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Why Study In Macedonia?

Macedonia is situated on the peninsula of Balkan in the south-eastern part of the continent of Europe. If you wonder that you haven’t heard about Macedonia before, you might have heard of Yugoslavia! That’s the old name for this nation.

Suppose you are a foreign, exchange, or international student who wants to pursue his/her studies in the country. In that case, it is very much possible as Macedonia is home to over 2 million people.

Before moving to Macedonia to study, research and know about the culture, lifestyle and history of the nation – Don’t worry, as we are here to help you out with that!

Higher Education and Universities in the nation

Students in Macedonia are mostly those who are raised and born in the nation. However, some foreign, international, and exchange students are also present in the nation. But, mostly the students are from the transplanted families (the ones who came and resided in Macedonia).

Pre-school education starts before a child turns 5 in Macedonia, and gradually and eventually he/she moves to primary education, and then secondary education. The students in Macedonia learn the trade skills before making the most important decision to pursue higher education. So, students in the country at this moment in life move in 2 different directions:

  • The 1st group moved to pursue education in colleges and universities.
  • The 2nd group either specializes in some trade or might join the country’s workforce.

The Connects Program

Apart from the two groups as mentioned above, there are students present at almost all educational levels who have participated in ‘The Connects Program’ of the nation. The Connects Program is a 1st of its kind wireless broadband network across the globe. The US Agency established this for the development of the world.

Due to the connects program, 461 schools (including both secondary and primary) are Internet-enabled. This has emerged more as an educational opportunity provided to students from almost all the universities and colleges in the nation. If you are a foreign exchange or international student, this might be your chance to learn Macedonia from afar.

In this segment, we will be highlighting the complete performance of universities of Macedonia on the educational institution level.

The universities and colleges in Macedonia perform highest in international orientation and regional engagement dimensions. However, the universities in Macedonia lack in Research and Knowledge transfer by a huge margin as compared to other Australian and European universities, and universities across the globe.

If we talk about numbers, the universities in Macedonia perform –

  1. 50% stronger than other universities in the dimension of Regional Engagement.
  2. 33% stronger as compared to other universities in the dimension of International Orientation.
  3. 75% weaker than other universities in Australia, Europe, and across the globe if we talk about the dimension of Knowledge Transfer.
  4. 33% weaker as compared to other colleges and universities across the world, referring to the dimension of Research.
  5. The universities in the nation are at par in the dimension of Teaching and Learning with universities around the world.

Universities in Macedonia

This fascinating place has five state universities, which are –

  1. The 1st university is situated in Stip and is known as ‘The Goce Delcev University of Stip’.
  2. The 2nd university of the nation is situated in Tetovo and is known as ‘The State University of Tetovo’.
  3. The 3rd university is situated in the town of Bitola, and the name of this old, famous and prestigious university is ‘The St. Clement of the Ohrid University of Bitola’.
  4. The 4th university is situated in the capital city of Skopje, and the name of this university is ‘Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje’.
  5. The 5th university is situated in the popular city of Ohrid and is known by two names – ‘The University for Information Science and Technology, and ‘St. Paul the Apostle’.

These were state-run educational institutions. Apart from those mentioned above, there are numerous privately-owned and run colleges, educational institutions and universities in Macedonia. The most notable privately-held educational institutions in the business are –

  1. South-East European University
  2. European University
  3. Slavic University, which is located in the city of Sveti Nikole

Educational and Tuition Fees in Macedonia

The Universities and colleges of Macedonia have said the terms for the costs and prices of such education. The schools here in the country also have a major role in determining which student should enrol in the institution for higher education. Macedonia’s European University has the largest foreign, exchange and international students base. Taking about the European University, it offers a varied range of degree courses to foreign, exchange and international students.

Many state-run colleges and universities in Macedonia don’t charge their students tuition fees. Other charge tuition fees around 500 EUR to 1500 EUR per semester. On the other hand, private colleges and universities charge more as compared to state-owned colleges and universities. They charge 7000 EUR to 10000 EUR annually for their tuition fees.

Generally, a college or university in Macedonia charges around 200 MKD as application fees for applying to that particular college or university. The cost and prices for pursuing bachelor degree courses in Macedonia is around 5000 MKD per year. If you are a foreign, exchange or international student who wants to pursue master degree courses (MA or M.SC), you must pay around 8000 MKD per year. If we talk about doctorate programs such as PhDs, the cost and prices escalate to 10,000 MKD to 20000 MKD per year.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance

The colleges, schools and universities do not offer foreign, exchange and international students with Healthcare and medical insurance who travel to International places. This is because Macedonia’s public Healthcare system doesn’t accept the health insurance of foreign, exchange and international students. Therefore all such students will be required for applying Healthcare and medical insurance via a local insurance company. This coverage is required before a student attains the travel visa for Macedonia.

Student Lifestyle in Macedonia

If you are a foreign exchange or international student, shifting to a brand new nation is not easy. If I talked about the majority, it might be the 1st time you leave your nest.

