Study in Belgrade means studying in Serbia’s capital and largest city (about 1.68 million people in the urban area, 2022 census), home to the country’s oldest and largest university, the University of Belgrade with its 31 faculties, plus well-known private universities such as Singidunum, Metropolitan and Union Nikola Tesla. It is Serbia’s most expensive student city, with living costs including housing of €450–1,100 a month, but it offsets that with the most programmes in English, free public transport for everyone since January 2025, and the largest student and international community in Serbia. This guide covers universities and official fees, housing and neighbourhoods, monthly costs, life for Muslim students, and what to arrange before you travel.
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Belgrade for international students at a glance
- Universities: the state University of Belgrade (31 faculties) + private universities (Singidunum, Metropolitan, Union Nikola Tesla) + the University of Arts.
- Most popular programmes in English: medicine €8,000, dentistry €5,000, pharmacy €3,500, economics €1,500 a year.
- Living costs including housing: €450–1,100 a month.
- State student housing: 14,400–16,400 dinars a month per room, depending on the room type.
- Transport: free for everyone since 1 January 2025 (except the A1 airport bus).
Why do students choose Belgrade?
Belgrade is Serbia’s academic and economic centre. It has the largest number of faculties and fields of study, most of the accredited programmes taught in English, international company offices and the IT sector, which means more opportunities for internships and part-time work (up to 20 hours a week on a study residence permit, without a separate permit). The city is also the country’s transport hub: Nikola Tesla International Airport, and the Soko fast train that reaches Novi Sad in about 40 minutes.
The main drawback is cost: rents in Belgrade are clearly higher than in Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac, and competition for state student housing is heavy. If your budget is limited and your subject is available in another city, compare before you decide; read the best university cities in Serbia.
Universities in Belgrade and official fees
University of Belgrade (state)
Its core was founded in 1808, and today it has 31 faculties and 11 research institutes, offering programmes in almost every field. Most programmes are in Serbian, with accredited English-language programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and economics, and English-language master’s programmes at faculties such as Electrical Engineering and Economics.
| Faculty and programme | Language | Annual fee for international students |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Medicine – Medicine (6 years) | English / Serbian | €8,000 / €2,500 |
| Faculty of Dentistry (6 years) | English / Serbian | €5,000 |
| Faculty of Pharmacy (5 years) | English | €3,500 |
| Faculty of Economics and Business – Bachelor’s | English | €1,500 |
| Faculty of Economics – International Master’s | English | €6,000 |
| School of Electrical Engineering (ETF) – Bachelor’s / Software Engineering | Serbian | €2,000 / €3,000 |
| ETF – Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering | English | €9,000 |
| Faculty of Mechanical Engineering | Serbian | €1,800 |
| Faculty of Organizational Sciences (FON) | Serbian | €1,700 |
| Faculty of Law | Serbian | About €2,400 |
| Faculty of Architecture | Serbian | €3,600 |
| Faculty of Mathematics | Serbian | €3,500 |
More at University of Belgrade and university fees in Serbia.
Private universities
- Singidunum: programmes in English in applied artificial intelligence, information technology, software engineering and English studies for about €3,900, and programmes in Serbian between €2,100 and €2,400.
- Metropolitan: information technology, management and design, in English for about €5,000 and in Serbian between €2,490 and €4,290.
- Union Nikola Tesla: most programmes at about €5,000 (in Serbian).
- University of Arts in Belgrade: arts, music and drama, including a master’s in English in cultural policy for about €2,100.
Private universities often accept applications until September, while state faculties hold entrance exams in late June and early July, with a second round in September.
Monthly living costs in Belgrade
| Item | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| State student housing | 14,400–16,400 dinars (about €123–140) |
| Room in a shared flat | €120–280 depending on the neighbourhood |
| Small flat (studio) | €270–495 |
| Food, daily expenses, internet and phone | €350–600 (excluding housing) |
| Public transport | Free since January 2025 |
| Total including housing | €450–1,100 |
Add each year the residence permit fee (about 23,880 dinars, roughly €204) and health insurance (estimated €100–250). To calculate your whole first year in your own currency, use the Study cost calculator, and see living costs in Serbia for details.
