Detailed roadmap for the eqf referencing of the nqf in fyrom

2.2.5. Higher education

• 
  General description
  

In accordance with the Bologna Process requirements⁹, the study programmes in higher education are organized in three cycles, based on ECTS credits. Issuing Diploma Supplement is compulsory. Since the academic year 2008/2009, all first and second cycle study programmes are reformed and students can no longer enroll in pre  Bologna programmes. The implementation of the reformed third cycle doctoral studies started in the academic year 2011/2012. The study programmes are based on learning outcomes.

The duration of first cycle university studies, as a rule, is three to four years (180 to 240 ECTS credits). This qualifies the successful graduates for entry into the second cycle and gives them opportunity to enter the labour market. Upon completion of the first cycle (baccalaureate/bachelor), the graduate receives a Diploma in the specific area and a Diploma Supplement. The professional studies last three years with 180 ECTS credits. There is the possibility for professional studies to last four years with 240 ECTS credits. The Law on Higher Education foresees the development of short first cycle professional study programmes corresponding to 60 - 120 ECTS credits.

As an exception, the durations of the studies for regulated professions are:

• 
  Medicine, 360 ECTS credits (6 years)
  
• 
  Dentistry, 300 ECTS credits (5 years)
  
• 
  Pharmacy, 300 ECTS credits (5 years)
  
• 
  Veterinary Medicine, 330 ECTS credits (5 ½ years)
  
• 
  Architecture, 300 ECTS credits (5 years).
  

The academic university studies of second cycle last from one to two years (from 60 to 120 ECTS credits). The studies may last longer if they are in accordance with internationally accepted standards for a relevant profile. The total number of credits acquired at the first and second cycle of university studies amount 300 ECTS credits. The academic degree magister is acquired with completed second cycle of studies. In English, the acquired academic degree is “master”. With completed second cycle of specialized studies, the title specialist in a respective profession is acquired.

In general, doctoral studies last at least three years (minimum 180 ECTS credits). Academic degree doctor of sciences (dr.sc) (doktor na nauki), or doctor of art (dr.art) (doktor na umetnost) is acquired by public defense of a doctoral thesis. The study programme for doctoral studies mainly covers active research work under mentoring and includes:

• 
  organized academic training, containing advanced and vocational courses
  
• 
  independent research project under mentoring (doctoral project)
  
• 
  international mobility, at least one-week of stay
  
• 
  lectures and other type of communication activities
  
• 
  publications in international scientific journals and active participation in international events in relation to the doctoral thesis, and
  
• 
  preparation and public defense of the doctoral thesis resulting from the doctoral project.
  

The doctoral studies in the field of art consist of two parts – doctoral thesis and public presentation of the art work or exhibition.

Examples of study programmes for third cycle studies:

• 
  Doctoral studies in Industrial Engineering and Management http://www.mf.ukim.edu.mk/system/files/Elaborat%20Doktorski%20Studii%20-INDUSTRISKO%20INZENERSTVO%20I%20MENADZMENT.pdf
  
• 
  Doctoral studies in Mechanical Engineering: http://www.mf.ukim.edu.mk/system/files/Elaborat%202012-%20MFS%20Doktorski%20Studii%20-%20MASINSTVO_0.pdf.
  

Table 20: Qualifications in the higher education system

Cycle	Type of studies	ECTS credits	Title of public document	Title	Level of the qualification in the NQF
First cycle studies	Short cycle studies	60-120	Certificate		VA
	Academic studies	180-240	Diploma in the specific area	baccalaureate	VIA
	Professional studies	180-240	Diploma in the specific area	baccalaureate	VIB
Second cycle studies	Academic studies	60-120	Master degree diploma	master	VIIA
	Professional studies	60-120	Specialist diploma	specialist	VIIB
Third cycle studies	Doctoral studies	At least 180	Diploma	Doctor of science/ Doctor of Art	VIII

According to the Law on Higher Education, higher education institutions do not charge tuition fees to: students without parents; persons with a first and second degree of disability; persons with war-related disabilities and persons grown up in orphanages. Funds for the tuition fee of these students are ensured from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia. Student’s quotas and diversity of the study programmes at public higher education institutions are carefully planned to fulfill the projections for socioeconomic and regional development, as well as the demographic projections.

