Skopje, 30 October 2023 (MIA) - There is a 40-percent increase in the number of Macedonian candidates who want to study in France for their first year of studies and a 20-percent increase in scholarships at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year, said French Ambassador Cyril Baumgartner at the opening of the 16th France Higher Education Fair which was held at the National and University Library "St. Clement of Ohrid" in Skopje on Monday.

In addition to scholarships, the Ambassador added, there are other benefits available thanks to the agreement signed between the French Institute in Skopje and University of Caen Normandy, such as "tangible results in university cooperation" between the two countries-the inclusion of the St. Clement of Ohrid University in Bitola and Le Mans University in France into the European University Alliance.

"Another such project is also underway, which I hope will be successful because this is the final year to apply to the call for projects. Another project is being implemented by the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) whose goal is to establish a doctorate school in Western Balkans within the frameworks of the Francophone University Agency (AUF)," Baumgartner noted.

The fair, which is organized by the French Institute in Skopje and Campus France Agency, is an opportunity for Macedonian secondary and university students and professors to learn more about higher education opportunities in France or establish cooperation. The Ambassador called on all participants to visit the Campus France Agency and for universities to take advantage of the benefits that come with the Erasmus+ program.

"The grant that North Macedonia received in 2023 amounts to EUR 8 million, which means that funds increased by 20 percent compared to 2022. I wish you all fruitful exchanges, and especially you, dear students, do not hesitate to gather as much information as possible, realize your mobility projects in France and prepare for your future," Baumgartner said.

Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri said that North Macedonia and France traditionally have had a good cooperation, especially in the field of education.

"All those who want to study in one of the most developed European countries, here you can learn more about the study programs of state universities, enrolling procedures, scholarships and student life by representatives of business schools, specialized schools for engineers, and the University for Political Sciences," Shaqiri said.

Director of the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility, Marko Gjorgievski, announced that between 2017-2022, Macedonian universities realized 32 student mobility programs with France, mostly in the field of social sciences.

"This means that students can take advantage of the opportunities for education and research in one of the most prestigious countries in the world. We can proudly say that more than EUR 60,000 were allocated to support students in realizing their academic and research ambitions," Gjorgievski emphasized.

In addition to students, 12 university professors successfully completed teaching programs in France and contribute to the enrichment of our study programs and the quality of education. ssh/ik/

Photo: MIA