Pillars are discussed under the Section 5 in terms of a review of the situation and past achievements, where also the challenges are identified, and priorities and objectives to be reached are defined. The Section 6 presents the main principles of the Strategy implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and the Section 7 is the Action Plan.

Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia is striving to strengthen international cooperation at the national, institutional and project levels. The inclusion of schools, training centers and universities in the international exchange of students, instructors and teachers, as well as the execution of international projects, are of vital importance for strengthening their capacities, promoting the national “product” and internationalising the values of global integration processes.

The cooperation with international organisations, OECD, Council of Europe, UNICEF and UNESCO, is particularly important for development of all educational systems: pre-school, elementary, secondary, higher and adult education system. Republic of North Macedonia in the past two decades has implemented a number of EU programmes in different areas of education, namely in the form of development projects, actions of cooperation and mobility initiatives. Specifically, participation of the country in Erasmus, Lifelong Learning Program, Tempus, Erasmus Mundus, Framework Programmes, H2020, has strengthen the capacities of the institutions especially at the level of international cooperation and mobility of their staff.

As a signatory country of the Bologna Declaration, the higher education institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia fully implemented the Bologna principles in the Law on Higher Education and several bylaws. According to the Mobility Scoreboard Background Report for Higher Education 2018/2019 some of the key prerequisites for internationalization of educational system and mobility have been fulfilled. The country fulfils all indicators for the foreign language preparation. At the same time the recognition of the learning outcomes achieved during periods of study abroad is essential for students participating in any short-or long-term mobility experience, where ECTS credits are awarded on the basis of            learning outcomes and student workload and the HEI has an appropriate appeals procedure to deal with problems of credit recognition.

In the context of Erasmus+, starting from 2014, the Republic of North Macedonia is participating as a Program country. It is the highest level, with equal status as EU member states. All actions under Erasmus + programme are open to our country participation. The key institution in implementation of the programmes is the National Agency for European Education Programmes and Mobility (NAEOPM).

Over the years, the interest for participation of the institutions from North Macedonia has increased significantly in the Erasmus + programme. According to the number of applications submitted, they are constant increase the allocation of funds, the number of approved projects, and the amount of funds allocated. By implementing the programmes, the National Agency contributes to development of knowledge-based society, with sustainable economic development, more and better jobs and bigger social cohesion, at the same time providing environmental protection and especially exchange, collaboration and mobility into the areas of education and training. Programme beneficiaries are: learners, students, teachers, professors, educators and other staff engaged in any stage of educational process, enterprises and other legal bodies including commercial entities, chambers of commerce and other associations of legal bodies in the field of industry, research centers and bodies, as well as citizen associations and foundations.   

Current Policy and Implementation 2025-2026

Introduction

Mobility and internationalisation in education in North Macedonia are supported through national policies and participation in international cooperation programmes.

Participation in international mobility is promoted at all levels of education, including early childhood and school education, higher education and adult education and training. Opportunities for mobility are mainly provided through European programmes, particularly Erasmus+, as well as through bilateral agreements and other forms of international cooperation.

The National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility is responsible for the implementation of European programmes, including Erasmus+, in accordance with national legislation.

Internationalisation also includes measures related to curriculum development, institutional cooperation and participation in international networks.

Sources: Law on the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility; Ministry of Education and Science; Erasmus+ national documentation

12.1 Mobility in early childhood and school education

Mobility in early childhood and school education in North Macedonia is mainly supported through European programmes and international cooperation initiatives.

The main opportunities for mobility are provided through the Erasmus+ programme, which supports the mobility of teachers, school leaders and other education staff, as well as pupils, particularly in secondary education.

Mobility activities include participation in training courses, job shadowing, teaching assignments and school partnerships. These activities aim to improve professional competences, support student learning and promote the exchange of good practices between institutions.

Participation in mobility programmes is coordinated at national level by the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility.

Learning outcomes acquired through mobility activities may be recognised by educational institutions, depending on the type and duration of the activity. In school education, recognition is mainly based on institutional decisions and is more commonly applied in secondary education.

Participation in international mobility contributes to the development of key competences and is supported through internationally recognised programmes, such as Erasmus+.

Participation of children in early childhood education in international mobility activities is limited. However, institutions may be involved in international cooperation projects.

Sources: Law on the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility; Erasmus+ programme documentation.