A foreign, exchange or international student cannot turn back to the comfortable life of his/her family and home like they used to! Therefore, my team and I understand that starting a brand new chapter of life in a whole different nation can be extremely difficult. However, it would help if you did not worry as we are here to guide you to a new student lifestyle in Macedonia.

Every college and University in Macedonia is committed to merging a healthy student lifestyle with a successful academic career, which guarantees an overall balanced student lifestyle and experience in the nation.

The Universities and colleges in Macedonia provide a challenging and holistic International and Macedonian educational program based on the principles of cultural respect, community leadership, balance, International mindedness, innovation, happiness and academic excellence.

With the best facilities available, caring and dedicated educators, and experienced leadership, Universities and colleges in Macedonia inspire foreign, exchange and international students to pursue their passions, dreams and become lifelong inspirations.

In Macedonia, the colleges and universities are an integral member of a big family of old, famous and prestigious International colleges and universities across the globe. Such international schools intend to make the student lifestyle as enjoyable as possible by offering several off-campus and on-campus activities, interaction groups, educational clinics, academic seminars, sports, clubs, and many more!

Activities

Recreational and Social Activities

The recreational and social activities include various fun and exciting activities like gaming competitions, sports tournaments, camping and movie nights.

Community Services

Community service includes blood donation, fundraising and activities which support orphan and cancer initiatives. Such activities encourage foreign, exchange and international students for engaging with the larger community of Macedonia through voluntary work and active participation.

Student Services

Such services include:

  • Offering counselling sessions.
  • Processing complaints and appeals.
  • Facilitating good arrangements for foreign, exchange and international students who have special circumstances or a special request and orientation days.

Educational Activities

Such activities include chances for foreign, exchange and international students to visit key and notable organisations and Educational Institutes and attend sessions of guest speakers who are specialists in various subject fields.

Employability and Internships

In the last year of their degree course, foreign, exchange and international students are provided with the opportunity to build links with big employers through work placements and internships to accelerate their career growth and ambitions.

Accommodation

While pursuing studies in Macedonia can be amazing and exciting, it can be more exciting if you have a full-proof plan for your accommodation. In this segment, we will guide you about the accommodation types that a foreign, exchange and international student should expect in Macedonia.

Accommodation is the most vital aspect of your study abroad plan. You need to consider so many factors when you are finding a place to call homes, such as amenities, community, location, and many more.

If you are a foreign exchange or international student, my team and I will highly recommend you move to places near your chosen college or university. This is because living near your college or university will save ample time and help you be familiar with the college or university campus faster. Other reasons might also include you getting lost in an unfamiliar city in a new nation.

Most of the neighbourhoods around the colleges and Universities are comfortable and safe. Moreover, these can be quickly accessed by subway, bus or foot. Thus, it doesn’t matter that your apartments are located in Macedonia. You can surely access your college or university with ease.

Tips for finding the correct accommodation

If you are a foreign exchange or international student, you should not rent a studio or an apartment via an agency of real estate because the contract in this nation is at least two years.

But obviously, there are many other options available. One such option is your college’s housing program or your university’s housing program. Yes, you guessed it right – All the Universities and colleges in Macedonia provide a staying place.

Lookout on the notice boards closed by colleges or universities and notice boards of colleges or universities if you have decided to stay alone and experience independent living.

Takeaway Tips:

  • Always organise your accommodation beforehand.
  • The best method for you is to organise accommodation that is temporary at an apartment, a hostel, or a student hall of residence before you leave your home and while you search for long-term accommodation.

Costs and Prices of Living

If you compare Macedonia to other nations of Australia and Europe, you will find that it is not an expensive nation. The cost and prices of Living are at par with other European nations.

While you will spend plenty of your cash on utilities and accommodation, the chances are high that you will save plenty of your money on ware, food and transportation.

Needless to say, how much cash do you require will depend on the preferences and choices you make. But here is one thing that you need to know before moving into Macedonia for your study abroad adventure: Minimum wages in this nation are not enough for covering all your schooling expenses.

Food and Restaurants

If you like the number game, here is simple math for you – Restaurants aren’t cheap, but around 13 percent of your monthly expenditure will be spent here. The meals are comparatively cheap compared with other European nations as a person can have a proper dish for just $5 in a normal restaurant. On the other hand, alcohol is expensive in places such as bars where they allow it. For instance, a beer pint might cost you US $10.

Markets

If we compare Macedonia’s grocery rates with other European Nations, it is not quite that expensive here. You can save a lot while buying food at discounted rates or your nearby market. If you wish to save some more for utilities, be prepared to cook your meals!

Transportation

Isn’t it amazing that transportation in this nation can be easily afforded by a commoner and is cheap? A student can buy a pass for a month at a cost that is not more than $50. You also need not worry if you own your vehicle as the cost of a gallon of petrol here is just 0.5 US dollars.

Utilities

Let’s talk about utilities and compare the cost of utilities like garbage, drinking water, or electricity with other European nations. You will find that the cost of such utilities is much cheaper here. You will be required only to pay 150 US Dollars monthly and avail of all basic services. 150 US Dollars per month can be termed as an exorbitant fee if we consider the monthly salary.