Higher Education Institutions can be Universities and Higher Professional Schools. Higher Education Institutions within the university might be Faculty, Art Academy and Higher Professional School as units of the university. The Higher Education Institutions can be public, privatepublic non-profit institutions, and private (profit or non-profit) institutions. By number and categories, the Higher Education Institutions are as follows:

1. 
   Universities
   

• 
  Public 5
  
• 
  Private 11
  

2. 
   Higher professional schools
   

• 
  Public as part of university 1
  
• 
  Private 4
  

3. 
   Research Institutes
   

• 
  Public as part of university 6
  
• 
  Public independent 7
  
• 
  Private as part of university 3
  
• 
  Private independent 12
  

4. 
   Religious__2012/2013'>Religious Higher Education institutions
   

• 
  Faculty of Orthodox Theology
  
• 
  Faculty of Islamic Theology
  

5. 
   Military Academy
   

According to the Law on Higher Education, Public Higher Education Institution as a university and as a unit of the university or as an independent Higher Education Institution is established by the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia by law. Private (profit or non-profit) Higher Education Institution is established by a domestic and foreign legal entity or a person, under the conditions defined in the Law on Higher Education, upon approval of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.

Universities are entitled to provide academic studies of first, second and third cycle; first and second cycle of professional studies; short cycle of studies and courses and to conduct research and applicative activities. Higher professional schools are entitled to provide professional studies of first and second cycle, short cycle of studies and courses and applicative activities. Research Institutes, within universities or independent ones, are entitled to provide academic studies of second and third cycle within the respective scientific fields; courses and to conduct research and applicative activities.

The Faculty of Orthodox Theology and the Faculty of Islamic Theology are recognized as independent Higher Education Institutions established by the Macedonian Orthodox Church and by the Islamic Community in the Republic of Macedonia respectively and are entitled to provide studies in the field of theology.

The Military Academy, established by the Ministry of Defense, provides academic and professional studies, as well as professional courses in the field of defense.

T
Figure 2.
he Republic of Macedonia pays special attention territorial distribution of the population and develops the network of public universities regionally (see Figure 2.). The public and some private universities implement dispersed study programmes in the larger towns.

The largest one, “Ss.Cyril and Methodius” University was established in Skopje in 1949. Study programmes are realized in Macedonian, as well as in the Albanian and English languages. The “St. Clement of Ohrid” University was established in Bitola (SouthWestern region) in 1979. It offers study programmes in Macedonian and English. The State University of Tetovo (NorthWestern region) was established in 2004. It offers study programmes mainly in Albanian, but also in the Macedonian and in the English languages. The “Goce Delcev” University was established in Shtip (Eastern region) in 2008. It offers study programmes mainly in Macedonian, but also in English. The youngest, “St. Apostle Paul” University of Information Science and Technology was established Ohrid (South-Western region) in 2009. It offers study programmes in English.

Private Higher Education Institutions offer study programmes mainly in social sciences, few of them in informatics, robotics, and mining, mainly in Macedonian language but also in Albanian, Turkish and English language. The Franklin University from Ohio, USA and the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana have their branches in the Republic of Macedonia.

