Private kindergartens

Private kindergartens in North Macedonia may be established and operate in accordance with the Law on Child Protection, subject to approval by the competent authorities. Private provision includes private kindergartens, private early childhood development centres and kindergartens established within other private legal entities. According to the State Statistical Office, in 2023 there were 117 institutions for pre-primary care and education in total, covering public and private providers, with 37 804 children registered in kindergartens and early childhood development centres. Private providers therefore continue to form part of the overall pre-primary education and care network, alongside public institutions.

Private higher education institutions

Private higher education institutions in North Macedonia are established and operate in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. Private provision forms part of the overall higher education system and includes private universities and other private higher education institutions offering accredited study programmes. Their operation is governed by the relevant legislation, founding acts and institutional statutes. Study programmes and institutions are subject to accreditation and quality assurance within the national higher education quality assurance framework. According to the State Statistical Office, in the academic year 2024/2025, 22.1% of students enrolled in first-cycle studies were enrolled in private tertiary institutions.