ZAFIROVSKI EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OPEN CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Macedonia2025 invites experienced Macedonian executives, entrepreneurs and business leaders to apply for scholarships under the 2027 Zafirovski Executive Education Program. Selected candidates will participate in the Executive Development Program (EDP) at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA.

The EDP is an intensive, in-person general management and leadership program designed for high-performing executives preparing to assume broader organizational responsibilities and lead through growth, complexity and change.

Open Call at a Glance

Program	Kellogg Executive Development Program (EDP)
2027 sessions	May 2-21, 2027 or October 10-29, 2027
Format and location	In-person at Kellogg’s Evanston and Chicago campuses, Illinois, USA
Total program value	USD 39,500 per participant
Participant contribution	USD 10,500
Application deadline	October 20, 2026
Eligible applicants	Experienced Macedonian executives, managers, entrepreneurs and business owners based in Macedonia
Important financial information The participant contribution represents only part of the total program value. Participants are also responsible for airfare, visa-related expenses, travel insurance, local transportation and personal expenses. Final amounts and payment terms will be confirmed in the Scholarship Agreement.

About the Zafirovski Executive Education Program

Since 2017, Macedonia2025 has provided scholarships through the Zafirovski Executive Education Program to support the development of Macedonian business leaders. The Program aims to strengthen executive leadership capacity, improve organizational performance and contribute to the long-term development of Macedonia’s economy and society.

The Program is made possible through the support of the Robin and Mike Zafirovski Foundation and the partnership with the Kellogg School of Management. Macedonia2025 and the Macedonian business community are deeply grateful for their commitment to developing the next generation of 100 Macedonian business leaders and empowering them to drive progress and prosperity.

Learn more: Zafirovski Executive Education Program

Kellogg Executive Development Program

Kellogg’s Executive Development Program is a comprehensive general management program for experienced leaders preparing to assume broader organizational responsibilities. The curriculum integrates core management disciplines with emerging leadership challenges and equips participants to understand the organization as a whole, make better strategic decisions and lead effectively through uncertainty and disruption.

Key areas of learning include:

• business and corporate strategy;

• leadership, organizational alignment and team motivation;

• finance, marketing, operations and cross-functional decision-making;

• innovation, digital transformation, data and artificial intelligence;

• communication, negotiation and executive presence; and

• leading organizations through complexity, disruption and change.

The learning experience combines faculty-led sessions, case studies, simulations, experiential exercises, peer discussions and collaboration with executives from different countries and industries.

Official program information: Kellogg Executive Development Program or the program’s brochure HERE for more information.

2027 Program Sessions

Session	Dates	Format and location
Spring session	May 2-21, 2027	In-person at the Evanston and Chicago campuses
Fall session	October 10-29, 2027	In-person at the Evanston and Chicago campuses

Scholarships may be awarded for either session. Applicants should indicate their preferred session and, where possible, whether they are available for both. Kellogg will confirm exact schedules, orientation requirements, and campus arrangements.

Program fee coverage: The Kellogg EDP program fee includes tuition, class materials, accommodation and most meals during the program.

The number of scholarships available for 2027 will be determined after applications are received and reviewed, subject to available program resources.

What the Program Offers

• an intensive, 3-week world-class general management and leadership experience;

• learning from distinguished Kellogg faculty and experienced international peers;

• mentoring, networking and experiential learning opportunities;

• development of practical capstone projects relevant to Macedonia;

• recognition as a Zafirovski Fellow and access to the Zafirovski Fellows community;

• Kellogg Executive Scholar benefits, including access to selected alumni network opportunities; and

• ongoing engagement and support through Macedonia2025.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• be a Macedonian executive, manager, entrepreneur or business owner working in a company registered and operating in Macedonia;

• have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience;

• hold a mid-level, senior, C-level or significant business ownership position;

• have responsibility for people, budgets, business functions or strategic decisions;

• demonstrate strong English reading, listening and speaking skills;

• have the full support of their current employer or sponsoring organization;

• be able to attend the full program and participate in all required activities; and

• remain professionally active in Macedonia and contribute to its economic development.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Attendance and Participant Commitments

Selected participants must attend all required Kellogg sessions, fully engage in the learning experience, and free themselves from other professional obligations while the program is in session.

