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Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarships for Student Excellence

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Leadership Development Program

The Atanas Bliznakoff Program supports talented, motivated students from Macedonia with financial assistance, professional mentorship, and real opportunities — welcoming them into a community committed to their future.

Applications currently open Apply for the Program

About the Atanas Bliznakoff Program

The Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship Program supports talented and committed students at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM) in Skopje by providing financial assistance and opportunities for personal, academic, and professional development.

The program is designed to help students focus on their studies, develop new skills, build meaningful professional connections, and prepare for their future careers. In addition to financial support, scholars can participate in mentorship activities, training sessions, workshops, networking events, and community initiatives organized by Macedonia2025.

Since 2021, Macedonia2025 has partnered with the Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation to administer the scholarship program, manage the annual application process, and ensure continued support for current scholars. The program builds on the philanthropic legacy of Atanas and Slavka Bliznakoff, who established the Foundation.

Program Impact

Our impact in numbers

Scholarships funded in 4 generations

Mentors Engaged professionals and peer mentors

Internships career opportunities

Training Sessions delivered per year

Alumni Active engaged

UKIM Faculties over 47 study programs

See Scholarship Recipients

Your Path Through the Program

From application to alumni, here’s how the program supports your journey.

Apply

Submit your application through our online portal with academic records and personal statement.

Be Selected

Our selection committee reviews applications based on merit, need, and potential for growth.

Receive Support

Gain access to financial assistance, the MK2025 Mentor Platform, and program resources.

Meet Your Mentors

Connect with peer mentors and senior professionals who guide your development.

Build Skills

Participate in training sessions and workshops tailored to your learning needs.

Access Opportunities

Explore internships and professional experiences with our partner network.

Grow Your Network

Attend events, summits, and networking gatherings with peers and leaders.

Give Back as Alumni

Help empower future scholars and contribute to the program’s growth.

Start Your Scholarship Journey

Support your academic journey through the program

Eligibility

Financial need assessment
Demonstrated academic excellence and strong motivation
Enrolled as full-time student in initial stage of studies at UKIM university, Skopje
Commitment to active participation in program activities

Application Steps

Complete online application form
Submit academic records and transcripts
Provide personal statement (500 words)
Financial documentation for needs assessment
Interview (if selected)

The scholarship is the foundation. What comes next defines the journey.

Beyond financial support, the Atanas Bliznakoff Program provides a complete ecosystem for student development.

Financial Support

Scholarships designed to remove financial barriers and enable talented students to focus on their studies and growth.

Mentorship

Connect with peers and experienced professionals to gain guidance, career insights, build networks, and grow lasting relationships.

Internships & Opportunities

Real-world experience with partner organizations, building workplace skills and professional networks.

Training & Skills

Workshops and sessions covering leadership, communication, digital skills, and professional development.

Networking & Events

Community gatherings, summits, and professional events connecting students with leaders and peers.

Alumni & Community

Long-term engagement and opportunities for graduates to give back and stay connected.

Testimonials

Jana Dukleska

Skopje – Faculty of Economics

One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that being a scholar is not just about excelling in studies, it's about using your potential to uplift others and contribute to positive change. ABF reminded me that with opportunity comes responsibility. To the new scholars: embrace every moment. Stay curious, ask questions, get involved, and don't be afraid to dream bigger than ever before. You are part of something special, make the most of it. I’m deeply grateful to ABF for believing in me. This first year has laid the foundation for everything that comes next, and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.

Aleksandra Davcheva

Skopje – Faculty of Economics

Thanks to the scholarship, I had the honor of being an "Ambassador for a Day" – a moment that I carry with me as a lasting inspiration and motivation. This event allowed me to find myself in a role that requires leadership, communication, and self-confidence. I had the chance to meet the British Ambassador, discuss various topics, and was honored to be a guest of the President of our country. The scholarship not only brought me financial security, it also gave me the courage to believe in myself and strive for more with a sincere desire for progress.

Sabina Gudzevic

Skopje – Faculty of Medicine

Becoming a first-year university student has been one of the most exciting, but also most challenging experiences of my life. Moving away from home for the first time, adjusting to a new environment, and starting a demanding course like medicine came with a lot of pressure and responsibility. To every student thinking about applying, I sincerely recommend it. The scholarship is not only help with money, it is support for your future and your hard work. I am deeply grateful to the foundation for believing in students like me and giving us the chance to succeed. With the right support, achieving your dreams is a step closer.

Iva Parapanski

Skopje – Faculty of Philology

The Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship was a crucial pillar of support throughout my first year of college. It covered my apartment rent and all academic essentials, but more importantly, it lifted the weight of financial stress from my shoulders. Thanks to this generous support, I was able to go through exam sessions with a clear mind, carefree, focused, and fully committed to my studies. I didn't have to worry about rent or expenses; I could simply be a student. I’m deeply thankful for this empowering opportunity, which allowed me to grow academically and emotionally in a pressure-free environment.

