Ministry of Education and Science opens applications for 3,000 student scholarships for 2026/2027

The Ministry of Education and Science has opened a new call for applications for 3,000 student scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. According to the ministry’s announcement, the scholarships will be allocated under a different model from that used in previous years.

Applications will be accepted from November 6 to 20, 2026, and must be submitted exclusively online through the e-uslugi.mon.gov.mk portal.

The new scheme combines support for socially vulnerable students with rewards for academic achievement and incentives to train professionals in fields of strategic importance to the country.

Of the 1,200 scholarships earmarked for social support, 50 will, for the first time, be allocated specifically to students with disabilities and another 50 to students with rare diseases. The ministry describes this measure as a step toward inclusive education and equal opportunities, taking into account these students’ specific needs and their right to education and academic development.

Another new feature is the creation of a strategic scholarship category, with a total of 1,050 recipients. This support is intended for students in fields considered particularly important to the country’s future development.

The programs covered by this category were designated by the National Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research through Decision No. 1410-183, dated November 3, 2026, on study programs of strategic interest to the country. The list includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, agriculture, forestry, biology teacher education and mining.

As the Ministry of Education and Science explains, the aim is to encourage young people to choose these fields and to train professionals in line with the needs of society and the economy.

A total of 750 scholarships have been set aside for high academic achievement. Eligible recipients are students with an average grade of at least 8.50 who consistently meet their academic obligations.

The ministry says this category recognizes the knowledge, commitment and work of students who distinguish themselves through their academic achievements. It also clarifies that the new categories and the reallocation of funding do not change the overall total of 3,000 scholarships. According to the ministry, support is not being reduced but better targeted, taking more comprehensive account of students’ needs and potential.

Strategic scholarships provide a monthly payment of 18,000 denars. For the social support and high academic achievement categories, the monthly payment is 6,050 denars. In all cases, scholarships are paid for nine months of the academic year.

The ministry stresses that the call lays the foundations for a more modern scholarship system with a clearer focus. This system aims to support students with the greatest needs, recognize and reward academic achievement, and invest in knowledge and skills important to the country’s future.

Meanwhile, the ministry says applications also remain open for 15 scholarships for students enrolled in the first year of Macedonian language degree programs for the 2026/2027 academic year. This call was announced in accordance with the Law on the Use of the Macedonian Language.

Further information about this call is available at: https://mon.gov.mk/mk-MK/konkursi-i-stipendii/stipendii-mon/stipendii-za-studii-po-makedonski-jazik-prv-ciklus

Applications also remain open for reimbursement of funds spent on purchasing musical instruments for the 2026/2027 academic year.