In addition to completing all Kellogg requirements, each scholarship recipient will be expected to:

• prepare and present an individual capstone project addressing a relevant business, economic or societal challenge in Macedonia;

• actively contribute to a group capstone project supporting a selected Macedonia2025 program, initiative or strategic priority;

• participate in Zafirovski Fellows alumni, networking and knowledge-sharing activities;

• share relevant lessons and experiences with the Macedonia2025 community after completing the program; and

• provide information and feedback required for program monitoring and evaluation.

Optional Executive Coaching Package

Participants may select an additional EDP executive coaching package comprising a Hogan leadership assessment and five one-hour individual sessions with an executive coach. The package typically includes one session before the program, two sessions during the program, and two sessions after completion.

Current additional fee: USD 3,800, invoiced separately by Kellogg. The fee is subject to confirmation and change by Kellogg.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the Macedonia2025 Application Assessment Form and submit all required documents by the application deadline. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

Macedonia2025 Application Assessment Form: https://form.jotform.com/240593959757072 

Required Documents

• completed Macedonia2025 Application Assessment Form;

• completed Kellogg EDP Application Form (download the document);

• CV in English, in Europass or a comparable professional format;

• recent high-resolution professional photograph; and

• recommendation from a Zafirovski Fellow, where available (optional but encouraged).

Meet the Zafirovski Fellows: Zafirovski Fellows 

Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed based on:

• the relevance, depth and level of the candidate’s professional and leadership experience;

• the scope of the candidate’s managerial, strategic, organizational and budget responsibilities;

• demonstrated professional achievements and leadership potential;

• motivation and readiness to participate in an intensive international executive program;

• the expected impact on the candidate’s organization, industry and the Macedonian economy;

• commitment to completing all Macedonia2025 program obligations; and

• the candidate’s ability to contribute meaningfully to a diverse international cohort.

Selection Process

1. Administrative review. Macedonia2025 will verify whether each application is complete and whether the candidate meets the basic eligibility requirements.

2. Evaluation by the Selection Committee. Eligible applications will be reviewed and assessed against the published evaluation criteria.

3. Candidate interviews. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with the Selection Committee.

4. Final interview. Finalists will participate in an interview with Mike Zafirovski, Patron of the Zafirovski Executive Education Program.

5. Kellogg approval. Final admission is subject to review and approval by the Kellogg Executive Development Program’s Academic Director.

6. Notification. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process.

Indicative Selection Timeline

Application deadline	October 20, 2026
Administrative review	Latest end of October 2026
Selection Committee review and interviews	Beginning November 2026
Final interviews	Mid-November 2026
Notification of selected candidates	Beginning December 2026

Important Eligibility and Participation Notes

• The call is exclusively open to Macedonian executives, managers, entrepreneurs and business owners based in Macedonia who are committed to advancing their professional careers in the country and contributing to its economic development.

• Applicants who received a scholarship through a Macedonia2025 education program during the three years preceding the application deadline are not eligible to apply.

• In the selection process, priority may be given to qualified applicants from companies that have not previously had an employee receive a scholarship through the Zafirovski Executive Education Program.

• Selected candidates will be required to sign a Scholarship Agreement with Macedonia2025 and pay the participant contribution within the specified deadline.

• Selection is not final until the Scholarship Agreement has been signed, the participant contribution has been paid, and the candidate has received final approval from Kellogg.

• Withdrawal, deferral, transfer to another session and non-refundable costs will be governed by the Scholarship Agreement and the applicable Kellogg policies.

Questions: Nena Manchev, nena@macedonia2025.com