If you are an international student looking for a strong business and economics degree at a reasonable price, studying business in Serbia is a smart option. Many Serbian universities teach these subjects in English, with tuition well below most other European countries and plenty of job opportunities in the local and regional market. This guide explains which universities teach business and economics in Serbia in English and which in Serbian, and compares fees, admission requirements, entrance tests and job prospects after graduation.
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Best universities for business and economics in Serbia (taught in English)
Serbia is one of the most attractive countries in Eastern Europe for international students thanks to its education quality, low study costs and relatively simple visa process. Several universities offer business and economics programmes in English, accredited by the national body NAT (National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education) under European quality standards.
- University of Belgrade – Faculty of Economics and Business
- Singidunum University
- University of Niš
- University of Kragujevac
These universities differ in fees, admission requirements and the type of programmes they offer, so choose the one that fits your academic and career goals. Check that your programme is accredited by NAT before you apply: accreditation helps with recognition of your degree abroad, although recognition is always decided by the authority in your own country.
Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade – the best choice for academic excellence
The Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Belgrade is one of the leading economics faculties in Serbia. It offers an English-language programme in economics and business administration and is accredited by the national accreditation body.
Available programmes include:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – in English
- BSc Economics – in English
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – in English
Tuition for the English-language programmes at the Faculty of Economics and Business depends on the programme and is set each year, and the international master’s programme is priced separately. Check the current fee list on the faculty website. You need English at B2 level at least (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), and a personal interview is sometimes required.
For more details about the programme, visit the official website: Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade (official website).
Singidunum University – flexible, modern programmes
Singidunum University is one of Serbia’s leading private universities. It offers business and economics programmes in English with a focus on practical skills and entrepreneurship, and has partnerships with local and international companies.
Available programmes:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – in English
- Bachelor in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – blended programme
Tuition for 2026/2027 is €3,900 per year, among the highest in the country, but it comes with high educational quality, modern facilities and internship opportunities in large companies.
Admission requirements include:
- Secondary-school certificate (or equivalent)
- English at B2 level (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80)
- Personal interview (sometimes)
For more information, visit the official website: Singidunum University official website.
University of Niš – a balance between quality and cost
The University of Niš is one of the leading state universities in southern Serbia. It offers business and economics programmes in English at reasonable fees compared with other universities.
Available programmes:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – in English
- Bachelor in Economics and Finance
Tuition is roughly €3,800–3,900 per year for the English version and between €2,100 and €2,400 for the Serbian version. You need English at B2 level, and an internal entrance test is sometimes possible.
The university is a good choice for students who want a balance between quality and cost, with internship opportunities in local and European companies.
University of Kragujevac – professional specialisations and tailored programmes
The University of Kragujevac is a state university with a focus on applied programmes. It offers business and economics programmes in English at relatively low fees.
Available programmes:
- Bachelor in Business Administration – several specialisations (marketing, human resources, finance)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – designed for experienced professionals
Tuition for 2026/2027 is €3,000 per year for the English version. Good English is required, and an internal test is sometimes possible.
The university suits students who want direct professional specialisations, with hands-on training and partnerships with local companies.
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English-taught vs Serbian-taught business and economics programmes
Business and economics programmes in Serbia differ depending on the language of instruction, which affects costs, admission requirements and job prospects after graduation.
| Criterion | In English | In Serbian |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/2027) | €3,000 to €3,900 per year | About €1,800 to €2,400 per year |
| Admission requirements | English at B2 level (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80) | Serbian at B1 level or a secondary-school certificate |
| Programme length | 3–4 years (bachelor) | 3–4 years (bachelor) |
| Academic accreditation | Accredited by NAT (check each programme) | Accredited by the Serbian Ministry of Education |
| Career opportunities | International companies, trading firms, international organisations | The local market, Serbian companies, government institutions |
English-taught programmes suit international students who want to work in an international environment, while Serbian-taught programmes suit those who plan to work in Serbia or the Balkans.