Alma Ramadani

Skopje – Faculty of Medicine

This scholarship was not only financial assistance, but also emotional support that gave me the strength to continue pursuing my passion for helping others. For me, speech therapy is a mission and a way to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. This scholarship helped me believe in the path I had chosen. This experience showed me that I can achieve more than I thought I needed to keep going. My advice to anyone who is hesitant: go for it! That opportunity could change your life, just as it changed mine.

Bojana Mitrevska

Skopje – Faculty of Dentistry

I am proud to be a scholarship recipient of the Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation, which supports students by investing in their education and future. This scholarship has provided valuable financial support and recognition of my hard work and dedication. As a dental medicine student, it has allowed me to focus fully on my studies and pursue my academic goals with greater motivation. Knowing that the Foundation believes in me has made the path toward my ambitions much easier. I encourage future students to apply for this scholarship and take a step closer to achieving their dreams.

Nada Spaseska

Skopje – Faculty of Economics

My first year at the Faculty of Economics at UKIM was filled with motivation, challenges, and demanding exam periods. The ABF scholarship supported me not only financially, but also encouraged me to become a better version of myself and never give up. Through this program, I felt supported throughout my academic journey. It helped me stay focused, overcome challenges, and connect with fellow students. My advice to future scholarship recipients is to use this opportunity, remain persistent, and always believe in their potential. ABF is more than a scholarship it is an unforgettable experience that creates valuable opportunities for the future.

Nadica Jovanova

Vinica – Student at the Faculty of Dentistry

It is an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the “Atanas Bliznakoff” foundation. The scholarship is a motivation that provided me with a quality and modern education. There were many challenges, but from today’s perspective, I am grateful for all the difficulties along the way.

Mila Gjorgjevska

Kumanovo – Student at the Hans Em Faculty of Forest Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering

The scholarship from the “Atanas Bliznakoff” Foundation was extremely important for me. It helped me become more productive and motivated in realizing my goals.

Marija Bogoevska

Veles – Student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEIT)

The “Atanas Bliznakoff” scholarship is a great support and motivation during my studies. It encouraged me to strive for better grades and academic success.

Marija Burmuzoska

Krivogashtani – Student at the Faculty of Philosophy

As a child of a single mother, this scholarship is of great importance to me. It helped me focus entirely on my studies without worrying about finances.

Jovana Stojcheska

Prilep – Student at the Faculty of Pharmacy

The scholarship motivated me to continue my education in our country and to work on my personal and professional development.

Kliment Shinikoski

Ohrid – Student at the Faculty of Economics

This scholarship helped me financially and motivated me to put in extra effort during my first year of studies.

Ezana Bekteshi

Skopje – Student at the Iustinianus Primus Law Faculty

The scholarship was the best thing that happened at the beginning of my student life. It motivated me to work hard and believe in myself.

Bisera Serafimova

Sveti Nikole – Student at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy

Being part of this foundation brought motivation not only for the scholarship but for all opportunities that followed.

Anastasija Uzunska

Delcevo – Student at the Faculty of Pedagogy “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Skopje

This scholarship represents huge support and motivation for my studies. It allowed me to fully devote myself to learning.

Hristijan Nedanoski

Ohrid – Student at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The scholarship provided financial security and allowed me to focus solely on my academic responsibilities.

Tijana Ognjanoska

Skopje – Student at the Faculty of Medicine

The scholarship provided trust, support, and motivation during one of the most demanding academic journeys.

Stanisha Stankovic

Kavadarci – Student at the Faculty of Medicine

Investing in the young generation leads to future successful individuals. This scholarship provided secure support throughout my studies.

A Life Defined by Generosity

The Legacy of Atanas Bliznakoff

Atanas Bliznakoff was born in 1901 in the village of D’mbeni, in the Kostur region, and travelled to the United States in 1920. After decades of active involvement in the Macedonian-American community and dedicated support for Macedonia, he returned and settled in Skopje in 1976. There he laid the foundation for this important philanthropic initiative.

The Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation holds the distinction of being the first and largest expatriate foundation of its kind, awarding scholarships through proceeds generated from interest and dividends. In this way, the Foundation continues its legacy of supporting student excellence.

Join the Program and Help It Grow.

Whether you are a student ready to apply, a professional ready to mentor, or an organization ready to create opportunities, there is a place for you in the Atanas Bliznakoff community.

Apply for the Program

Become a Mentor

Offer an Internship

Contact the Team

Macedonia2025