Table 21. Distribution of students enrolled in the first cycle

Academic year	Number of students		Distribution by type of higher education institutions (in %)
	Total	females (%)	Public	Private	Religious
2012/2013	56 906	54,5%	86,8%	12,7%	0,5%
2013/2014	57 746	54,5%	88,5%	11,1%	0,5%
2014/2015	59 359	54,2%	87,3%	12,2%	0,45%

Source: State Statistical Office
Table 22. Distribution of graduated students of the first cycle

Year	Number of graduates		Distribution by type of higher education institutions (in %)
	Total	females (%)	Public	Private	Religious
2012	10 392	55,7%	79,03%	20,9%	0,06%
2013	9 480	56,3%	77,1%	22,6%	0,3%
2014	9 863	55,9%	78,5%	21,2%	0,23%

Source: State Statistical Office
Figure 3. Distribution of students enrolled in the first cycle of studies in the period 2008-2013

Source: State Statistical Office

Figure 4. Distribution of the number of graduates of the first cycle

Source: State Statistical Office

• 
  Legislation
  

• 
  Law on Higher Education („Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia“ No.35/08, 103/08, 26/09, 83/09, 99/09, 115/10, 17/11, 51/11, 123/12, 15/13, 24/13, 41/14, 116/14, 130/14, 10/15, 20/15 and 98/15);
  
• 
  Decree on the norms and the standards for establishing of Higher Education Institutions and for performing higher education activities ("Official Gazette" No 103/10, 168/10 & 10/11);
  
• 
  Degree of National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ("Official Gazette" No 154/10);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the content and the form of the diploma, guidelines for preparing the Diploma Supplement and other public documents; ("Official Gazette" No 84/2009, 86/2009);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the manner and conditions for the organization of practical training for students ("Official Gazette" No 120/10);
  
• 
  Rulebook on conditions that a prominent expert in the practice of the relevant area shall fulfill to perform clinical teaching ("Official Gazette" No 120/10);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the form, manner of keeping (in material and electronic form) and content of the register of enrolled students and the general ledger of graduates ("Official Gazette" No 71/2009);
  
• 
  Rulebook for registration of Higher Education Institutions ("Official Gazette" No 71/2009);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the form, content and manner of keeping of the Higher Education Qualifications Register (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia“ No.62/14);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the manner of verifying the compatibility of the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework with European Higher Education Qualifications Framework (self-certification) (13-5986/1; 04.04.2014);
  
• 
  Rulebook on procedure and method for keeping of the higher education activity database ("Official Gazette" No. 65/2013);
  
• 
  Guidelines on criteria for the manner of providing and assessing the quality of the Higher Education Institutions and academic staff ("Official Gazette" No. 67/2013);
  
• 
  Rulebook of the organization, work, method of deciding, methodology for accreditation and evaluation, standards for accreditation and evaluation, and other issues related to the work of the Board for Accreditation Evaluation of Higher Education ("Official Gazette" No. 151/2012);
  
• 
  Rulebook for the compulsory components of the first, second and third cycle study programmes ("Official Gazette" No. 154/2011);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the precise criteria and competences of the Boards for cooperation and trust with the public (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, No. 148/13);
  
• 
  Rulebook on the content, form and manner of maintaining the Registry of Mentors of Master and Doctoral Papers (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, No. 148/13);
  
• 
  Law on Higher Education Institutions for education of teaching staff for pre-school, primary and secondary education (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, No. 10/15, 20/15 and 98/15);
  
• 
  Law on Teachers’ Academy (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, No. 10/15).
  

• 
  Governance
  

The Government of the Republic of Macedonia (website: http://vlada.mk) – decides on quotas for enrolment in the first cycle studies and gives consent for the calls for enrolment of students on the second and the third cycle of studies on the public universities, upon proposals of the universities and the anticipated needs of the labour market. It initiates establishing public higher education institutions and provides consent for establishing private higher education institutions. The laws for establishing public higher education institutions are adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.

