High school graduates, who have passed state final exams, can apply for enrollment at state universities throughout FYRMacedonia on Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are 27,046 places available for freshmen year in 2010/2011 in the five state universities in Skopje, Bitola, Tetovo, Stip and Ohrid.

Tuition fees have been considerably reduced this year - the most expensive fee is 400 euros, while in past years it was up to 1,200 euros.

- Due to the reduction of tuition fees, I expect this year an increasing number of citizens to pursue their education in higher educational institutions. There's a strong link between the percentage of university graduates and the economic growth and development of the country. This is significant because there is an unfavourable educational structure in Macedonia that directly affects the unemployment rate, Minister of Education and Science Nikola Todorov has told a press conference.

Selected candidates will enroll on 30-31 Aug.

Minister Todorov said he expected a considerable turnout within the Ministry's "Project 45", which enables adults (women over 35 and men over 45) to enroll at universities.