Frequently asked questions

1. What is Study in Serbia?

Study in Serbia is an initiative aimed at supporting international students interested in pursuing their studies in Serbia. It serves as a one-stop resource for detailed information on the country’s educational system, available study programmes, and practical aspects of living in Serbia. Through this initiative, foreign students can access personalized guidance on the application process, visa requirements, and cultural insights. Study in Serbia also promotes Serbian higher education institutions, ensuring that prospective students receive accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions about studying in Serbia.

2. What services do you offer?

Study in Serbia provides a range of information to help students worldwide learn about studying at Serbian higher education institutions. Our primary goal is to guide prospective international students by offering reliable information on study programmes, tuition fees, living costs, and student life in Serbia. We engage with students through multiple communication channels, including email (studyinserbia@tempus.ac.rs), Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp (+381 62 8818310), allowing for quick responses and personalized support.

It is also important to note that Study in Serbia is an initiative, not a higher education institution, so we don’t participate in the application and selection process, which is handled by institutions themselves. Our role is to guide and support students throughout their exploration of study opportunities in Serbia, helping them make informed choices as they begin their academic journeys.

3. How much do your services cost?

Our services are entirely free of charge. Study in Serbia is dedicated to supporting international students by providing accessible, accurate, and comprehensive information without any financial obligation. Our primary goal is to help students navigate their study options in Serbia with ease, offering guidance and answering questions without any hidden costs or fees. Whether you're seeking advice on application processes, exploring study programmes, or looking for information about life in Serbia, you can rely on our team to provide assistance and resources at no cost.

4. Why should I study in Serbia?

Serbia is a popular destination for international students, offering a blend of high-quality study programmes, affordable living, and unique cultural experiences. Serbian universities offer a range of well-regarded programmes in the English language, at all study levels and in a range of fields. Students are also drawn to Serbia’s welcoming and hospitable people, great student life, and scenic landscapes. With a lively social scene, festivals, and rich traditions, studying in Serbia is both memorable and fulfilling. Additionally, Serbia’s location in Europe allows for convenient travel to nearby countries. For more reasons to study in Serbia, check out our blog post on reasons to study in Serbia.

5. I want to study in Serbia, but don’t know where to start…

To start your journey, explore the wide range of study programmes offered by Serbian universities in the Study in Serbia catalogue or on our website. Currently, there are over 170 programmes at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, taught entirely or partially in English. Each programme listing provides essential information, including tuition fees, study duration, academic levels, and contact details. Once you find a programme that interests you, reach out to the institution directly for specific details on academic requirements and the admissions procedure. Please note that the requirements may vary depending on the level of study, programme and institution of your choice. For a general overview, you’ll find a 12-step guide to enrolment in the Study in Serbia catalogue.

6. Is it also possible to study in English?

Yes! Serbia offers a variety of study programmes in English across all academic levels – undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral. There are currently over 170 programmes available, either entirely or partially taught in English, covering a wide range of fields such as medical sciences, engineering, business, economics, natural sciences and humanities. You can explore these options in the Study in Serbia catalogue, which lists each programme with details on tuition fees, duration, and other essential information.

7. What are the requirements to enrol in a study programme?

Requirements may vary depending on the level of study, programme and institution of your choice. In general, for a bachelor’s programme you need a four-year secondary school diploma and to pass the entrance exam. For a master’s programme you need a bachelor’s degree that comprises 180 ECTS credits (3-year full-time studies) or 240 ECTS credits (4-year full-time studies) and to pass the entrance exam. For PhD programmes both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree are required (a minimum of 300 ECTS credits in total).

8. Do I need a IELTS or TOEFL certificate?

In most cases, students are not required to provide an IELTS or TOEFL certificate to study in Serbia. However, as classes are conducted in English and the study materials are in English, having a strong command of the language is essential for success. We recommend that students have proficiency equivalent to a B1 or B2 level, which ensures they can fully engage with lectures, coursework, and academic requirements.

9. How can I get my diploma recognized?

If you are applying for an undergraduate programme in Serbia, your high school diploma should be recognized by an authorized national body – the ENIC/NARIC Centre in the Republic of Serbia. This centre evaluates and confirms the equivalence of foreign diplomas, ensuring your qualifications meet the standards required for higher education in Serbia. For students continuing their studies at the postgraduate level, contact the chosen institution (university or academy) to start the recognition process of your previous degrees. This process can be time-consuming, so reach out to the relevant institutions well in advance.

10. What is ECTS and why do I need it?

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, or ECTS for short, is a standard means of comparing academic credits across Europe. It facilitates the transfer of learning experiences between institutions, promoting greater student mobility and flexible routes to earning degrees allowing students to move between countries and institutions with their credits recognized. In a standard academic year, 60 ECTS credits represent a full year of study or work. These credits are typically divided into several smaller modules, each reflecting the workload required. For more information on ECTS please click here.

11. Can I transfer my study credits to a university in Serbia and complete the programme?

Yes, transferring credits to a university in Serbia is possible. If you’ve started your studies abroad and wish to continue in Serbia, your first step is to identify a suitable study programme and higher education institution where you’d like to transfer. Once you find a programme, feel free to check its website and contact the person in charge of the programme. They can provide you with specific information on their transfer policies and procedures, as well as advise you on which year of study you would be placed in based on your previous coursework. This process can be time-consuming, so it's recommendable to reach out to the relevant institutions well in advance.

