How BRAINSTER NEXT
Was Created
A story about education, people,
persistence, and one naive idea.
Brainster NEXT is
The fastest-growing applied higher education institution in the region that now offers 3 accredited Bachelor study programmes. As of 2026/27, the college will host 300 active students, backed by 250 partner companies providing employment and internships, and more than 40 university partnerships for those who continue to master’s studies.
Brainster Next College was created with a mission to educate, inspire, and support innovative and creative young leaders and entrepreneurs from Macedonia who want to change the world.
2014
The college
I couldn’t find.
In 2014, our founder, Petar Ninovski, was working for Johnson Controls — a large international technology company.
“Life seemed perfect — a great salary, a great career, a great job.”
But something was missing.
What was missing was high-quality, modern education where Petar could continue developing his skills. That kind of education did not exist in Macedonia.
That was when the idea for Brainster was born.
“One day, I want to build the kind of education I could not find myself. One day, I want to make Macedonia recognized for high-quality education.” – Petar Ninovski
2015
The beginnings
Petar decided to leave the stable, well-paid job to establish Brainster.
The first groups of students started in October 2015.
Just 100 students, an excellent team of employees, modern programmes, and collaboration with companies so students could work on real projects and find employment.
This was a fast success, but not the final goal. The rest is history.
2020
The largest educational institution
by number of enrolled students
With 1,250 enrolled students in 2020, Brainster became the country’s largest non-formal educational institution.
Students delivered 400 different projects for companies.
In some weeks, as many as 50 students were hired in a single week.
2021
Accreditation process
Brainster Next was established as a private accredited higher education institution.
The accreditation process lasted 2 years.
The process began in November 2020. In January 2021, Brainster Next received approval from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to establish a higher education institution.
In September 2021, the Accreditation Board issued a decision accrediting the institution.
In July 2022, the first undergraduate study programme, Software Engineering and Innovation, was accredited, after which the Ministry of Education and Science issued the decision for Brainster Next to begin operations.
A long process. But worth it.
2023
Top 500 companies by profit
in Macedonia
Faster than expected, Brainster entered the list of the
top 500 most profitable companies.
This is proof of financial stability, responsible management, and the trust of students, parents, and partners.
2025
Recognition of
quality in Europe
Brainster opened its third company, NU High School Academies.
Beyond generating strong interest in Macedonia, NU also began operating in Slovenia through a franchise model, meaning students in Slovenia are now studying a 100% Macedonian curriculum.
Imagine that: instead of exporting brains, we are exporting knowledge. This was a major achievement for both Brainster and Macedonia.
2026
Three accredited Bachelor's programmes. 100% employed students
Brainster Next is the fastest-growing college in the region and now offers 3 accredited study programmes.
This year, the college will have more than 300 active students, 250 partner companies for student employment and internships, and more than 40 university partnerships for students who decide to continue with their master’s studies.
100% of the first generation of graduates are already employed.
- What is next for Brainster Next?
2030
What Will Stay the Same? What Will We
Improve? And What Will We Change?
What will stay the same?
We will keep our education concept:
- A lot of work on real projects and a lot of internships,
- Building a portfolio throughout the studies,
- Participation in hackathons and workshops,
- Teamwork,
- Support for students in finding employment and internships,
- A lot of competitions,
- Studying artificial intelligence and new technologies,
- Supporting students throughout the study process,
- Cooperation with international universities for continued master’s studies
What will we improve?
The biggest challenge we are currently facing is that only 5% of our students start a business. At the moment, 70% of our graduates choose employment, while 25% decide to continue with master’s studies.
The percentage of students who start a business is lower than expected. This is where Brainster Next must improve.
Starting from September 2026, investments and projects are planned to motivate students to start their own businesses.
What will we change?
- Starting from 2027, Brainster Next plans to begin enrolling international students.
- Brainster Next is investing in a new technology campus. From September 2026, all our current and future students will move to the new campus.
- The campus is envisioned as a technology hub, not as a traditional faculty space.
- And one big surprise that we are still not revealing. But it will change everything for our students.
