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University and Career Counseling

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing a university involves a series of decisions: what to study, where to study, what a family can realistically afford, and what kind of academic and social environment suits the student.

At NOVA, University and Career Counseling begins in Grade 9, giving students time to explore these questions before they face applications and deadlines.

Counselors help students consider their academic profile, possible fields of study, university environment, location, finances, and personal priorities. The aim is to build a balanced university list based on a thoughtful understanding of the student and the options available.

Starting in Grade 9-10

In Grades 9 and 10, students complete career and psychometric assessments that provide useful information about their academic profile, strengths, preferences, and potential career directions.

The results become a starting point for conversations with their counselor. Students can investigate different fields, ask questions, and reconsider ideas as they learn more about themselves and the opportunities available. Beginning this process early gives them time to make considered choices before university applications begin.

Guidance Through Grades 11–12

Through weekly counseling classes and individual meetings, students move from exploring possible academic and career directions to researching universities and preparing their applications.

As application time approaches, students take greater responsibility for their choices, deadlines, and submissions, with their counselor providing individual guidance throughout the process. Parents are kept informed through workshops on admissions and application procedures for different study-abroad destinations.

Meeting Universities and Learning From Alumni

Through university representative visits and fairs hosted at NOVA or off campus, students can hear directly from admissions representatives, both in person and online.

NOVA alumni are invited to share their experiences of university study, career paths, and life after graduation. These conversations give students practical insight into different institutions, destinations, fields of study, and the transition from school to university.

Irena Filkova

Certified University and Career Counselor

Irena has 22 years of experience as an international school educator and 14 years as a university and career counselor.

She works directly with students and families through all stages of the university exploration and application process, including identifying best fit options, individual university planning, application support for multiple destinations and successful transitioning to university.

Email: irena.filkova@nova.edu.mk
Phone: +389 2 3061 807 ext. 123

Learn more about Irena's bio

Dr. Bela Gligorova

Secondary School Principal and University Counselor

Bela has been part of NOVA for over 20 years, serving the school as a teacher, counselor, and leader.

As Secondary School Principal and an experienced university counselor, she continues to work closely with students while helping shape teaching, learning, and student support across Grades 6–12.
 
Email: bela.gligorova@nova.edu.mk
Phone: +389 2 3061 807 ext. 120
 

Learn more about Bela's bio

Giovani Gatto

Comprehensive & Social-Emotional Counselor

Giovani brings 10 years of experience in psychology and mental health to his work in Social-Emotional Learning and University and Career Counseling at NOVA.

He works closely with Secondary students, helping them strengthen practical skills, make thoughtful choices, and prepare for the transition from school to university and life beyond NOVA.

Email:giovani.gatto@nova.edu.mk                          Phone: +398 2 3061 807 ext.13

Learn more about Giovani's bio

Verified Academic Enrichment Programs

Research and Resources

Where NOVA Students Go Next

Each graduating class makes different choices about where and what to study. Explore recent university acceptances to see the range of institutions and destinations NOVA students have considered as their next step.


Explore University Acceptances

Life @ Nova

University and Career Counseling

Choosing a university involves a series of decisions: what to study, where to study, what a family can realistically afford, and what kind of academic and social environment suits the student.

A large group of graduates in black and gold gowns celebrate on a wooden stage in front of a digital screen, with a green-clothed table and speakers in the foreground.