Skopje, 24 February 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said Tuesday dual education would be introduced in higher education following its introduction in secondary education, noting that the new higher education legislation also foresees the creation of graduate and postgraduate vocational studies, as well as short specialization programs in certain professions.

According to the Minister, academic dual education would mainly cover the technical professions. The concept, she said, is being introduced in higher education as well because, she said, it has delivered excellent results in secondary vocational schools. 

“Encouraged by the excellent results of dual education and learning through work, but also at the request of certain faculties, we decided to introduce something that already exists in the EU but has not been present here. We expect excellent results,” Janevska said after an event on dual education organized by the Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia.

The Minister stressed that until now, only high school students had the opportunity to learn in a real working environment while also supplementing their theoretical knowledge with lasting skills.

“The next step is to expand dual education to higher education. It is a fact that dual vocational education is a successful educational model that we have been building the past few years, and it is delivering excellent results. This is reflected in the growing number of students choosing this path, as well as the steady increase in companies joining the program, which is understandable, since it is the best way for them to secure young professionals they have trained themselves,” stressed the Minister. 

Janevska said she expects the same level of success to be replicated in higher education as well. 

“The academic community is prepared to introduce studies that will be a continuation of secondary dual education, as well as interdisciplinary studies with foreign universities, student exchange, and joint projects,” Janevska said.

The event was also addressed by the head of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, who stressed that dual education represents a symbiosis with the business community, its staffing needs and education.

Photo: MIA