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1. Policy framework

2. Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

3. Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning, and of youth work

4. Quality assurance

Policy framework

Single public institution responsible for cross-border learning mobility in Republic of North Macedonia is the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility, established by Law adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia in 2007. The aim of the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility is to promote and implement the European educational programs into the Republic of North Macedonia. Program beneficiaries are: learners, students, teachers, professors, educators and other personnel 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. 

The Law for establishing the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility (Закон за основање на Национална агенција за европски образовни програми и мобилност) was brought in 2007 and has undergone several amendments, of which the latest in February 2018. The Law states the importance of the programs in the way of contributing to developing a community based on knowledge, creating better jobs and improving social cohesion, promotes lifelong learning, improves creativity, competency and the rise of an enterprising spirit, promotes language diversity, contributes in acquiring new skills, qualifications and knowledge in young people through informal learning etc. 

The Law also describes Program for Lifelong learning 2007-2013 consists of subcomponents Comenius, Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Grunting, Jean Monnet and the Transversal subprogram. The Lifelong Learning program expired and within the project "Strengthening lifelong learning through the modernization of the vocational education and training system and adult education" the first National Strategy for Lifelong Learning 2018-2022 was prepared. The main beneficiary of this project, which  was  implemented by the British Council and its partners from the consortium, is the Ministry of Education and Science. 

Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

Since 2014 North Macedonia is Erasmus+ programme country.  Erasmus+ program encompasses European educational programs in North Macedonia, implemented by the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility. The activities within the key action 1, Erasmus+ Program are expected to bring positive and long-lasting effects on the participants and participating organisations involved, as well as on the policy systems in which such activities are framed. 

Depending on the profile of participants involved, the following types of mobility projects are supported under Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ Programme:

In the field of Education and Training:

• Mobility projects for higher education students and staff;

•  Mobility projects for VET learners and staff;

• Mobility projects for school pupils and staff;

•  Mobility projects for adult education learners and staff.

In the field of Youth:

•  Mobility projects for young people - Youth exchanges;

• Mobility projects for youth workers;

• Youth participation activities;

• DiscoverEU Inclusion Action.

More detailed information about the criteria and conditions applying to each type of mobility project can be found on the following link. 

On 27 June EU ambassadors confirmed an agreement between the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council and European Parliament representatives on a legal framework for the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and a related budget for the period 2018-2020. On 27 September 2018 the European Council formally adopted the ESC regulation that had been previously approved by the European Parliament on 11 September 2018. The new regulation entered into force on 5 October 2018.On 18 June 2021 the new European Solidarity Corps programme was launched in Viana do Castelo (PT), within the framework of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU at a hybrid event with an audience of young people and representatives from the EU institutions.

Government of Republic of North Macedonia lunched web page http://www.stipendii.mon.gov.mk/ where interested young people can find information about scholarship opportunities for studying abroad, but also for attending different courses and seminars. This website from 2018 is taken down for unknown reasons. All the information about scholarships are transferred to the website of the Ministry of Education and Science. (Министерство за образование и наука - Конкурси)

Republic of North Macedonia is a signatory of the Agreement for promotion and cooperation in higher education through CEEPUS- Central European Exchange Program for University Studies. The Program enables high education institutions to participate as partners in 36 networks of different fields. In the frames of these networks, students from first, second and third degree, as well as professors, have the possibility to apply for scholarships for study stay abroad.

Fulbright educational exchange program is a joint program of the U.S. Department of State and the Macedonian Government. Scholarships are divided in different categories and programs such as academic, professional, and cultural exchange programs which engage youth, students, educators, professionals, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in the Republic of North Macedonia. 

Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international scholarships programme. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organizations, we offer awards to study in the UK for one year on a fully funded master’s degree course.

Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning, and of youth work

Erasmus+ offers opportunities to organise projects for the mobility of young people and youth workers.

Youth Exchanges allow groups of young people from different countries to meet and live together for up to 21 days to carry out a series of activities focusing on a theme that is relevant for them. These activities are planned and prepared by the participants involved in the project. Information on how young people can take part is available on the Youth Exchanges page.

For youth workers, organisations can take part in opportunities to support the professional development and network of youth workers, including activities such as:

• seminars,

• training courses,

• networking events,

• study visits, and

• job shadowing/observation periods abroad.

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC), known until 2016 as European Voluntary Service (EVS), is an international volunteering program by the European Commission for young people to go individually or in teams to another country, usually from one European country to another, to work for a non-profit cause. Since 2017, the program also offers opportunities for European youth to get engaged as volunteers in their own communities.

CSOs are usually the main actors when it’s coming to non-formal education and giving mobility opportunities (short or long-ESC) for young people to go abroad for trainings, seminars and conferences, but formal educational institutions are also recognizing the importance of non-formal education and beside Erasmus Mundus programmes they are also offering different non-formal educational opportunities for students (such as summer schools) although in a smaller range than CSO’s. Information about mobility opportunities can be found on their web pages.

Quality assurance

The National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility has an ISO certificate and Quality Assurance Policy issued in 2017. The certificate states that the Agency strives to ensure high and consistent quality in promoting and implementing European programs in the areas of education, training, youth and sport in the Republic of North Macedonia.