Requirements for studying business and economics in Serbia
Admission requirements vary by university and programme, but some basic requirements are common:
- Secondary-school certificate or equivalent (with an average of at least 70%)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80) for English-taught programmes
- Official application form
- Passport-size photo
- Copy of your passport
- Application fee (varies by university)
Some universities may require an internal entrance test or a personal interview, especially for competitive programmes such as the MBA or BBA at the University of Belgrade.
For detailed admission information for each university, visit: Best universities in Serbia.
Cost of studying business and economics in Serbia
Study costs in Serbia vary by university, major and language of instruction. At state universities, fees for the Serbian version are much lower than for the English version.
The following table shows tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic year:
| University | Programme (in English) | Fee (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Belgrade – Faculty of Economics and Business | Bachelor in Business Administration | Check the faculty’s official fee page |
| Singidunum University | Bachelor in Business Administration | 3,900 |
| University of Niš | Bachelor in Business Administration | 3,800–3,900 |
| University of Kragujevac | Bachelor in Business Administration | 3,000 |
On top of tuition, budget for monthly living costs of €400 to €600 depending on the city. Belgrade is more expensive, while Niš and Kragujevac are cheaper.
For more details about costs, see: Cost of studying in Serbia.
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Career opportunities after graduating in business and economics in Serbia
Serbia’s job market keeps growing in services, trade and finance, which opens many doors for business and economics graduates.
Common jobs after graduation include:
- Financial analyst
- Sales supervisor
- Marketing manager
- Data analyst
- Business consultant
- Project manager
Foreign companies operating in Serbia (such as Siemens, Bosch and European telecom companies) offer direct job opportunities to graduates, especially those from English-taught programmes.
A Serbian degree may be accepted in many countries, but recognition is decided case by case by the recognition authority in your home country, so check with it. To learn more, see: Degree recognition in Serbia.
Working and document recognition: what the official sources say
Many business students want work experience during their studies. Under Serbia’s Law on Employment of Foreigners, a student is a foreigner holding a temporary residence permit for studying who is enrolled in an accredited study programme. Such students may work without a single (residence and work) permit, but while classes are running, work is limited to 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month (source: Law on Employment of Foreigners, Art. 3 and 17). The government’s Welcome to Serbia portal confirms that foreigners with temporary residence on the basis of studies may work without a single permit within the limits set by law (source).
If your secondary-school certificate or previous degree was issued abroad, it has to be recognised in Serbia. Recognition of foreign documents is carried out by the ENIC/NARIC Centre, part of the Qualifications Agency, while the Ministry of Education keeps the records of foreign institutions. For foreign higher-education documents the procedure has three steps: completing an electronic request, submitting the required documents with it, and collecting the decision in person (source).
Where to compare programmes
The official Study in Serbia platform offers a catalogue of study programmes and links to the national database of accredited programmes, where you can filter by level and language of instruction (source). Use it to confirm that the business programme you are considering is accredited and really taught in English before you pay any fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Serbia without speaking Serbian?
Yes, you can study in Serbia without fluent Serbian, especially if you choose an English-taught programme. Even so, learning the basics of Serbian makes daily life and integration easier.
What are the best universities for business and economics in Serbia?
The leading options include the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Economics and Business, Singidunum University, the University of Niš and the University of Kragujevac. Each offers strong programmes with good educational quality at reasonable fees.
Are there scholarships for business and economics students in Serbia?
Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance or financial need. Apply directly to the university you choose to ask about available scholarships.
Can I work while studying in Serbia?
Yes. A student with a temporary residence permit for study may work without a separate work permit, up to 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). This is a good way to boost your income and gain experience in the local work environment.
Is a Serbian business degree recognised in my home country?
Recognition is never guaranteed; the recognition authority in your own country decides case by case.
Studying business and economics in Serbia is a smart choice for international students who want a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. With English-taught programmes at leading universities, wide job opportunities and a safe, friendly environment, Serbia is a great place to build a successful career. Choose the right university, make sure your programme is accredited by NAT, and start your journey toward academic and professional excellence.
For more help choosing your major, see: How to choose your major in Serbia.
Official sources
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade (official website)
- Singidunum University official website
- Study in Serbia official platform