Ministry of Education and Science – responsible for higher education policies, providing funds from the National Budget, issuing institutional and study programme working permissions, recognition of higher education qualifications acquired abroad and providing technical support to the Higher Education Accreditation and Evaluation Board (HEAEB). The Ministry maintains a Register of Higher Education Institutions and a Register of Higher Education Qualifications.
Higher Education Accreditation and Evaluation Board – composed of 23 members out of which: nine representatives of the universities (elected by the Inter-University Conference), two members from the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, one representative of the most representative body of the employers, two members of the Interuniversity Students’ Parliament, and nine members appointed by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. The Board is responsible for institutional and study programmes accreditation and for external evaluation of higher education and research institutions (education activities, research activities and academic staff). The work of the Board is based upon the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

Rectors’ Conference of Public Universities and Rectors’ Conference of Private Universities – for the purpose of reviewing and coordinating the matters of mutual importance and interest for carrying out the higher education activity, the public universities establish a Rectors’ Conference of Public Universities consisted of the rectors of the public universities. For the purpose of reviewing and coordinating the issues of mutual importance and interest for carrying out the higher education activity, the private universities establish a Rectors’ Conference of Private Universities consisted of the rectors of the private universities. The Rectors’ Conferences submit proposals for members of the Higher Education Accreditation and Evaluation Board and in the Interuniversity Conference.

Interuniversity Conference – for the purpose of reviewing and coordinating the matters of mutual importance, universities set up an Interuniversity Conference as a public legal body. The Conference is composed of the rectors of the universities, the presidents of the student’ parliaments of the universities, 20 members from the academic-scientific community elected by the senates of the universities, and one member from the directors of the higher professional schools.

University senate – governing and expert organ consisted of representatives of the units of the university, elected from among the professors, scientific counselors and students. The students account for at least 15% of the senate members. Each unit of the university has at least one representative in the senate. The rector is an ex officio member of the senate. The senate elects full professors and creates university policies.

Rector – managing organ and represents the university in the country and abroad. The rector coordinates the higher education, art, research and applied activities and the other activities of the university.

Rector’s Governing Board – composed of the Rector, the vice-rectors, the deans of the faculties, the directors of the schools of higher professional education, the directors of the accredited scientific institutes, and student representatives.

Board for Trust and Cooperation with the Public– composed of representatives of academics, students, chambers, professional associations, local self-governance and the Ministry of Education and Science. Gives opinion and recommendations on study programmes, academic promotions, relevance of the research activities and other activities related to teaching, research and applied work of the university units. The Higher Accreditation and Evaluation Board shall initiate the process of accreditation of a study programme only after receiving opinion from the Board for Trust and Cooperation with the Public.

• 
  Learning outcomes
  

The first, second and third cycle study programmes are designed on the basis of learning outcomes in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. The programmes in all study years consist of up to 60% compulsory subjects, at least 30% elective subjects and 10% free subjects from a university pre-defined list. Subjects in entrepreneurship and innovations are obligatorily included in the 10% of free subjects. The list of free elective subjects is publicly announced.
Example of the learning outcomes for the first and second cycle academic studies in Power Systems of the University “St. Clement of Ohrid” – Bitola is provided in Annex 2. Examples of study programmes based on learning outcomes from the universities of the Republic of Macedonia are provided on the website http://mrk.mk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/LO-for_Bitola.pdf.

• 
  Quality assurance
  

The quality assurance system covers:

• 
  Initial accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes;
  
• 
  Assessment of the quality of higher education activities, management, financing, academic and other activities and priorities, measured by evaluation, and
  
• 
  Other activities and mechanisms through which the quality of higher education is developed and maintained, determined by the law and the acts of the bodies that assess the quality of higher education.  
  

All higher education institutions are obliged to have institutional accreditation and to offer accredited study programmes, as well as to have working permission provided by the Minister of Education and Science. The ac­creditation is performed by the Higher Education Accreditation and Evaluation Board. The Board was established in 2002 and accreditation started in the academic year 2003/04. In line with the amendments to the Law on Higher Education of 2010, which introduced learning outcome based study programmes, all study programmes were re-accredited during the academic year 2011/12. In 2011, the Board undertook also the responsibilities for external evaluation and became Higher Education Accreditation and Evaluation Board. Since October 2011 the Board has affiliated status within ENQA. Nomination of new members of the Board is in progress and will continue the activities in the academic year 2015/16.

