Study in Serbia: A Guide to Higher Education Abroad

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Serbia, a Balkan country with rich cultural heritage, offers numerous opportunities for adult expatriates seeking to pursue higher education. With an educational system undergoing modernization and affordable costs, it’s an attractive destination for international students. In this article, we’ll explore in detail higher education options in Serbia for expatriates, from the university system to admission procedures, including degree recognition and funding.

The Serbian Higher Education System

The Serbian higher education system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, particularly since the country joined the Bologna Process in 2003. This evolution has enabled alignment with European standards, facilitating student mobility and degree recognition.

Study Structure

The Serbian system is organized into three cycles:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3 to 4 years of study (180 to 240 ECTS)
• Master’s: 1 to 2 additional years of study (60 to 120 ECTS)
• Doctorate: minimum 3 years (180 ECTS)

Types of Institutions

There are two main types of higher education institutions in Serbia:

• Universities: offering academic programs
• Professional higher schools: providing more practical and career-oriented training

The main Serbian universities are located in major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac. They offer a wide range of disciplines, from humanities to cutting-edge technologies.

Admission and Registration for International Students

Admission procedures for international students in Serbia may vary by institution, but some steps are generally common:

1. Degree Equivalency

The first step is to have your previous degrees recognized for equivalency. For this, you’ll need to contact the Serbian ENIC-NARIC Center, which will assess your qualifications and issue an equivalency certificate.

2. Language Proficiency

Most programs are taught in Serbian, but more and more courses are offered in English, particularly at the master’s level. A language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS for English, or a Serbian language test) will generally be required.

3. Application File

Each university has its own requirements, but you’ll generally need to provide:

• Your translated and certified diplomas and transcripts
• A motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• A CV
• A copy of your passport

4. Entrance Exam

Some programs may require a specific entrance exam. The requirements vary by faculty and study level.

Study Funding

The cost of studying in Serbia is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, making it an attractive destination for international students.

Tuition Fees

Fees vary by institution and program:

• In public universities: between 680 and 2,071 euros per year for bachelor’s level, and from 1,020 to 4,331 euros for master’s
• In private institutions: fees can be higher, reaching up to 7,000 euros per year

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Several funding options are available for international students:

• Serbian government scholarships: offered annually to a limited number of foreign students
• Erasmus+ scholarships: for European students completing mobility in Serbia
• Excellence scholarships: offered by certain universities to top candidates
• Aid from your home country: check with your country’s diplomatic services in Serbia

Degree Recognition and Career Impact

Obtaining a Serbian degree can be a significant asset for your international career:

European Recognition

Thanks to the adoption of the Bologna System, Serbian degrees are recognized throughout the European Higher Education Area, facilitating further studies or professional integration in other European countries.

Intercultural Skills

Studying in Serbia will allow you to develop valuable intercultural skills, highly appreciated by international employers. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the Balkan region, an asset for companies looking to expand in this part of Europe.

International Network

Serbian universities host many international students, allowing you to build a diverse professional network that could prove valuable in your future career.

Continuing Education and Online Programs

For adult expatriates already engaged in professional careers, Serbia also offers continuing education opportunities:

Part-time Programs

Some universities offer part-time master’s programs, allowing you to balance studies with professional activity.

Online Training

More and more institutions are developing online or hybrid programs, particularly suited to the needs of expatriates. The University of Belgrade, for example, offers several fully online master’s programs.

Short Professional Training

Business schools and training centers offer short professional development programs, often taught in English.

Conclusion

Pursuing higher education in Serbia as an adult expatriate can prove to be a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. With an educational system undergoing modernization, affordable costs, and a strategic geographic position in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia offers numerous advantages for international students.

Whether you want to obtain a complete degree, pursue continuing education, or specialize in a particular field, the options are varied and increasingly adapted to the needs of expatriates. Don’t forget to thoroughly research admission procedures, degree equivalencies, and funding possibilities to best prepare your study project in Serbia.