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Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarships for Student Excellence

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The "Atanas Bliznakoff" Scholarships for Student Excellence are awarded to full-time students enrolled in the initial stage of studies across all faculties at "Ss. Cyril and Methodius University" in Skopje, who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements in their previous educational cycle. In addition, these scholarships are granted to individuals who exhibit remarkable accomplishments and a strong drive for personal and professional growth, particularly those facing financial constraints that hinder their pursuit of higher education.
Open Call 2026

In 2021, Macedonia2025 (Foundation MK2025) was designated to administer the open call for scholarships for 40 high school students embarking on their first year of studies at “Ss. Cyril and Methodius University” in Skopje for the 2021/2022 academic year. That year, instead of the originally planned 40 scholarships, the “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation” in the United States decided to award 132 scholarships for students’ excellence. Each recipient was granted a scholarship of 120,000 MKD per year (equivalent to 2,500 USD). The scholarship remains valid as long as the specified conditions are consistently met, including the completion of the first cycle of studies.

About “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation” in the United States.

On April 18, 1977, Atanas and Slavka Bliznakoff established the “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation.” At the 148th plenary session of the Council of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius University” in Skopje, a decision was made to create this foundation, primarily aimed at granting scholarships to students of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius University” in Skopje. Atanas Bliznakoff, born in 1901 in the village of Kostur in D’mbeni, ventured to the United States in 1920. In 1976, he settled in Skopje and laid the foundation for the “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation.” In the United States, Bliznakoff was an active member of the Macedonian-American People’s Union, dedicated to supporting Macedonia. His foundation holds the distinction of being the first and largest expatriate foundation of its kind. The “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation” in the United States awards these scholarships using proceeds generated from interest and dividends. In 2018, a sister foundation was established in the United States, which unlocked $5 million that had been held since Bliznakoff’s passing in 1998.

As a result, in 2022, Catalyst, a regional foundation headquartered in Belgrade dedicated to fostering and transforming philanthropy in Western Balkan countries, included the Macedonia2025 ABF Scholarship Programs in its “Giving North Macedonia 2021: Report on the State of Philanthropy” as one of the Champions of philanthropy—highlighting charitable initiatives that made a significant impact in 2021. Since 2023, Macedonia2025 has been partnering with the “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation” in the United States to administer upcoming open calls and ensure the continuity of scholarship rights for current scholars. Macedonia2025 wishes to express gratitude to “Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation” in the United States for supporting student excellence in Macedonia.

See Scholarship Recipients

Testimonials

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.

Macedonia2025

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