Where to apply
The largest universities in Serbia are the University of Belgrade, the University of Novi Sad, the University of Nis and the University of Kragujevac, plus a number of private universities. State universities carry the strongest weight, while private ones more often admit to English-language programmes and are more flexible on deadlines. Foreigners apply on the same terms as Serbian citizens: the university itself recognises your previous diploma and admits you through a competition.
What tuition costs
The cost for foreigners depends heavily on the faculty and programme: at state universities it is usually 1,200 to 7,000 euros a year, at certain faculties and programmes up to 10,000 euros, with the lowest rates starting around 700 euros. Medicine, dentistry, architecture and IT programmes cost more, humanities less. Private universities charge roughly 1,500 to 4,000 euros a year. A bachelor's degree takes four years, a master's one or two.
Language of instruction
Programmes in Serbian for foreigners are often free or only nominally priced, but proven language ability is required. English-language programmes are paid, but available without Serbian. Some faculties teach entirely in English, and at others you can start in English and switch to Serbian from the second year. To enter a Serbian-language programme you usually sit a language exam inside the university.
What nostrification is
Before applying to a university, the school diploma must be nostrified — that is, recognised in Serbia as equivalent to the local qualification. The procedure involves translation of documents by a certified court translator and review by the ministry or the university, and takes from several weeks to several months. So it must be started early, otherwise the application deadlines can be missed. For a master's degree the bachelor's diploma is recognised.
Applications and deadlines
The main admission round at state universities runs by competition, documents are submitted in June and July, exams are taken in late June and July, and results are announced in July and August. Private universities accept documents for longer, sometimes into September and later if places remain. Foreigners often apply through a separate competition for foreign citizens, where there is less competition but tuition is higher.
Residence as a student and student life
After enrolment, residence is issued on study grounds — for the length of the course, extended each year provided you keep studying and passing exams. Student status brings benefits: transport, student dormitories and subsidised meals, access to sports facilities and libraries. In Belgrade public transport has been free for everyone since 2025, so travel costs nothing. Working during your studies is allowed only with the appropriate ground; otherwise it breaches your status.
What student life costs
A dormitory is several times cheaper than renting a flat, but places are limited, so many rent a room or share a flat: in Belgrade that is 200–350 euros for a room or a share of a flat. Groceries and household costs are about 250 euros a month. Health insurance for students is arranged through the university or bought privately, with annual cover costing 300–500 euros. All in, tuition aside, a student in Belgrade needs roughly 500–700 euros a month.