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Serbia as your study destination because it offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other countries. One notable aspect is the affordability of education. Compared to many other countries, Serbia provides quality education at lower tuition fees, making it a budget-friendly option for international students.
Serbia is located in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, in the south-eastern part of Europe. The Currency of the Republic of Serbia is Serbian dinar (RSD). Serbia borders Hungary to the north, Romania and Bulgaria to the east, Macedonia to the south, and Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro to the west. All citizens have equal rights and responsibilities and enjoy full national equality. Roots to the Serbian education system date back to 11th and 12th centuries when first Catholic colleges were founded in Vojvodina (Title, Bac). Medieval Serbian education however was mostly conducted through the Serbian Orthodox Monasteries. This centuries-long position in the path of conquering armies from both sides has led to constant migrations and the mixing of populations. The people of Serbia have a more comprehensive education, a more contemporary approach to life, better knowledge of foreign languages and more readily accept new technologies and behaviors.
Serbia is often overlooked as a go-to destination, with people opting for its neighbor, Croatia. However, the country has plenty to offer -including a fascinating capital city that boasts a rich cultural life. Being overlooked has its advantages for students, though, as the current lack of visitors has kept prices low. The people are friendly, the food is good, and the nightlife is bustling. Higher education in Serbia is still developing but there are some popular universities which include: University of Belgrade, State University of Novi Pazar, and University of Arts also in Belgrade.
Here are compelling reasons to consider studying in Serbia:
1. Diverse Nation in Central Europe: Serbia’s central location in Europe offers a diverse cultural experience, blending Eastern and Western influences.
2. High Standard of Education: Serbian universities provide a high standard of education with modern facilities, ensuring students receive quality learning experiences.
3. Abundance of Universities: With 17 universities (eight public and nine private), offering a wide range of faculties, students have ample choices for their academic pursuits.
4. Excellence in Math and Computer Sciences: Serbia boasts a rich history of excellence in math and computer sciences, fostering a strong pool of engineering talent.
5. Growing Information Technology Sector: The country’s growing IT sector, including software development and outsourcing, presents promising career opportunities for students in technology-related fields.
6. Internationally Accredited Diplomas: Diplomas earned in Serbia are internationally accredited, providing students with global recognition for their qualifications.
7. Direct Admission to Medical School: Students can enter medical school directly from high school, streamlining the path to a medical degree.
8. Accelerated Medical Studies: Medical degrees can be obtained in six years, a shorter duration compared to many other countries, including those in Europe.
9. Cultural Enrichment: Studying at an international university in Serbia offers a unique cultural experience, broadening horizons and exposing students to new languages and perspectives.
10. Personal Growth and Academic Achievement: Studying abroad fosters independence, cultivates new friendships, and promotes academic success, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Serbia presents an excellent opportunity for international students seeking quality education with globally recognized degrees. Its top-performing universities offer programs in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics, providing a strong foundation for careers across Europe.
Moreover, education in Serbia is relatively affordable compared to other countries, with average annual school fees around 2500 EUR or 2900 USD. The Serbian government and private organizations also offer scholarships to support foreign students.
Beyond academics, Serbia offers a rich cultural experience, with its medieval architecture, long-standing traditions, and vibrant social scene. Despite its Old Continent charm, the country embraces cultural diversity and modern ideas, making it an inviting destination for international students.
Established in 1808, the University of Belgrade stands as Serbia’s oldest and premier educational institution, renowned for its excellence in academia. Comprising 31 faculties, 11 research institutes, and seven university centers, it offers comprehensive programs in various disciplines, including social sciences, medical sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
Consistently excelling in global university rankings, particularly in physics and mathematics, the University of Belgrade boasts a distinguished faculty of over 4,800 academic staff members and a diverse student body of over 97,000 enrolled students from around the world.
While rooted in tradition, the university has evolved to meet the demands of modern education, blending historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities. This dedication to innovation while preserving heritage solidifies the University of Belgrade as a flagship institution of Serbian higher education.
The University of Novi Sad stands as the second-largest public university and a key research institution in Serbia. With over forty-six thousand students enrolled in diverse disciplines ranging from medical and natural sciences to engineering and fine arts, it offers a comprehensive educational experience. Specialized institutes within the university focus on areas like forestry, food technology, and the fusion of agriculture with ICT. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, modern libraries, including the renowned Matica Srpska Library, and campus accommodation, along with access to the Student Healthcare Institute.
Founded in 1965 under the auspices of the University of Belgrade, the University of Niš serves as a premier state-governed institution in Serbia. Positioned as the academic hub for Eastern and Southern Serbia, it offers a diverse array of study and research opportunities across 13 faculties, specializing in disciplines such as Medicine, Engineering, and Law & Economics. With a rich history spanning over half a century, the university has proudly conferred degrees upon more than 75,000 graduates, including nearly 2,000 international students.
Over the past decade, the University of Niš has earned numerous national and international accreditations, affirming its commitment to excellence in professional work, research endeavors, and the delivery of quality study programs. Renowned for its esteemed faculty and rigorous academic standards, the university stands as a formidable institution, comparable to its counterparts worldwide.
