Student Settlement Service
We support students starting university in North Macedonia with every practical matter from the moment they arrive: airport pickup, finding accommodation that fits the student and the budget, lease and deposit negotiations, follow-up of student residence permit documents, and first steps such as a bank account, health insurance and a phone line. Thanks to our local real-estate network in Skopje and Gostivar, our accommodation service is free of charge for the student. University applications and enrollment in Türkiye are handled by our solution partner; our responsibility is the student's settlement and adaptation in North Macedonia.
Our service areas
Housing search free for the student
Because we work with our real-estate network in Skopje and Gostivar, we charge the student no separate fee for finding accommodation.
Airport pickup and transfer
The student does not land alone; they are met and taken to their accommodation.
Regular updates for the family
Every step of the settlement process is shared with the family, with a reachable contact person throughout the term.
Lease review support
The Macedonian lease is explained in Turkish; nothing is signed before deposit and termination terms are understood.
Team on the ground
The process is run in person by our team based in North Macedonia, not remotely.
How the process works
- 01Initial consultation and needs analysis: together with the student and their family we clarify the city (Skopje / Gostivar), monthly budget, dormitory or private housing preference, distance to campus and roommate expectations.
- 02Pre-arrival housing shortlist: suitable options within budget are gathered through our local real-estate network and shared with photos and video, so a shortlist exists before the student arrives.
- 03Arrival and transfer: the student is met at the airport and taken to their accommodation; if housing is not yet finalized, short-term temporary accommodation is arranged.
- 04Finalizing the home: meeting the landlord, reading through and explaining the lease, clarifying deposit and payment terms, and transferring electricity, water and internet subscriptions.
- 05Official procedures: listing and preparing the documents required for the student residence permit, following up the application, and guidance on address registration.
- 06Setting up daily life: opening a bank account, health insurance, a local phone line, a public transport card, and an introduction to essentials such as shops, pharmacies and hospitals.
- 07Support throughout the term: a local contact person the student can reach is assigned, stepping in for issues related to housing, neighbours or official procedures, with the family kept regularly informed.
Documents usually required
- Identity and travel documents: valid passport and a copy of the national ID
- University documents: acceptance or enrollment letter, student certificate
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
- Health insurance policy valid in North Macedonia
- Proof of financial means: bank statement or a parental undertaking
- Notarized parental consent for students under 18
- Biometric photograph
- Note: the residence-permit document list may be updated under North Macedonian immigration legislation; the final list is confirmed before application.
Estimated timeline
We recommend starting roughly 2–3 weeks before arrival for the housing shortlist. Pickup, finalizing the home and the basic setup (bank, phone line, insurance) are usually completed within the first week. The student residence permit's processing time varies with the immigration authority's workload and the completeness of the file.
Frequently asked
Is there an extra fee for the housing search?+
No. Because we work through our partner real-estate network in Skopje and Gostivar, we charge the student no separate commission or consulting fee for finding accommodation. The only amounts the student pays are the rent and deposit due to the landlord, and these are shared in writing before any lease is signed.
Do you also handle my university enrollment?+
No. The university application, program selection and enrollment in Türkiye are handled by our solution partner. Veranova Balkans' responsibility begins once the student arrives in North Macedonia: accommodation, residence-permit document follow-up, setting up daily life and on-the-ground support throughout the term. We keep this separation deliberately — each side working where it is competent in its own country is the safest arrangement for the student.
Will my diploma be valid in Türkiye?+
A university appearing on YÖK's list of recognized institutions and a graduate's diploma being granted equivalence are two separate matters. Even where the institution is recognized, equivalence is assessed per person through an application made to YÖK after graduation, and the decision rests entirely with YÖK; no consulting firm can guarantee equivalence. Having been physically present in the country during studies is an important criterion in that assessment. We therefore recommend confirming the equivalence conditions from YÖK's official sources before choosing your program.
Do I need this service if I will study online?+
No. The Student Settlement Service is for students who will physically live and study in North Macedonia. If you are enrolled in a fully online program you will not be residing in the country and will not need accommodation, residence-permit or settlement support. We also note that online programs may be subject to different criteria in equivalence assessments in Türkiye.
Dormitory or private housing — which is more suitable?+
It depends on the student's age, budget and habits. A dormitory is usually more economical and offers a more social start, and is often preferred for the first year. Private housing provides more privacy and flexibility; shared with a roommate, the cost can come close to a dormitory. In the initial consultation we share the current monthly cost of both options item by item and make the comparison together with the family.
As a parent, how do I stay in touch with my child?+
The family is informed at every step of the settlement process (housing choice, lease, residence application, setup). Throughout the term a local contact person is assigned who both the student and the family can reach, and who steps in on the ground for issues involving housing, health or official procedures.
Let's start the process together
Let us answer your questions and plan the best path for you together.