# North Macedonia legal exam language dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-legal-exam-language-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-31T13:32:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In North Macedonia, a dispute has emerged regarding the language used for state professional examinations in the legal sector. 

Minister of Justice Jeton Shasivari proposed a multilingual approach for jurisprudence exams, suggesting that the theoretical portion could be held in Albanian while the practical portion remains in Macedonian. This proposal aimed to find a sustainable solution that complies with the Constitution, though it faced immediate resistance from student representatives who argued for full inclusivity.

Following this, the Student Assembly of the University of Tetovo submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Justice. The assembly is demanding that exams for jurisprudence, notaries, and bailiffs be conducted entirely in Albanian. Students argue that the current Macedonian-only requirement creates inequality and violates the Law on the Use of Languages. They maintain that all examination materials and components must be provided in Albanian to ensure equal professional opportunities.

## Claims

- The Student Assembly of the University of Tetovo is requesting that state professional exams, including jurisprudence, notary, and bailiff exams, be conducted in the Albanian language. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The request was submitted to the Ministry of Justice. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Student Assembly President Gent Kurtishi stated the issue is directly related to the right to use the Albanian language and principles of equality and non-discrimination. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The students are calling for the full implementation of the Law on the Use of Languages, specifically citing Article 23, paragraphs 4 and 5. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The issue has been addressed to the Ministry of Justice and other competent institutions several times over the last two years without a concrete solution. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Students are requesting that exams, preparation materials, and all components be available in the Albanian language. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: University of Tetovo students demand state exams in Albanian

The University of Tetovo Student Assembly is requesting that North Macedonia's Ministry of Justice allow state professional exams, such as those for lawyers and notaries, to be held in the Albanian language.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-tetovo-students-demand-state-exams-in-albanian

### 2026-08-26: North Macedonia Justice Minister proposes multilingual jurisprudence exam

North Macedonia's Justice Minister proposes a multilingual jurisprudence exam, but students at Mother Teresa University reject the plan, demanding both theory and practice be held in Albanian.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-justice-minister-proposes-multilingual-jurisprudence-exam

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Cite as: North Macedonia legal exam language dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-legal-exam-language-dispute