The University of Kragujevac, situated in Serbia’s automotive industry hub, stands as one of the largest public universities in the region. Offering over 100 courses across various disciplines including natural and social sciences, engineering, medicine, and the arts, it provides a comprehensive educational experience. With 12 faculties and several research and education centers dedicated to career development and business support, the university fosters academic excellence and innovation.
International students are warmly welcomed at the University of Kragujevac, joining a diverse community that includes students from the United States and European Union member countries. The university actively supports international mobility through programs such as Erasmus+ and TEMPUS, facilitating enriching academic and cultural exchanges.
Established in 2006, the State University of Novi Pazar is one of Serbia’s youngest universities, yet it has quickly established itself as a prominent institution of higher education. As the only integrated university in the country, SUNP brings together technical sciences, philosophy, and law & economics, offering a comprehensive educational experience.
With over 50 accredited study programs across ten departments and a student body exceeding 4,000, SUNP fosters inclusivity and diversity within its campus community. Recognizing the importance of internationalization, the university actively supports staff and student mobility and maintains partnerships with universities worldwide. International students can anticipate a multicultural and open-minded environment at SUNP, enriched by global perspectives and opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Schools in Serbia offer programs in different subject areas. The overall Best Global Universities rankings evaluate nearly 50 subject areas, including oncology, physics and computer science. See how schools in Serbia rank for subjects you’re interested in studying.
The Serbian higher education system conforms to European standards set forth in the Bologna Process and uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Serbian institutions award the traditional three tiers of degrees, bachelor’s, master’s (sciences or arts) and doctor of science. Most courses are taught in Serbian, but some programs and courses are available in English. International students who plan to study in Serbia must normally take one year of language training in Serbia prior to beginning studies in their academic discipline.
There are two types of studies in the Serbian system of higher education:
• academic studies, organized mainly at universities, and
• applied studies, organized either at colleges of applied studies or at universities.
Serbia joined the Bologna Process in 2003 and thus initiated a gradual reform process, which received its legal support in 2005 by the adoption of a new Law on Higher Education. This law formally introduced the European Credit Transfer System, three-cycle system of study and diploma supplement. From 2007/08 all new students study under the new reformed study program at all higher education institutions.
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year study which completes after four years of consecutive full-time study. Graduate students who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree course to further their career either in industry or education will undoubtedly attend a university which they have chosen to aid them academically. After which students will commit to a full-time four-year study program, only after completing their selected course over a consecutive number of four years of uninterrupted successful full-time study, resulting in graduates preselected subject being completed and meeting the approval of the final examining body, postgraduates will be awarded the status of bachelor by the university.
The most popular Bachelor disciplines in Serbia.
DISCIPLINE | UNIVERSITIES |
Computer Science | 27 |
IT | 25 |
Management | 21 |
Engineering | 17 |
Economics | 16 |
Law and Jurisprudence | 16 |
Arts | 14 |
Education and Teaching | 13 |
Business | 13 |
Finance and Banking | 11 |
Design | 11 |
Administration | 10 |
Sports | 9 |
Health | 9 |
Environmental Studies | 9 |
Technology | 9 |
Applied Sciences and Professions | 8 |
Programming | 8 |
Medicine | 8 |
PR | 7 |
Psychology | 7 |
Media Communications | 7 |
Mathematics | 7 |
Accounting | 7 |
Philology | 7 |
Why seek a master’s degree? Many graduates seek master’s degrees to advance in their chosen fields as well as earning the advantage of receiving a higher salary. Postgraduates sit master’s degrees to change career fields. For example, let’s say a graduate student has earned a bachelor’s degree in English, but now they have decided to become a counsellor: complete a master’s degree in counselling. A master’s degree will allow students to develop expertise in a new area, there are a great many opportunities for graduate study at the master’s level and there is both consistency and variety in programs and thus the ability to enter a new career.
The most popular Master disciplines in Serbia.
DISCIPLINE | UNIVERSITIES |
Computer Science | 18 |
IT | 16 |
Economics | 15 |
Law and Jurisprudence | 14 |
Management | 14 |
Arts | 11 |
Engineering | 11 |
Education and Teaching | 11 |
Business | 10 |
Finance and Banking | 7 |
Health | 7 |
Sports | 7 |
Programming | 7 |
Design | 6 |
Administration | 6 |
Biology | 6 |
Psychology | 6 |
Philology | 6 |
Physics | 6 |
Mathematics | 6 |
Medicine | 6 |
Earth Sciences | 5 |
Agriculture | 5 |
Chemistry | 5 |
Technology | 5 |
The most popular PhD disciplines in Serbia.