It is important to note that obtaining a diploma from another university does not guarantee automatic acceptance or transfer of credits to a Serbian university. Each university has its own policies regarding transfer credits, and you may need to complete additional coursework or meet other requirements in order to receive a Serbian degree.

12. What is the academic calendar for universities in Serbia?

The academic year at Serbian higher education institutions typically starts in September or October and concludes in June. It’s divided into two main terms: the winter term, running from autumn until January or February, followed by the summer term, ending in June. Throughout the academic year, institutions usually offer six exam periods to accommodate students’ assessment needs. The first two examination periods occur in January and February, the next two in June and early July, and the final two at the end of July and August. This schedule provides flexibility for students to prepare and complete exams in stages, allowing for a balanced approach to their academic workload. However, specific dates can vary, so students are encouraged to check the academic calendar of their chosen institution.

13. How long will my degree course take if I study in Serbia?

The average length for degree programmes in Serbia is:

• Bachelor's degree programme: 3-4 years
• Master's degree programme: 1-2 years
• Doctorate/PhD: 3 years

14. What are the tuition fees per year for international students?

Tuition fees for international students in Serbia are paid annually and generally range from 750 EUR to 20,000 EUR, depending on the programme and institution. These fees cover 60 ECTS credits per year and grant students access to university or college facilities, including computer labs, libraries, and other essential study services. However, the cost of books and study materials is typically not included in the tuition fees. While study material costs vary by programme, they rarely exceed 100–250 EUR per year. This makes it manageable for students to acquire necessary resources.

15. Where do I find information on scholarships?

The Study in Serbia initiative does not directly provide scholarships, loans, or financial support to international students. However, certain opportunities may be available within the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, which sometimes offers scholarships for short-term student exchanges (but not for full degree programmes). To participate in Erasmus+, you must already be enrolled at a higher education institution in your home country, so we recommend contacting your institution to see if they are part of this programme and to learn more about applying. Additionally, some scholarships may be accessible through bilateral agreements between Serbia and other countries. For detailed information on these potential opportunities, please visit the following link.

16. Do I need a visa to study in Serbia?

You may need a visa to study in Serbia, depending on your country of origin. If you are coming to take an entrance exam, you should apply for a short-term visa, often referred to as an entrance visa. You can check here to see if you require a visa to enter Serbia, and if so, check with the nearest Serbian consulate  for the necessary documents to obtain a short-stay visa. After passing the entrance exam and enrolling in a Serbian university, you will need to apply for a type D visa, also known as a student visa, at a Serbian consulate before beginning your studies. Once you arrive in Serbia, you must register at the nearest police station and apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit, valid for one year, requires renewal annually, and typically involves submitting documents like your enrolment certificate, passport, and a small fee.

17. Will I be able to work during my studies?

For students looking to earn extra money, gain work experience or build their resume, Serbia offers ample opportunities. There are various student-friendly jobs available, and youth cooperatives can assist in finding flexible positions that accommodate academic schedules. Part-time work allows students to engage with the local community, experience Serbian work culture, and practice their language skills in real-world settings.

18. What are the living costs for international students in Serbia?

Studying in Serbia is not only affordable in terms of tuition but also in terms of living expenses. Average monthly living costs range between 700 and 950 EUR, including accommodation, utilities, transportation, and other necessities. For even more savings, students can opt to stay in student dormitories, where shared rooms cost around 200 EUR per month. For other expenses, such as food, traveling and leisure activities, you will need to set aside around 250 EUR monthly.

19. How do I find accommodation in Serbia?

We recommend finding accomodation before you move to Serbia, since it could be easier for you to settle in before your programme starts. Our aim is to help as much as we can, so we have dedicated a whole page on our website to housing for international students. Make sure to check it out because you will find some useful info on student accommodation and other tips and tricks for moving to Serbia! 

20. Do I need to know Serbian?

No, fluency in Serbian is not a requirement for studying in Serbia, as many higher education institutions offer a wide range of programmes in English. Additionally, most locals, particularly in urban areas, have a good command of English, making daily interactions manageable for non-Serbian speakers. Nevertheless, learning some Serbian can be beneficial if you wish to immerse yourself more fully in the local culture or if you plan to participate in social activities and connect with the community.

21. Do you offer any Serbian language coursers?

We do not offer any Serbian language courses, but we would like to direct you to some schools that do! The list of schools offering classes both in person and online can be found using the following link. For further details and enrollment information, we encourage you to visit the school’s website directly.

22. Do Serbian universities offer a preparatory year to learn the Serbian language?

Serbian universities do not currently offer a preparatory year specifically for learning Serbian. If you are interested in enrolling in a programme taught in Serbian, you would need to learn the language independently before applying. However, for many students, learning Serbian is not a requirement, as a wide selection of programmes is available in English, covering all academic levels and various fields of study.

23. We are recruitment agents and we want to collaborate with you. How can we?

While we do not form partnerships with education or recruitment agencies, we welcome you to refer students directly to the Study in Serbia catalogue or website, where they can find extensive information on studying opportunities in Serbia. It is worth noting that many Serbian higher education institutions have longstanding international partnerships with educational and scientific organisations worldwide, facilitated through various frameworks such as bilateral agreements, Erasmus+, research projects, summer schools, public-private partnerships, and joint study programmes. If you are interested in establishing collaborations with specific Serbian institutions, we recommend consulting our database of higher education institutions actively seeking international cooperation via the following link.