Studying at University in North Macedonia: A Guide for Turkish Students

North Macedonia is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for Turkish students in the Balkans. The main reasons include considerably lower tuition fees compared to Western Europe, no visa requirement for Turkish citizens for stays of up to 90 days, and the presence of internationally recognised universities offering English-language programmes.

Skopje hosts both state and private universities; institutions such as SEEU in Tetovo have long welcomed international students. A monthly cost of living in the 400–600 EUR range and geographical proximity to Türkiye further add to its appeal.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM) is North Macedonia's oldest and largest state university, offering a broad range of programmes in medicine, law, engineering and social sciences. Fees for international students vary by programme; students from certain countries may study under a government scholarship.

South East European University (SEEU, Tetovo) is a private university providing instruction in English and Albanian, with annual fees starting at around 1,350 EUR. International Balkan University (IBU, Skopje) offers 100% English-medium education with fees varying widely by programme. We recommend confirming the latest fee schedule directly with the university before enrolling.

Application periods are generally June–July for autumn intake and January–February for spring; some private universities accept applications year-round. Core documents typically include a certified translated copy of your high school diploma and transcript, a valid passport and a language-proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent).

Document requirements differ from university to university and may change. We recommend contacting the international office of your chosen university directly before applying; if you need help with document preparation and process coordination, feel free to get in touch with us.

Turkish citizens can enter North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days. However, for studies lasting one academic year or longer, you must apply for a long-stay student visa (Visa D) at a North Macedonian consulate, and then obtain a temporary residence permit inside the country.

The residence permit application generally requires a university enrolment letter, valid health insurance and proof of financial sufficiency. We accompany students through the visa and residence permit process and handle the necessary coordination in Turkish.

Diplomas obtained in North Macedonia must go through a YÖK equivalency application to be used in Türkiye. Applications are submitted via denklik.yok.gov.tr; the evaluation process varies depending on the university, programme and courses taken.

It is important to note that the equivalency process does not follow a fixed timeline, and additional requirements may apply for regulated professions — particularly in health sciences. Before making your study decision, we strongly recommend confirming YÖK's current equivalency policy and the standing of your target university. We can support you with the preliminary research and guidance needed.