Skopje, 29 December 2025 (MIA) – In 2026, investments in the education will continue, with 166 infrastructure projects planned. The budget for science will increase, teacher salaries in primary and secondary schools are set to rise by 7.5-10% in March, significant changes are planned in vocational secondary education, a new concept for the state graduation exam with two types – vocational and general – will be introduced, and new higher education laws will be adopted.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Education Minister Vesna Janevska said that the processes are progressing well and expressed satisfaction that long-delayed initiatives are finally being implemented.

“There are textbooks that students and teachers are not complaining about. There are occasional complaints, but this year things will be different. Seven laws have already been passed and another seven are ready. The course of events does not always depend solely on the ministry or the minister, but I hope that everything will move forward smoothly,” Janevska stated.
In 2026, the introduction of single-shift schooling will continue, with 200 schools already included. The electronic report card will be introduced in phases.

There is also continuous growth in the budget for science, where, Janevska said, significant progress has been made, adding that she is proud that the European Commission’s report includes a positive assessment for the first time.

As previously stated, the new Law on Higher Education is to be placed for public discussion on the Electronic National Register of Regulations (ENER) by the end of the year. The draft has been completed, but, according to the minister, it requires expert approval before being submitted to ENER alongside the Law on Quality in Higher Education and the Law on Scientific and Research Activity.
Among the most significant changes introduced by the new legislation are stricter criteria for promotion to academic titles and for the reappointment of university professors.

Due to failure to meet requirements and identified irregularities, 14 institutes have been closed so far, and inspections will continue next year. Janevska noted that decisions to close faculties are more challenging because of shortcomings in the existing Law on Higher Education, which are expected to be addressed by the new legislation.

Janevska announced the introduction of new software for plagijati.mon.gov.mk, the system for detecting plagiarized academic work, as well as the establishment of a so-called “wall of shame” on which substandard papers will be published. She said that at some universities, master’s and doctoral theses are being approved despite being at the level of schoolwork.

During the meeting with journalists, Janevska stated that the solution for the completion of the buildings of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FINKI) and the Faculty of Physical Education near the SS. Cyril and Methodius University Rectorate is in an advanced phase.

Photo: MIA archive