Serbia – What PhD program to study?

Study a Master’s program in Serbia, you have many options ranging from:

Degree system

Serbia follows a three-cycle system:
1. higher education, with Bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years, 180-240 ECTS),
2. Master’s degrees (1-2 years, 60-120 ECTS)
3. PhD studies (minimum 3 years or 180 ECTS).

• Bachelor’s Degrees:
  Can be either three or four years in duration (180 to 240 ECTS).
  Can be at universities or colleges of academic studies.
  Upon completion, students receive a Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s Degrees:
  Lasting one or two years, carrying 60 to 120 ECTS credits.
  Requires a Bachelor’s degree to enroll.
  Students who want to enroll in the master degree programme of 1 year must hold a bachelor degree with 240 ECTS credits.
  Students who want to enroll in the master degree programme of 2 years must hold a bachelor degree with 180 ECTS credits.
• Doctoral/PhD Studies: Minimum three years duration or 180 ECTS.

European Credit Transfer System

Serbia, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is fully implemented in all higher education institutions, serving as a mandatory credit system for all degree programs to ensure transparency, facilitate student mobility, and recognize learning achievements across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Diploma supplement

Serbia, a Diploma Supplement is a document that’s issued alongside a higher education diploma, providing detailed information about the holder’s qualifications and learning outcomes, aiding international recognition of qualifications.

Academic requirements

Bachelor program’s:

1. Secondary Education: A four-year secondary school diploma is a basic requirement.
2. Entrance Exam: You’ll need to pass an entrance examination specific to the chosen program and university.
3. Diploma Recognition: If you obtained your diploma abroad, you may need to go through the diploma recognition process.

Master program’s

1. Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is required.
2. ECTS Credits: Depending on the program, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree that comprises 180 or 240 ECTS credits (corresponding to 3 or 4-year full-time studies respectively).
3. Entrance Exam: An entrance exam is required.
4. Language Proficiency: Some international programs may require proof of English language proficiency.

Doctoral studies

1. Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is required.
2. ECTS Credits: A minimum of 300 ECTS credits are required.
3. Entrance Exam: Many universities also have a separate entrance exam process for doctoral studies.
4. Other Requirements: Additional requirements can include published papers, minimum GPA, etc.

Costs of studying

Studying in Serbia is known for being relatively affordable compared to other European countries
1. Public Institutions: ranges around 1,000 to 3,000 EUR annually.
2. Private Institutions: potentially reaching 7,000 EUR or even higher.
3. Accommodation: range from 50 EUR for a shared room to over 220 EUR for an apartment in the city.
4. Monthly living expenses: averaging 300-500 EUR.
5. Food and Activities: costing 10-20 EUR in Belgrade and less in other cities.

Research in Serbia

Serbian universities offer a compelling blend of a strong tradition in research, particularly in fields like mathematics, computer science, and engineering, with increasing international recognition and opportunities for collaboration.
Serbia offers numerous opportunities for international students pursuing research, with universities like:
1. University of Belgrade
2. University of Nis
3. University of Kragujevac
4. Singidunum University
5. Megatrend University

Scientific research

Serbia is developing an economy driven by science and innovation, with increased investments in research and development and strong connections between science and the economy. Areas of scientific research include physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, medicine, and social sciences, supported by entities like the Science Fund of Serbia and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation.

Student visas for Serbia

Studying in Serbia, you’ll need a Visa D (Long-Stay Visa), which allows you to stay for 90 to 180 days and can be extended based on the course duration, but for this you must be admitted to a Serbian educational institute.

• Visa Type:
  You’re looking for a “Long-Stay Visa” (also referred to as “Visa D”) for studies.
• Purpose:
  This visa is designed for those intending to stay in Serbia for an extended period, including for educational purposes.
• Duration:
  Generally valid for 90 to 180 days, and can be extended based on the duration of your course, if your application is approved.
• Check if you really need a student visa. Usually, if you are an EU-national and want to study in another EU country, you won’t need a visa. Some other non-EU countries may also be exempt from an entry visa, at least for an initial duration;
• Start accessing the websites of the embassy and consulate, in order to get a general picture of the whole “visa-application” thing.