7 answers, 2 from North Macedonia's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
174,040 pupils were enrolled in regular primary and lower secondary schools in North Macedonia at the start of the 2025/26 school year, 3.6% fewer than a year earlier, according to the State Statistical Office. Upper secondary schools had 67,540 pupils, up 0.6%.
There were 927 regular primary and lower secondary schools and 128 upper secondary schools. 17,921 children started first grade. The figures cover regular schools only, not special schools or adult education.
55,036 students were enrolled in first-cycle (undergraduate) studies in North Macedonia in the 2025/26 academic year, 2.8% more than the year before, according to the State Statistical Office. 59.9% were women, and 77.8% studied at state institutions.
Health and social protection was the largest field, with 14,088 students. 14,995 students enrolled in the first year for the first time. Master's and doctoral students are counted in separate SSO releases.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
94.9%: that is net primary school enrolment in North Macedonia for 2017, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 95.7%, and North Macedonia placed 29th highest of 45. Worldwide: 62nd of 134.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, gross secondary school enrolment in North Macedonia was 90.1% in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 82.4% (2020) to 91.5% (2022). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 102.3%, and North Macedonia placed 42nd highest of 48. Of 138 countries with 2023 data, 84th highest.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross tertiary enrolment in North Macedonia at 55.0% in 2023. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 75.9%, and North Macedonia placed 39th highest of 49. Worldwide: 58th of 120.
In 2017, the number of primary pupils per teacher in North Macedonia was 15, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2005 it has ranged from 14 (2015) to 19 (2005). Europe & Central Asia median: 13; North Macedonia is 16th highest of 39. World rank, highest first: 87th of 130.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the primary completion rate in North Macedonia was 95.8% in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 98.4%; its low point was 2020, at 90.4%. It is 33rd highest of 42 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 97.9%. Of 131 countries with 2023 data, 69th highest.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error