Re-accreditation of first- and second-cycle study programmes takes place in a five-year period. Re-accreditation of the third cycle study programmes takes place every three years.

The institutional evaluation covers: self-evaluation, external evaluation and evaluation of the quality of the academic staff. Examples of evaluation reports:

• 
  Self-evaluation and External evaluation reports of the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” – Skopje are available on the link: http://ukim.edu.mk/mk_content.php?meni=155&glavno=1
  
• 
  Self-evaluation reports of the University “Goce Delcev” – Shtip (2007-2012 and 2012-2013) are available of the link: http://ugd.edu.mk/index.php/mk/ugd/zaugd
  
• 
  The website of the South East European University - Tetovo contains a sub-page on quality assurance and management. Link to the website: http://www.seeu.edu.mk/en/about/quality-assurance-management.
  

Implementation of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area is compulsory. The legal basis is established with the bylaws on quality assurance. Depending on subject of the bylaws they are adopted by the Minister of Education and Science, HEAEB or the universities. Certain bylaws are adopted by the Inter-university Conference (e.g. Rulebook for election in academic titles, Rulebook for self-evaluation).

Student examination

The examination assesses whether and to what extent the student has acquired knowledge and understanding, skills and competence which correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific level descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The form and content of the examination reflect the aims and the working methods of the subject and the study programme and enable individual assessment of the achieved learning outcomes by each student separately.

Diploma Supplement

The student, who has fulfilled all obligations according to the study programme for completing higher education of any cycle, receives a Diploma. Integral part of the Diploma is the Diploma Supplement. The content of the Diploma Supplement is prescribed by the Law on Higher Education and the bylaws. It is free of charge and should be automatically issued to graduate students of each cycle. It is issued in Macedonian and in English language. In case when the study programme has been carried out into the languages of the minorities, Diploma Supplement is issued in that language as well.

Example of Diploma Supplement issued by the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” - Skopje is provided on the website: http://mrk.mk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/UKIM_Diploma_Supplement.pdf.

In higher educational and scientific institutions, the State Inspectorate conducts the evaluation and monitoring over the application of the laws and the quality of the higher education. The teaching schools are subject of special supervision of the organization and realization of practical training of students in teaching profession.

Table 23: Tabular presentation of level VA (short cycle) studies

Entry requirements	Person that is awarded with IV level certificate and has passed the state leaving exam or the international leaving exam may enroll. The enrollment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. The procedure and criteria for selection of candidates ensure equal access for all candidates regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other belief, ethnic, national or social and financial status, birth, disability, sexual orientation and age.
Education and training	Lasts one or two years and 60 or 120 ECTS credits are acquired by its completion. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. For all study years, they should consist of compulsory and elective subjects. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE and to possess work permission from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	For the study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions the financing is provided from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected for, has respective research achievements, has competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment of the self-evaluation, and elected as higher education lecturer.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes based.
Assessment and awards	The studies are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme. Examination of the knowledge and understanding, skills and competence is made in order to assess whether and to what extent the acquired qualifications of the student correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific qualification descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The types of knowledge examination, projects, practical exams etc., should reflect the aims of the subject and of the study programme and enable individual assessment of student achievements. The form and content of the assessment should reflect the contents and the working methods of the subject and the study programme. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded a credential (uverenie).
Progression routes	Holders of VA level certificate can enter into the first cycle study programmes.
Labour Market	Yes. The studies provide knowledge and understanding, skills and competence that enable carrying out specialized professions and qualify for direct involvement into the working process.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for trust and cooperation with the public.

Table 24: Tabular presentation of level VIB (first cycle) studies

Entry requirements	Person that is awarded IV level certificate and has passed the state leaving exam or the international leaving exam. The enrollment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. The procedure and criteria for selection of candidates ensure equal access for all candidates regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other belief, ethnic, national or social and financial status, birth, disability, sexual orientation and age.
Education and training	Lasts three years and 180 ECTS credits are acquired by its completion. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. The programmes in all study years consist of 60% compulsory subjects, 30% elective subjects and 10% free subjects from a university pre-defined list. Subjects in entrepreneurship and innovations are obligatorily included in the 10% of free subjects. The list of free elective subjects is publicly announced. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE and to possess work permission from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	The study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions are financed from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected for, has respective research achievements, has competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment of the self-evaluation, and elected as higher education lecturer.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes based.
Assessment and awards	The studies are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme. Examination of the knowledge and understanding, skills and competence is made in order to assess whether and to what extent the acquired qualifications of the student correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific qualification descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The types of knowledge examination, projects, practical exams etc., should reflect the aims of the subject and of the study programme and enable individual assessment of student achievements. The form and content of the assessment should reflect the contents and the working methods of the subject and the study programme. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded with a Bachelor Diploma (диплома) and Diploma Supplement.
Progression routes	Holders of VIB level bachelor diploma can enter into the second cycle study programme.
Labour Market	Yes. The studies qualify the graduates to carry out activities in the respected field of science and higher education, the business world, the public sector and the society at large through applying their scientific and professional competence.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for Trust and Cooperation with the Public.

Table 25: Tabular presentation of level VIA (first cycle) studies

Entry requirements	Person that has gained IV level certificate and passed the state leaving exam or international leaving exam. The enrollment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. The procedure and criterions for selection of candidates for admission in the manner that guarantees the quality of all candidates regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other belief, ethnic, national or social origin, wealth, birth, social status, disability, sexual orientation and age is determined by the higher education institution.
Education and training	The studies last four years and 240 ECTS credits are acquired. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. The programmes in all study years contain of 60% compulsory subjects, 30% elective subjects and 10% free subjects from a university pre-defined list. Subjects in entrepreneurship and innovations are obligatorily included in the 10% of free subjects. The list of free elective subjects is publicly announced. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE and to possess work permission from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	For the study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions the financing is provided from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected for, has respective research achievements, has competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment of the self-evaluation, and elected as higher education lecturer.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes based.
Assessment and awards	The studies are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme. Examination of the knowledge and understanding, skills and competence is made in order to assess whether and to what extent the acquired qualifications of the student correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific qualification descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The types of knowledge examination, projects, practical exams etc. should reflect the aims of the subject and of the study programme and enable individual assessment of student achievements. The form and content of the assessment should reflect the contents and the working methods of the subject and the study programme. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded with a Bachelor Diploma (диплома) and Diploma Supplement.
Progression routes	Holders of VIA level bachelor diploma can enter into second cycle study programme.
Labour Market	Yes. The studies qualify the graduates to carry out activities in the respective field of science and higher education, the business world, the public sector and the society at large through applying their scientific and professional competence.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for trust and cooperation with the public.

Table 26: Tabular presentation of level VIIB (second cycle professional) studies

Entry requirements	Holders of VI level bachelor diploma and fulfilled university entry requirements. The enrollment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. Students with special needs can enroll at level VIIB studies.
Education and training	The studies last one year and 60 ECTS credits are acquired. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. The programmes in all study years contain of 60% compulsory subjects, 30% elective subjects and 10% free subjects from a university pre-defined list. Subjects in entrepreneurship and innovations are obligatorily included in the 10% of free subjects. The list of free elective subjects is publicly announced. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE and to possess work permission from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	For the study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions the financing is provided from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected for, has respective research achievements, has competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment of the self-evaluation, and elected as higher education lecturer.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes based.
Assessment and awards	The studies are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme. Examination of the knowledge and understanding, skills and competence is made in order to assess whether and to what extent the acquired qualifications of the student correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific qualification descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The types of knowledge examination, projects, practical exams etc. should reflect the aims of the subject and of the study programme and enable individual assessment of student achievements. The form and content of the assessment should reflect the contents and the working methods of the subject and the study programme. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded with a Specialist Diploma (диплома за специјалист) and Diploma Supplement.
Progression routes	No direct vertical progression route. Possibility for progression exists upon passing specially tailored additional activities.
Labour Market	Yes. The professional (specialistic) studies provide the graduates with knowledge and understanding, skills and competence that enable them to carry out specialized professions and qualify them for direct involvement into the working process.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for trust and cooperation with the public.