12.2 Mobility in higher education

Mobility in higher education in North Macedonia is mainly supported through European programmes and international cooperation.

The Erasmus+ programme is the main framework for mobility of students and academic staff. It supports study mobility, traineeships and staff mobility for teaching and training purposes, including blended and virtual mobility formats.

Mobility is also promoted through capacity building projects in higher education, which support institutional development, curriculum modernisation and international cooperation.

Higher education institutions in North Macedonia participate in European University Alliances, which aim to strengthen long-term strategic cooperation, joint programmes and mobility opportunities. The Goce Delčev University in Štip and St. Kliment Ohridski University in Bitola are members of such alliances.

Participation in mobility programmes is coordinated at national level by the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility.

Learning outcomes acquired during mobility periods are recognised through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), in accordance with institutional procedures and international agreements.

Sources: Law on Higher Education; Law on the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility; Erasmus+ programme documentation.

12.3 Support for mobility in higher education

Support for mobility in higher education in North Macedonia is mainly provided through European programmes and institutional measures.

The Erasmus+ programme provides financial support for student mobility (studies and traineeships) and for staff mobility, including academic and administrative staff, for teaching and training purposes. Financial support includes grants for travel and subsistence.

Higher education institutions support mobility through institutional agreements, administrative assistance and services for incoming and outgoing participants, including support related to accommodation and integration.

Learning outcomes acquired during mobility periods are recognised through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), in accordance with institutional procedures and international agreements.

Additional support may be provided through bilateral agreements and other forms of international cooperation.

Sources: Law on Higher Education; Law on the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility; Erasmus+ programme documentation.

12.4 Internationalisation in early childhood and school education

Internationalisation in early childhood and school education in North Macedonia is supported through participation in international cooperation programmes and projects.

Schools and early childhood education and care institutions participate in European programmes, particularly Erasmus+, as well as in other international initiatives and partnerships. These activities support cooperation between institutions, exchange of good practices and development of competences.

Internationalisation is also promoted through the inclusion of foreign languages in the curriculum and participation in international projects and networks.

The National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility coordinates the implementation of European programmes at national level.

Emerging approaches to internationalisation also include the development of short learning opportunities and micro-credentials, particularly in the context of international cooperation projects.

Sources: Law on Primary Education; Law on Child Protection; Law on the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility; Erasmus+ programme documentation.

12.5 Internationalisation in higher education

Internationalisation in higher education in North Macedonia is promoted through participation in European programmes, international cooperation and institutional strategies for internationalisation.

Higher education institutions are actively involved in Erasmus+ and other international initiatives, including capacity building projects and European University Alliances. These activities support strategic partnerships, joint initiatives and long-term cooperation between institutions.

Internationalisation is also reflected in the development of joint programmes, participation in international research and innovation projects and the inclusion of foreign languages, particularly English, in study programmes.

Higher education institutions engage in international cooperation through bilateral agreements, academic exchanges and participation in international networks.

Emerging approaches to internationalisation include the development of flexible learning pathways, including micro-credentials, often linked to international cooperation and projects.

Higher education institutions also participate in international research and cooperation programmes, such as Horizon Europe, COST, CEEPUS and the Western Balkans Fund. These programmes support academic cooperation, research activities, networking and mobility at regional and international level.

Sources: Law on Higher Education; Erasmus+ programme documentation; Ministry of Education and Science.

12.6 Internationalisation in adult education and training

Internationalisation in adult education and training in North Macedonia is supported through participation in European programmes and international cooperation initiatives.

Adult education providers may participate in Erasmus+ projects and other international activities, which support cooperation, exchange of practices and development of competences.

Internationalisation is also promoted through partnerships with international organisations, participation in projects and involvement in networks related to adult learning.

The extent and form of internationalisation may vary depending on the type of provider and programme.

Sources: Law on Adult Education; Erasmus+ programme documentation.

12.7 Bilateral agreements and worldwide cooperation

International cooperation in education in North Macedonia is also supported through bilateral agreements and participation in global initiatives.

Bilateral agreements are concluded with other countries to promote cooperation in education, including mobility of students and staff, exchange of information and development of joint activities.

Educational institutions also participate in international cooperation beyond European programmes, including partnerships with institutions worldwide and involvement in international organisations and networks.

These forms of cooperation support the internationalisation of education and contribute to the exchange of knowledge and good practices.

Sources: Ministry of Education and Science; international agreements; Erasmus+ programme documentation.