Housing in Belgrade
Student housing (Studentski centar Beograd)
Studentski centar Beograd runs the student residences in the city. First-category room prices for students paying the full rate are about 14,400 dinars a month for a triple room, 15,400 for a double and 16,400 for a single. Places are limited and allocated through annual applications, so ask your faculty and the housing institution early about the conditions for international students. World in Serbia scholarship holders get housing and meals as part of the scholarship.
Neighbourhoods suited to students
- Voždovac (Autokomanda and Šumice): close to the technical faculties, FON, pharmacy and the Singidunum campus. A shared room costs about €190–280 and a flat €250–500.
- Zvezdara (Vukov spomenik and Bulbulder): about 10–15 minutes from the city-centre faculties and cheaper than the centre. A room costs about €120–220 and a flat €350–550.
- Karaburma (Palilula): close to the Metropolitan campus and one of the cheaper neighbourhoods. A room costs about €120–150 and a flat €260–350.
- Stari Grad (Dorćol and Studentski trg): the heart of the city, within walking distance of many faculties, but the most expensive (a flat costs about €450–700).
Prices come from rental listings in October 2026 and change constantly. When renting, ask for a written contract, make sure the landlord will register your stay with the police within 24 hours (the white card you will need for your residence permit), and do not pay a deposit before viewing. Read the student housing guide for Serbia.
Transport and getting around
Since 1 January 2025, public transport in Belgrade (buses, trams, trolleybuses and the BG Voz train) has been free for everyone, except the A1 airport bus. Belgrade has no metro. For ride-hailing and delivery, residents mostly use CarGo and Yandex Go, and the main mobile operators are Yettel, A1 and mts.
Life for Muslim students in Belgrade
Muslims make up about 4.2% of Serbia’s population (2022 census), mostly in the Sandžak region in the south-west and not in Belgrade. Belgrade has one historic working mosque, the Bajrakli Mosque in the Dorćol district, where Friday prayers are held. Halal food is available in a limited number of shops and restaurants, and many students rely on cooking at home. If Muslim community life is a big priority for you, note that Novi Pazar is the Muslim-majority city. Read Is Serbia right for Muslim students?
Residence and procedures after arrival
- Enter on a type D study visa (most nationalities need one; entering on a tourist or Schengen visa does not convert into a study residence permit).
- Register your address with the police within 24 hours of arrival (usually handled by your landlord or the residence).
- Enrol at your faculty, then apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of study, renewed every year.
- Open a bank account to pay fees and rent; read bank account and money transfers.
Serbia is not in the European Union or Schengen, and a Serbian residence permit does not allow visa-free travel to Schengen countries. Details are in study visa for Serbia and temporary residence for students.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a student need per month to live in Belgrade?
Between about €450 and €1,100 a month including housing, depending on the type of housing (student residence, shared room or flat) and your lifestyle.
Is public transport in Belgrade free for international students?
Yes, public transport has been free for everyone since 1 January 2025, except the A1 airport bus.
What are the most popular programmes in English in Belgrade?
Medicine (€8,000), dentistry (€5,000), pharmacy (€3,500) and economics (€1,500) at the University of Belgrade, and information technology and management at Singidunum and Metropolitan.
Is there a mosque in Belgrade?
Yes, the historic Bajrakli Mosque in the Dorćol district, the main working mosque in the city.
Is Belgrade better than Novi Sad for studying?
Belgrade has more programmes and more job opportunities, while Novi Sad is cheaper and calmer. The decision depends on your subject and budget; read Study in Novi Sad.
Last updated: October 2026. Fees are from official university websites (2025/2026), student housing prices from Studentski centar Beograd, rents from October 2026 listings, and population figures from the 2022 census.
Sources
- University of Belgrade: 2025/2026 fee table
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade: fees
- Studentski centar Beograd: student residences
- Singidunum University: fees
- Metropolitan University: fees
- Statistical Office of Serbia: 2022 census