Table 27: Tabular presentation of level VIIA (second cycle academic) studies

Entry requirements	Holders of VI level bachelor diploma and fulfilled university entry requirements. The enrolment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. Students with special needs can enroll at level VIIA studies.
Education and training	The studies last one or two years and 60 or 120 ECTS credits are acquired by completion of the requirements of the study programme. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. The programmes in all study years contain of 60% compulsory subjects, 30% elective subjects and 10% free subjects from a university pre-defined list. Subjects in entrepreneurship and innovations are obligatorily included in the 10% of free subjects. The list of free elective subjects is publicly announced. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE and to possess work permission from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	For the study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions the financing is provided from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected for, has respective research achievements, has competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment of the self-evaluation, and elected as higher education lecturer.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes based.
Assessment and awards	The studies are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme. Examination of the knowledge and understanding, skills and competence is made in order to assess whether and to what extent the acquired qualifications of the student correspond to the aims, competence and academic requirements prescribed by the generic and specific qualification descriptors that determine the learning outcomes of particular study programme. The types of knowledge examination, projects, practical exams etc., reflect the aims of the subject and of the study programme and enable individual assessment of student achievements. The form and content of the assessment reflect the contents and the working methods of the subject and the study programme. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded with a Master Diploma (диплома за магистер) and Diploma Supplement.
Progression routes	Holders of VIIA level master diploma can enter into third cycle (doctoral) study programmes.
Labour Market	Yes. The academic studies qualify the graduates for carrying out activities in the respected field of science and higher education, the business world, the public sector and the society at large by qualifying them to develop and apply scientific and professional competence.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for trust and cooperation with the public.

Table 28: Tabular presentation of doctoral studies (level VIII)

Entry requirements	Holders of VIIA level master diploma and completed university entry requirements. The enrollment is on the basis of a public announcement published by the higher education institution. Students with special needs can enroll at doctoral studies.
Education and training	The third cycle (doctoral) studies last at least three years and 180 ECTS credits are acquired. The study programmes are developed according to the ESG. The study programme mainly covers active research work under mentorship and includes: - organized academic training, containing advanced and vocational courses, - independent research project under mentoring (doctoral project), - international mobility, at least one-week stay, - lectures and other type of communication activities, - publications in international scientific journals and active participation in international events in the area of the doctoral thesis, and - preparation and public defense of the doctoral thesis on the basis of the doctoral project. The doctoral studies in the field of art consist of two parts – doctoral thesis and public presentation of the art work or exhibition. The study programmes are adopted by the Senate of the university upon proposal of the academic-scientific Council. They have to be accredited by the HEAE Board and to possess work permit from the Minister of Education and Science.
Financing	For the study programmes performed by the public higher education institutions the financing is provided from the National Budget. The founder of the private Higher Education Institution provides financing of the study programmes.
Teachers qualifications	Holder of PhD degree in respected scientific area in which he/she is to be elected in the academic title: part-time or full professor, has to have respective research achievements, competence in carrying out particular types of higher education activity, and has a positive assessment from the PhD students within the institutional self-evaluation.
Expected learning outcomes	Study programmes are learning outcomes and research based.
Assessment and awards	The studies of the third cycle are completed by taking all activities in accordance with the study programme, public defense of the doctoral thesis and published at least two scientific papers in scientific journals. After completing the study programme requirements the candidate is awarded with a PhD diploma (диплома за доктор на науки) and Diploma Supplement.
Progression routes	VIII level is the highest one.
Labour Market	Yes.
Quality assurance	Institutional and Study Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation Self-evaluation process External evaluation University ranking State plagiarism system Board for trust and cooperation with the public.