Macedonia education system can be classified into two broad divisions i.e., pre-higher and higher education system. The pre-higher education at Macedonia can be further classified into primary, secondary and high education system. But let’s have a look at the high education system.
Higher education is provided by colleges and pedagogical academies offering two-year courses, as well as by two universities which offer four to six-year courses in a range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of higher education courses at university faculties/institutes, students are awarded a Diploma with professional title e.g. Engineer, Lawyer, Teacher, at the lower (college) level; Graduate Engineer, Graduate Lawyer, Graduate Teacher at the higher (faculty/institute) level. The duration of studies leading to higher level diplomas depends on the type of faculty. The financing mechanisms of higher education are under revision. The Law on Higher Education of 1997 stipulates that five-year programs will be introduced in universities and higher education institutions. Reforms have begun to bring Macedonian higher education in line with Western European and international standards. In compliance with the Law on Higher Education 2000 the language of instruction in the state pedagogical institutions for primary school teachers and teachers for secondary schools may be the minority languages. In that case, Macedonian will be taught as a separate subject and teaching will be carried out in Macedonian for at least another two teaching subjects.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Bachelor/Diplomiran:
The first-level degree of university study is obtained on completion of a four- to six-year course in one of the two universities. The exact duration of studies leading to higher level diplomas depends on the type of faculty. For instance: Faculty of Medicine, 6 years of study (in Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry); Technological/Metallurgical Faculty - 5 years of study; Faculty of Law - 4 years of study. Each graduate student can specialize in relevant professional fields - e.g. Surgery, Obstetrics, Engineering. Such specialization requires one to five years of practical training.
University level second stage: Master/Magister po, Specialization/Specijalizacija:
The Magister degree (Master of Science/Master of Arts) is awarded after two years' study followed by research and the writing of a thesis which is defended in public and approved by a mentor. Each graduate student can specialize in relevant professional fields - e.g. Surgery, Obstetrics, Engineering. Such specialization requires one to five years of practical training.
University level third stage: Doctorate/Doktor na nauki:
The title of Doctor of Science is conferred to candidates who have obtained the Master's degree and after an approved period of research and the defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Primary school teachers are trained at the Pedagogical Faculty. The program lasts for four years. After a one-year probation period, they must sit for a state professional examination.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary school teachers are trained in the Pedagogical Faculty and some other faculties in four-year program of Linguistics, Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports, Arts, etc., as well as a set number of pedagogical and psychology subjects. Those who graduate without having studied in these fields must take a special course and an examination. After a probation period they must sit for a state professional examination.
Non-traditional studies:
Other forms of non-formal higher education
The Workers University (Rabutniški Univerzitet) offers a great variety of courses for additional education. It does not award degrees but offers special courses leading to a particular qualification. Higher education institutions offer part-time studies.