Higher education in Serbia at a glance
Serbia is one of Europe's most accessible study destinations: low tuition, a welcoming environment and simple entry rules. The system's flagship is the University of Belgrade, ranked in the global top 500, joined by the universities of Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. Degrees follow the Bologna structure - bachelor's, master's, doctorate. Public universities teach in Serbian; private schools and selected programs run in English.
Advantages of studying in Serbia
- Some of the lowest tuition in Europe - from €1,400 a year.
- University of Belgrade in the world's top 500.
- Visa-free entry for many countries; study grants a residence permit.
- Serbian is quick to learn for Slavic-language speakers.
- Low living costs: €400-700 a month in Belgrade.
Tuition
Bachelor's programs for international students start around €1,400 a year; technical faculties of the University of Belgrade charge from €2,500. Master's programs start at €1,500, doctorates at €2,500. Belgrade living runs €400-700 a month; Novi Sad and Niš cost less.
| Expense | Budget for |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | from €1,400 / year (Belgrade technical faculties from €2,500) |
| Master's | from €1,500 / year |
| Doctorate | from €2,500 / year |
| Living in Belgrade | €400-700 / month |
How to apply
- Choose the university and language. Public universities teach in Serbian (usually B2 or a preparatory course); private schools and selected programs teach in English.
- Nostrification. Foreign school certificates and diplomas must pass official recognition - start it several months before applying.
- Entrance exams. Public universities run subject exams; the main application waves are June-July and September.
- Submit documents. Recognized certificate, language confirmation, passport; private universities admit on documents and an interview.
- Move and residence permit. After enrollment students receive a study-based residence permit for the whole program.
Admission with an 11-year school certificate
An 11-year certificate is accepted directly once it passes nostrification - no preparatory year required. Public universities decide by subject exam, private ones by documents. If you're heading for a Serbian-taught program, pair the language course with the nostrification process. Comparisons - in our guide.
Master's degrees in Serbia
A bachelor's diploma is accepted directly after recognition. At €1,500+ a year Serbia is one of the cheapest routes to a European master's degree - and a study permit simplifies legal residence for the family.
FAQ
Citizens of many countries enter visa-free; after enrollment students receive a residence permit based on study, valid for the program duration.
Yes - once the certificate passes nostrification, you apply straight to bachelor programs. Public universities hold subject exams; private ones admit on documents.
Bachelor programs start at €1,400 a year (Belgrade technical faculties from €2,500), master programs at €1,500. Living in Belgrade runs €400-700 a month.
For public universities - yes, usually B2 or a preparatory course; Slavic-language speakers pick it up fast. Private schools and selected programs teach in English.
The official recognition of a foreign certificate or diploma in Serbia. It takes time, so start several months before the application deadline.
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