DISCIPLINE | UNIVERSITIES |
Computer Science | 13 |
IT | 11 |
Law and Jurisprudence | 11 |
Management | 11 |
Economics | 11 |
Arts | 8 |
Engineering | 7 |
Programming | 6 |
Business | 6 |
Finance and Banking | 6 |
Education and Teaching | 5 |
Medicine | 5 |
Health | 5 |
Sports | 5 |
Philology | 5 |
Psychology | 5 |
Biology | 5 |
Physics | 5 |
Mathematics | 5 |
Tourism | 4 |
Architecture | 4 |
Chemistry | 4 |
Natural Sciences | 4 |
Dentistry | 4 |
Design | 4 |
Serbia joined the Bologna Process in 2003 and thus initiated a gradual reform process, which received its legal support in 2005 by the adoption of a new Law on Higher Education. This law formally introduced the European Credit Transfer System, three-cycle system of study and diploma supplement. From 2007/08 all new students study under the new reformed study program at all higher education institutions.
Three-cycle system of study
In the field of medical science (the studies of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine) studies are organized through integrated studies that last 6 years and must carry a minimum of 360 ECTS. Also, integrated pharmacy studies with 300 ECTS have been introduced.
The academic year normally starts in October with lectures lasting until June and it consists of two semesters. The full-time workload for one academic year is 60 ECTS credits.
ECTS makes teaching and learning in higher education more transparent across Europe and facilitates the recognition of all studies. The system allows for the transfer of learning experiences between different institutions, greater student mobility and more flexible routes to gain degrees. It also aids curriculum design and quality assurance.
After completing a course of study at higher education institutions in Serbia, apart from their diploma graduates receive a diploma supplement.
Diploma supplement is a document describing the knowledge and skills acquired by holders of higher education degrees which provides additional information to that included in the official degrees / diplomas and/or transcript, making it more easily understood, especially by employers or institutions outside the issuing country.
General entry requirements for:
As a general requirement, to enter a Bachelor or an Integrated study program one has:
• to have completed four-year secondary education, and
• to pass the entrance exam.
Specific admission prerequisites usually include specific knowledge in certain disciplines and should be checked for each individual program a student is interested in. Entrance exams are usually held in early July (the first round) and early September (the second round, if there are places left).
The ranking of candidates depends on both the entrance exam and their results at the previous level of education.
For Master program lasting one year with 60 ECTS a candidate has to have obtained a Bachelor diploma with at least 240 ECTS points.
For Master program lasting two years with 120 ECTS a candidate has to have obtained a Bachelor diploma with at least 180 ECTS points.
Admission requirements vary from program to program (usually in regard to the area of previous education) and should be checked on the web pages with information on particular program.
A basic requirement to enroll at Doctoral studies is that the candidate has successfully completed a Master program and obtained at least 300 ECTS. Additional requirements, such as a minimum grade point average, number of papers published in scientific journals, etc. are determined by each institution and presented on the web pages of particular doctoral study program.
Studies of Serbian residents at public institutions (both universities and colleges) can either be financed by the State or the students pay tuition for their studies. Students who study at private higher education institutions pay fees as determined by the higher education institution.
Foreign students pay tuition for their studies and in some cases there is a difference between the amounts paid by local and foreign students.
Tuition fee is determined by the institution and usually ranges from EUR1000 to EUR7000 per year. To get up-to-date information on the tuition fee for the programme you chose, please consult the institution’s website.
The quality of Serbian universities is widely recognized, as evidenced by the prestigious world ranking lists of higher education institutions. According to the latest ranking of universities around the world (2018) on the Shanghai ranking list (shanghairanking.com), the University of Belgrade is placed among the best 400 universities in the world. Considering the subject rankings of the same list, in the field of Food Science and Technology, the University of Belgrade is ranked as 43rd best university in the world and 20th in Europe, and the University of Novi Sad is among the best 150. Additionally, in the field of Mathematics, the University of Belgrade is the top 300, while the University of Kragujevac and the University of Niš are among the best 500. The University of Belgrade is also ranked in the field of Agriculture among the best 300 universities in the world.
Other global university rankings, such as URAP (University Ranking by Academic Performance), which rates academic quality of 2500 best universities, features the University of Belgrade as 256th, and the University of Novi Sad as 880th in the overall ranking. Similarly, in CWTS Leiden Ranking, those two universities are among top 700 (Belgrade is 149th and Novi Sad 697th) and they also have notable places in various subject fields, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biomedical and Medical Sciences.
The Republic of Serbia is a full member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the largest and one of the most important particle physics laboratory in the world. Membership in CERN enables the participation of members of the academic and scientific community of Serbia in various activities and competitions of this prestigious international organization. At the moment, there are four scientific institutions from Serbia actively participating in CERN projects and experiments, of which three are a part of the University of Belgrade (Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Institute of Physics and Faculty of Physics) and one of the University of Novi Sad (Faculty of Natural Sciences).
To learn more about the mobility opportunities for scientific researchers in Serbia visit the website of the Euraxess Centre in Serbia.
Are you from India? You might need a student visa…
…But, well, you see, our army of scientist monkeys didn’t finish the student visa research for Serbia yet!
Don’t worry, everything is ok. We’re on it, and we’re doing all we can to make your search for the right international degree in Serbia a little easier and more enjoyable.
Still, you can always beat us to the punch and:
All in all, what else can we say but: good luck and never forget to have fun during your studies!
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