Serbia is one of the Western Balkans’ most rapidly developing study destinations, offering affordable education, EU-candidate status, a growing tech sector, and scholarship programs that are among the least competitive in the region.
Belgrade is one of Europe’s most vibrant and affordable capitals with a growing international student community, strong university programs, and living costs that are among the lowest in continental Europe.
This guide covers every major pathway to studying in Serbia for free in 2026.
Why Study in Serbia?
EU candidate country. Serbia has EU candidate status, meaning a Serbian degree will eventually carry full EU recognition. Many Serbian degrees are already recognized across Europe.
Most affordable European capital. Belgrade is consistently ranked among Europe’s cheapest capitals, monthly student living costs of €300–€500.
Growing tech sector. Serbia’s IT sector is one of the fastest-growing in the Balkans, NCR, Microsoft, Nordeus, and hundreds of tech companies have Serbian offices. Belgrade’s “Silicon Drinkavard” tech scene is regional.
Medical education. University of Belgrade Medical School and University of Novi Sad Medical Faculty are recognized institutions with English-medium programs.
Scholarship accessibility. Serbian government scholarships are among the most accessible in the region — less competition than Hungary, Poland, or Czech Republic.
Strategic Balkan position. Serbia borders Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania exceptional regional access.
Top Scholarships to Study in Serbia for Free 2026
1. Serbian Government Scholarship 🇷🇸
The Serbian Ministry of Education administers government scholarships for international students from eligible countries.
Serbian Government Scholarship:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend RSD 20,000–30,000 (~$185–$280 USD)
- Accommodation support in some cases
Eligibility:
- Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Serbia
- Check msv.gov.rs for current eligible countries — includes many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern nations
- Pakistan ✅, Bangladesh ✅, and many developing countries
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s
- Strong academic record
How to Apply: Contact the Serbian Embassy in your country for bilateral scholarship details.
Deadline: Typically February–April 2027
2. University of Belgrade Scholarships 🇷🇸
University of Belgrade (UB), Serbia’s oldest and most prestigious university, founded 1808, offers scholarships and research positions for international students.
UB International Scholarship:
- Partial tuition waiver
- Research contracts for PhD students — monthly salary ~€800–€1,000
Strongest Programs: Law, economics, sciences, medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
University of Belgrade Medical Faculty:
- One of the Balkans’ most recognized medical schools
- English-medium medicine program
- WHO recognized ✅
Deadline: March–May 2027
3. University of Novi Sad Scholarships 🇷🇸
University of Novi Sad (UNS) — Serbia’s second-largest university, particularly strong in sciences, agriculture, and engineering, offers scholarships for international students.
UNS International Scholarship:
- Partial tuition reduction
- Research funding for PhD students
Strongest Programs: Agriculture, sciences, engineering, IT, economics, and social sciences.
Deadline: March–May 2027
4. Serbian Innovation Fund — Research Grants 🇷🇸
The Serbian Innovation Fund and Science Fund of Serbia fund research at Serbian universities and some funded research groups recruit international PhD students.
How to Access: Search for funded PhD positions at Serbian universities on nauka.gov.rs and individual university job boards.
Stipend: ~€600–€900/month for funded PhD researchers.
5. Erasmus+ and Western Balkans Programs 🇪🇺
Serbia is an Erasmus+ partner country, meaning Serbian universities participate in Erasmus+ mobility programs.
Erasmus+ KA171 (International Credit Mobility):
- Study exchange grants for international students going TO Serbia
- Monthly stipend €850 + travel
- Available through specific bilateral Erasmus+ agreements between Serbian and EU universities
How to Access: Apply through a European university with an Erasmus+ agreement with a Serbian institution. Your EU/European university must have an active partnership.
Serbian University Tuition
| University | Annual Tuition (International) |
|---|---|
| University of Belgrade | €1,500–€5,000 |
| University of Novi Sad | €1,200–€4,000 |
| University of Kragujevac | €1,000–€3,500 |
| Medical Programs (English) | €5,000–€8,000 |
Serbia is among the cheapest countries in Europe for university education.
Living Costs in Serbia
| City | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Belgrade | €350–€550 |
| Novi Sad | €300–€480 |
| Nis | €250–€400 |
| Kragujevac | €220–€380 |
Belgrade is one of Europe’s cheapest capitals — extraordinary value for European city living.
Language Requirements
| Program Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Serbian-medium programs | Serbian B1+ |
| English-medium programs | IELTS 5.5–6.0 |
| Medical English-medium | IELTS 5.5–6.0 |
MBBS in Serbia
Serbian medical schools offer English-medium MBBS programs:
- University of Belgrade Medical Faculty — recognized, English track
- University of Novi Sad Medical Faculty — English track available
Recognition: WHO ✅, ECFMG eligible — verify current PMC/MCI recognition status directly.
Tuition: €5,000–€8,000/year — among the cheapest English-medium medicine in Europe.
Free Tools for Your Serbian Scholarship Application
- 📄 Free SOP Generator
- 💌 Free Motivation Letter Generator
- 📑 Free CV Builder
- 📜 Free Reference Letter Generator
- 📖 Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice
FAQ — Study in Serbia Free 2026
Q: Can Pakistani students study in Serbia for free?
Pakistan is on Serbia’s bilateral scholarship list, contact the Serbian Embassy in Islamabad for current program availability and deadlines.
Q: Is Belgrade cheap for students?
Yes, one of Europe’s cheapest capitals. €350–€550/month covers comfortable student living including accommodation.
Q: Is Serbian degree recognized in EU?
Serbia is an EU candidate country, degrees are increasingly recognized. Full EU recognition will come with accession. Many Serbian degrees are already recognized bilaterally.
Q: What is Serbia best known for academically?
Law, economics, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and IT/computer science. Belgrade IT sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region.
Q: Is there English-medium study in Serbia?
English-medium medicine and some engineering/IT programs available. Serbian language needed for most other programs, basic Serbian can be learned in 3–6 months.