Destination Overview

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Serbia

Population of Serbia consists approximately of 7.3 million people and it was always known as a border between east and west. Universities in Serbia focus on academic teaching and scientific knowledge with European standards.

The higher education system of Serbia is divided into 8 public and 10 private universities, which provide Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. As an important advantage, diplomas of Serbian universities are recognized in all countries of the European Union. Having one gives you an extra advantage when searching for the work placement.

To obtain Bachelor’s degree students need to study for 3–4 years, 1–2 year for Master’s degree and 3 years for a Doctorate. When it comes to medical education, studying in one of faculties of pharmaceuticals, veterinary or dentistry will take about 5–6 years.

Serbia is a diverse nation in Central Europe that offers something for everyone! At a crossroads in the middle of Europe, Serbia is filled with cultural diversity and variation. It is a perfect spot to study abroad and offers treasures that will interest any student.

Serbia contains some of the oldest settlements in Europe and was an important territory in the Roman Empire so the country is bursting with rich history and important monuments. It is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including monasteries and royal palaces dating from the twelfth century. The country is also filled with traditional artwork and is known for its fresco designs.

Today, Serbia is famous for its natural wonders, picturesque villages, and bustling cities. When you’re not studying get lost in the many national parks, and spend your winter break enjoying the many mountain resorts and spas that fill the Serbian countryside.

Students will also feel completely at home among the Serbs, who are considered one of the most kind and welcoming people in Europe. They will be eager to learn about life in America and will be happy to share with you their own culture and traditions.

If you’re already eager to plan your study abroad experience in Serbia, continue reading for more interesting and important information.

Belgrade:

The capital of Serbia and one of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade is a bustling spot with two rivers running through it and many attractions. The city features cultural monuments like fortresses and temples as well as museums. Belgrade is also a great spot to study abroad because it is home to Serbia’s largest and oldest university, the University of Belgrade, which has 31 different colleges offering courses in every discipline.

Novi Sad:

A major cultural center of Serbia, Novi Sad is home to many monuments and churches and is another great place to study abroad. The city is sometimes called the Serbian Athens for its rich cultural diversity and offers many festivals, shows, and museums.

Other Sites to Check Out

Belgrade Fortress: This fortress was built in the 1st century and has been the site of many of Serbia’s important battles throughout time. This makes it the perfect site to learn about the country’s history.

Studenica: This 12th century monastery is an incredible historical monument. It features two churches constructed from white marble that house a number of ancient Byzantine paintings.

Vrnjacka Banja: This spa resort features mineral water that is the exact same temperature as the human body and is the perfect place to relax and destress.

Tuition fees for higher education for foreigners are about 4 times more expensive than for the citizens of Serbia. Tuition fees in Serbia vary depending on the degree program and education institution student is applying for. Fees also may change every academic year. Therefore, it is best to check the university admissions document for up-to-date information. The most expensive faculties are considered to be faculties of architecture and medicine and the cheapest ones are faculties of physics, mathematics and chemistry.

When getting the higher education in Serbia, students will be able to travel to many European and non-European countries. Good choice are the neighbouring countries which are Croatia, which is boarding with Serbia on the northwest, Hungary on the north, Romania on the northeast, Bulgaria on the east, Macedonia on the south, and Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the west.

Top 3 reasons to study in Serbia:

  • Possibility to get a good-quality European education
  • Opportunities to study and work partly in Serbian and English
  • The capital, Belgrade, has excellent nightlife

Did you know this about Serbia?

  • Serbia joined the Bologna Process in 2003.
  • Serbia is one of the few countries in Europe that has a visa-free regime together with both the European Union and Russia.
  • Vampire is originally a Serbian word, which is now used everywhere in the world.

Higher education system has two types of studies:

  • academic studies organized at universities, and
  • applied profession-oriented studies organized either at colleges of applied studies or at universities.

Serbia currently has 17 accredited universities – 8 state universities, and 9 private universities. There are altogether 64 (47 public and 17 private) accredited colleges of applied studies, and 8 colleges providing academic study programmes at both Bachelor and Master levels.

Serbia joined the Bologna Process in 2003 and thus initiated a gradual reform process, which received its legal support in 2005 by the adoption of a new Law on Higher Education. This law formally introduced the European Credit Transfer System, three-cycle system of study and diploma supplement. From 2007/08 all new students study under the new reformed study programmes at all higher education institutions.

Academic studies

The three-cycle system of academic studies includes:

  • Basic academic studies (Bachelor) lasting 3-4 years, with 180 to 240 ECTS,
  • Master studies lasting 1-2 years with 60 to 120 ECTS, and
  • Doctoral studies (PhD) with a minimum of three years of study or 180 ECTS.

In the field of medical science (the studies of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine) studies are organized through integrated studies that last 6 years and must carry a minimum of 360 ECTS. Also, integrated pharmacy studies with 300 ECTS have been introduced.

In addition, the second cycle of academic studies includes specialist academic studies with the minimum duration of one year with 60 ECTS if a student has achieved a total of 300 ECTS in previous studies.

Applied studies

Vocational studies comprise of two levels:

  • Basic applied studies, which last three years and have 180 ECTS, and
  • Specialized applied studies, which carry 60 ECTS and last one year.

All higher education institutions must be accredited in order to obtain the working license issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development. Private higher education institutions (not founded by the state) have the same status as public ones.