Student Jobs in this nation

If you wish to work while studying abroad in Macedonia, then a piece of healthy advice would be that you should research and plan for everything in time. Most colleges and Universities in Macedonia allow and encourage foreign, exchange and international students for part-time work (Basically five days per 7 days). These are the most important and vital in improving your bank balance.

If you think that earning from these sources will help you pay the full amount for your tuition or education fee, I am afraid you are wrong. But, an old English language proverb reads, ‘Something is better than nothing, remember? So, the income you earn while working from your part-time job will help you pay your travel bills and food expenses. In other cases, it is a good idea to level up your pocket money while working in your part-time job and studying abroad in Macedonia simultaneously. The chances provided to foreign, exchange and international students aid them in widening their prospects after university in the market.

The kind of job a student will get will largely depend on their work experience, qualification and skill sets. Apart from monetary benefits, a part-time career and job opportunity will help you adjust to real-time situations. For instance, when a person works at a college or university cafeteria or as security personnel, they get to meet several new kinds of people, learn various new languages, and a fair and decent opportunity to interact and socialize with people who are locals.

Job and Career Opportunities in Macedonia

You can also choose to work full-time if you stay back on your college or university campus during your summer breaks. Doing this will contribute significantly to your next near year expenditures. You can search for jobs and career opportunities that can make you some extra bucks on Saturdays and Sundays as they are free. For instance, you can go for house cleaning or lawn mowing.

Degrees earned in the undergraduate programs in Macedonia are typically accepted and recognized either for higher studies at other colleges or universities across the globe or for the credit of transfer. This is done for the foreign, exchange and international students who want to expand the horizons of their orientation of different cultures by studying and working abroad.

An interesting and exciting job is to take tourist sightseeing if you own a vehicle and a driving licence. You will certainly have a good time while you serve travellers and tourists. There are ample job and career opportunities outside your college or university campus. For instance, you can work as a delivery boy for newspapers or attend a filling gas station. To find job and career opportunities around your college or university Campus, lookout for advertisements in a local newspaper or various social media platforms. You can also consult your college or university groups and senior students for the same.

Most of the Universities and colleges in Macedonia offer internships to foreign, exchange and international students as their curriculum and program part. Therefore, foreign, exchange and international students can contribute to their earnings via internships and simultaneously go on with their studies.

Tips for Part-time Career and Job Opportunities Seekers in this nation

  • Options like working in the library or cafeteria or supporting the administration department are open for foreign, exchange and international students.
  • It would help if you searched for jobs and career opportunities near your accommodation for saving travel time.
  • Talk and inquire with your classmates about their workplaces, and you might end up joining the same venture.
  • Few other options that a foreign, exchange or international student can avail of are to work in a fuel pump, showroom, mall, grocery store or amusement park.

Working part-time is the best kind of employment available to foreign, exchange, and international students as working part-time offers both – Financial support and plenty of experience.

Visa of travel for foreign, exchange and international students in this nation

If a person wants to visit Macedonia, he/she will require proper allowance for it. A Schengen visa (multi-entry) is required and acceptable if you plan to visit Macedonia for less than 15 days.

Foreign, exchange and international students planning to stay in the country for a little longer period will be required to directly take permission for the student visa from the Government of Macedonia. For obtaining the student visa, you must do the following –

  • Have enrolment acceptance in any of the recognized universities and colleges in the nation.
  • A proof that guarantees you have enough financial funding for your education and your complete stay expenses.

Scholarships

Students from the country searching for a bachelor scholarship, master scholarship, or a PhD scholarship for funding their study abroad program should check the latest scholarships for foreign, exchange, international and local students announced and run by universities, colleges and the government.

The scholarships range from tuition fees waiver to fully or limited funded support and areas suggested and recommended for Macedonia students by the big market players and educational institutions.

Foreign, exchange and international students interested in pursuing their studies in Macedonia have scholarship chances ranging from universities or private colleges to federally funded scholarships.

Few programs have stiff competition as the area of study, and the field of interest is particular to one nation. However, these significant scholarships make it up for these programs. Do you know that the unprivileged students in Macedonia may even waive their complete tuition fees by claiming and availing of these scholarships? So, what are you waiting for – Explore and claim these scholarships right now!

Conclusion

There are so many reasons for travelling and visiting Macedonia for studying abroad purposes. One such purpose is the numerous and high-level research studies taking place rapidly in the country area. A focus area for foreign, exchange and international students who pursue higher education in big numbers is Science. This aspect is evident and visible in the large number of Science programs running currently in the nation and across the world.

Moreover, Macedonia is blessed with a welcoming environment for people who wish to travel here someday + Gorgeous National Parks with historic and rich culture. The economic conditions of Macedonia are at par with other nations of Europe. Tourism in the country is rich and one of the primary occupations. Last but not least, the education system of Macedonia is worth giving time and exploring.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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