Serbia is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe. Its location has contributed to a diverse mix of landscapes, cultures, religions, and historical influences. Serbia can therefore be an appealing higher education destination for students interested in experiencing both its cultural heritage and its modern education system.
We’ve compiled five top public universities in Serbia. Let’s take a look at them.
Top Universities in Serbia for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED ACADEMIC AREAS |
|---|
| University of Belgrade | Physics and Mathematics |
| University of Novi Sad | Medicine, Agriculture, and Engineering |
| University of Niš | Engineering, Medicine, and Sport and Physical Education |
| University of Kragujevac | Engineering, Medicine, and Economics |
| State University of Novi Pazar | Legal Sciences, Economic Sciences, and Philosophical Sciences and Art |
1. University of Belgrade
Founded in 1808, the University of Belgrade is the oldest university in Serbia. It comprises 31 faculties and 11 research institutes and offers more than 760 study programs covering engineering, natural sciences, medical sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. International applicants should consult the relevant faculty because admission criteria, tuition fees, and the language of instruction vary by faculty and program.
The University of Belgrade is a research-oriented institution with an extensive network of international partnerships and student and staff mobility agreements. It also offers a growing selection of programs in English, although many programs are taught primarily in Serbian.
2. University of Novi Sad
The University of Novi Sad describes itself as Serbia’s second-largest state university and one of the country’s major education and research centers. It has almost 50,000 students and approximately 5,000 employees and offers around 320 accredited study programs through its faculties and institutes. Its academic coverage includes medical, natural, technical, and social sciences, as well as the fine and applied arts.
The university’s members include the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Institute of Food Technology, and BioSense Institute. Most degree programs are taught in Serbian, but the university maintains a separate list of programs available in English for international applicants.
3. University of Niš
- Admissions
- Selected Academic Areas: Engineering, Medicine, and Sport and Physical Education
The University of Niš is a public higher education institution founded in 1965. It has 13 faculties covering fields such as medicine, engineering, natural sciences, law, economics, arts, and sport and physical education. According to the university’s current figures, 83,644 students had graduated by the end of the 2024/2025 academic year, including 1,453 international graduates.
International applicants generally enroll as self-financing students. Admission requirements, tuition fees, deadlines, and the availability of English-language instruction are set by the individual faculties, so applicants should verify the current information on the relevant faculty’s website.
4. University of Kragujevac
Founded in 1976, the University of Kragujevac is a public university with 12 faculties located across six cities in central Serbia. Its official education page lists 125 study programs in fields including engineering, medicine, natural sciences, economics, law, education, philology, the arts, and tourism and hospitality.
International students can apply to programs offered in English, although the selection varies by faculty. Applicants with foreign qualifications normally need to complete the appropriate recognition procedure. The university also participates in Erasmus+ and other international mobility and cooperation programs.
5. State University of Novi Pazar
Established in 2006, the State University of Novi Pazar is the youngest state university in Serbia and the country’s only integrated state university. Its official international page reports more than 4,000 students and 250 permanent teaching staff members.
The university operates through 10 departments and is accredited for 45 study programs: 20 bachelor’s programs, 20 master’s programs, and five doctoral programs. Serbian is the primary language of instruction, although some programs and courses are available in English. The university supports student and staff mobility through Erasmus+, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, and other international programs.
FAQs: Studying in Serbia
Is Serbia a Good Place to Study for International Students?
Serbia follows the Bologna Process, and accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. However, recognition of a Serbian qualification abroad depends on the receiving country, institution, employer, and, where applicable, the rules governing regulated professions. The 2026 Study in Serbia catalog includes more than 180 accredited programs taught entirely or partly in English in fields such as medicine, engineering, economics, IT, and computer science.
Higher education in Serbia is generally relatively affordable compared with many other European destinations. Study in Serbia reports that tuition for international students usually ranges from €750 to €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program, with an approximate national average of €2,500. Applicants should always confirm the current amount directly with the relevant faculty. The Serbian government also offers selected scholarships to foreign students, including the World in Serbia program for eligible candidates from member and observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Can International Students Work in Serbia While Studying?
International students may work in Serbia when their immigration status grants them the right to work and they comply with the applicable employment requirements. Before accepting a job, students should check the notation on their biometric residence card and confirm the current rules through Serbia’s official foreign-citizen portal.
Serbia’s current system distinguishes between a temporary residence permit and a single temporary residence-and-work permit. A temporary residence permit issued for education may include a notation granting access to the labor market. When the proposed employment requires a separate employment basis, the student may instead need an employment-based Type D visa or a single residence-and-work permit. Students should not assume that a study-based residence permit automatically authorizes every type of job. For additional background, see this overview of the Serbia work visa.
Can International Students Stay in Serbia After Graduation?
Graduation does not automatically extend a student’s temporary residence. Graduates who want to remain in Serbia must qualify under an appropriate legal basis, such as employment, self-employment, further study, family reunification, or another permitted ground, and submit the relevant application before their existing status expires. Depending on the legal basis and the applicant’s circumstances, a temporary residence permit or single residence-and-work permit may be issued for up to three years and may be extended if the applicable conditions continue to be met.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Serbia for international students was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
