Serbia is a popular choice for international students looking for affordable, high-quality education in Europe.

With a strong academic tradition, growing number of English-taught programmes, and low cost of living, Serbia offers great value for students from around the world. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, business, or the arts, you'll find diverse study options in a welcoming and culturally rich environment.

Serbian universities attract international students thanks to its dedicated support services, reasonable admission requirements, and low tuition fees, making them a strong alternative to more expensive Western European institutions.

Universities and Popular Study Programmes in Serbia

Serbia is home to several universities that attract students from across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The University of Belgrade is the country’s largest and most prestigious institution, consistently ranked among the best universities in Serbia and the top in Southeast Europe. It offers a wide range of degrees in English, particularly in medicine, engineering, law, and social sciences. The university also has a strong focus on research and international partnerships.

Another top choice is the University of Novi Sad, known for its vibrant student community and well-developed faculties in computer science, agriculture, and arts. The University of Niš is also growing in popularity, especially for programmes in engineering, education, and economics. 

Some of the most popular study programmes in Serbia for include:

• Medicine and Dentistry (especially in English at public universities)
• Information Technology and Computer Science
• Mechanical and Civil Engineering
• Business and Economics
• Political Science and International Relations

As a non-EU country with close ties to the European Higher Education Area, Serbia provides globally recognised degrees and participates in international exchange programmes like Erasmus+. 

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Serbia is the affordability. Both tuition fees and living expenses are lower than in most European countries, making it a budget-friendly option for international students seeking quality education in Europe.

Tuition fees vary depending on the university, programme, and language of instruction. On average, international students can expect to pay:

• €2,000 to €5,000 per year for most Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught in English.
• €5,000 to €7,000 per year for medical and dental programmes, which are among the most popular choices.
• Private universities may charge higher fees, but they often offer more flexible admission procedures or specialised programmes.

When it comes to living costs, Serbia is known for being very affordable. Students typically spend around €400 to €600 per month, including rent, food, public transport, and entertainment.

Overall, Serbia offers an excellent balance of academic quality and cost-efficiency, allowing students to enjoy a good standard of living without high financial pressure. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to study abroad in Europe on a budget.

Student Life and Culture

Student life in Serbia is welcoming and full of opportunities to explore both academic interests and local culture. Whether you study in the capital Belgrade, the university city of Novi Sad, or elsewhere, you’ll find a strong student community and a range of activities to get involved in. Serbian universities often have active student unions, international offices, and clubs that organise social events, cultural trips, and academic workshops throughout the year.

Outside the classroom, students can enjoy the country's cultural scene. Serbia is known for its music festivals, traditional cuisine, historic architecture, and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to its central location in the Balkans, it’s also easy to travel to neighbouring countries for weekend trips or holidays.

International students in Serbia often describe the local people as warm and hospitable. English is widely spoken among young people, especially in academic settings. From casual nights out with classmates to exploring medieval fortresses or hiking in national parks, student life in Serbia offers a well-rounded experience that combines academic focus with personal growth and cultural discovery.