An Opportunity for Ninth-Grade Students Across North Macedonia 

The NOVA Boris Trajkovski Scholarship Program was established in 2005 in honor of the late Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski. Created in partnership with the Boris Trajkovski International Foundation, the program grew from a shared belief in the value of leadership potential, an international outlook, and access to a different educational experience.

The scholarship gives selected ninth-grade students from North Macedonia the opportunity to complete their high school education at NOVA with full tuition support.

Since 2005, 68 students have received full-tuition scholarships through the program.

The 2025-26 academic year marked the 21st year of the partnership.

What to Expect When You Apply

The scholarship selection process allows students to show how they think, communicate, work with others, and approach academic challenges in different ways.

The process takes place in two rounds. In the first round, students respond to a given topic through a video essay and a written reflection about their research experience. Selected applicants are then invited to NOVA for a Selection Day, which includes a teamwork activity and assessments of English language proficiency and mathematics.

Each applicant receives their result by email after the first round.

Have A Look at the 2025–26 Process

Students preparing for the next scholarship cycle can review the previous year’s process and preparation materials to understand what an application involves.

The 2025–26 topic was: Homework in the Age of AI: Still Useful or Time for Change?

Students were asked to consider whether traditional homework remains useful when powerful AI tools are readily available and to suggest how homework could remain meaningful for students and teachers.

Round 1: Video Essay and Reflection

Applicants submitted two pieces of work:

Video essay: A structured visual presentation in which the student develops a point of view, considers different perspectives, and brings their argument to a clear conclusion.

Reflection: A short written account of how the student researched the topic, the steps they took, and what they learned through the process.

Round 2: Selection Day at NOVA

Applicants selected to continue to Round 2 came to the NOVA campus for Selection Day. Students participate in a teamwork activity and complete assessments of English language proficiency and mathematics.

Thinking About Applying?

The scholarship is open to ninth-grade students from public schools from across North Macedonia. You do not need to know NOVA already to consider applying. The preparation materials are there to help you understand the process and what will be expected of you.

The 2026–27 applications will open in December 2026.

Until then, students and families can review the 2025–26 Scholarship Process and Preparation Materials to become familiar with the application.

To learn tips and tricks and have a clearer idea of what the application process entails, students can watch the videos below.