Education in Serbia
Serbia, a Balkan country and EU candidate, runs a state-centered education system with Serbian as the main language of instruction (minority languages are used by communities). Literacy is near-universal, its universities are Bologna-aligned, and Serbia offers some English-taught programs, including in medicine, that attract international students.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- Primary (8 years)Compulsory, ages ~6/7–15
- Secondary (4 years)The academic gymnasium (leading to the Matura) or vocational/technical schools
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory through the eight-year primary school (with a compulsory pre-school year before it). Public education is free, and the school year runs September to June.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, following a national curriculum. Serbia has strong foundations in mathematics and the sciences and offers general (gymnasium) and vocational secondary pathways.
Private & international schools
Serbia has a growing private and international-school sector, concentrated in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Serbian language and literature, mathematics, the sciences, history, and foreign languages (English is widely taught).
Exams & qualifications
Students complete a final exam at the end of primary (for secondary placement) and a school-leaving Matura at the end of the gymnasium. University admission typically combines these with faculty entrance examinations.
Higher education
Higher education is led by the University of Belgrade (founded 1808, the oldest and largest) and the University of Novi Sad, among others. The system is Bologna-aligned, and several universities — particularly in medicine — offer English-taught programs.
Studying in Serbia from abroad
Serbia is a modest but growing destination for international students, valued for affordability:
- English programsA number of universities offer English-taught programs, including in medicine
- Cost & recognitionTuition and living costs are low, and the system is Bologna-aligned
- VisaInternational students obtain a student visa/residence; confirm requirements directly
Special education & support
Serbia supports inclusive education, integrating students with additional needs into mainstream schools with support, alongside special schools.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon and restricted in Serbia; education is overwhelmingly school-based.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Private and international schools charge tuition, and universities charge fees (state-funded places for Serbian students plus fee-paying and international programs). The currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD).
Key facts for families
- LanguageSerbian (minority languages used by communities; English widely taught)
- StructurePrimary (8) + Secondary (4)
- CompulsoryPrimary (plus a pre-school year)
- University entryMatura plus faculty entrance exams
- Higher edUniversity of Belgrade; English-taught medicine draws international students
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: