Western Balkans - Education-to-Work Transition in North Macedonia : Insights from the 2025 Graduate Tracer Survey

Overview & Synopsis

This policy note is intended to inform (i) data-driven decisions on program quotas and study relevance by the Ministry of Education and Science, (ii) the Government’s upcoming Higher Education Strategy, and (iii) the North Macedonia Growth and Jobs Report (Country Economic Memorandum), which includes in-depth analysis of labor market dynamics, productivity, competitiveness, and emerging workforce vulnerabilities. This policy note analyzes the transition from education to employment among tertiary graduates in North Macedonia, with a focus on bachelor’s degree recipients from the 2022-23 cohort. Based on the 2025 Graduate Tracer Survey, the findings reveal that while 67.8 percent of graduates are employed, significant gaps remain in employment quality, inclusion, and alignment between qualifications and labor market demand. Policy recommendations focus on enhancing the labor market relevance of higher education, improving transitions into quality employment, and addressing gender and structural barriers to participation. Key actions include modernizing curricula, expanding career support and internships, strengthening cross-sector coordination, and promoting more equitable access to opportunities through gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches. The analysis and recommendations are cross-sectoral, targeting the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economy and Labor, the National Employment Agency, public and private higher education institutions, and training providers. Close collaboration among these actors will be essential for translating recommendations into coordinated action.