All of these programmes are offered in major cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad and Čačak, and suit international students looking for a professional, advanced study environment.

English-taught vs Serbian-taught programmes

English-taught programmes in Serbia are a good option for international students, especially those who do not speak Serbian, since no Serbian language certificate is required to apply. Serbian-taught programmes are often cheaper but require good Serbian, which is a barrier for students who do not speak it.

English-taught programmes are offered mostly by private universities and some state faculties, and are in line with European standards. Serbian-taught programmes are offered at state universities with lower fees, and may be covered by the “World in Serbia” scholarship for those who qualify.

Can I join an English-taught programme without a language certificate?

Yes, you can apply to computer science and programming programmes in English in Serbia without an official language certificate, but some universities may ask for preliminary proof of your language level, such as a short test or an interview in English, to make sure you can follow the course.

Cost of studying computer science and programming in Serbia

Study costs in Serbia vary by university, programme, type of institution (private or state) and location. For the 2026–2027 academic year, tuition is estimated as follows:

On top of tuition, take living costs into account: the average monthly cost is about €345–1,100 depending on the city and your lifestyle.

Admission requirements for computer science and programming programmes in Serbia

Admission requirements vary by university and programme, but some common criteria apply:

• A secondary-school certificate (or equivalent) with good grades.
• Proof of English level (if a certificate is not formally required, you may be asked to take an interview or a short placement test).
• A CV and a motivation letter.
• Some universities may require an entrance test focused on mathematics and logic, especially technical faculties.
• Check that the programme is accredited by NAT (the national accreditation body) before applying.

Check admission requirements on the university’s official website before applying, because some private universities offer tailored programmes whose requirements may differ from those of state universities.

Is there an entrance test for computer science programmes in Serbia?

Yes, some universities, such as the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad (FTN) and Singidunum University, may ask you to pass an entrance test assessing maths and logic skills, especially for programmes focused on programming and engineering. Other universities may rely on your CV and your certificate grades only.

Job opportunities in computer science and programming in Serbia

Serbia is one of the leading technology countries in Eastern Europe, especially in Belgrade and Novi Sad, which are hubs for IT services and outsourcing. These cities host hundreds of local and international companies. You can explore the technical programmes at FTN, Novi Sad (official website), and the local scene also includes R&D centres, artificial intelligence companies and mobile-app developers.

Serbia’s job market is flexible and offers opportunities to graduates of local and international universities, especially in:

• Software development
• Data analysis
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI & ML)
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing

Can a computer science degree from Serbia be recognised in my home country?

Each country’s recognition authority decides on recognising a degree case by case, so check the procedure with the relevant authority in your home country. It is advisable to have your degree documents certified through the degree recognition process, which includes certification by the embassy or competent authority in the issuing country.

If you plan to work in another country after graduating, make sure the university and programme are accredited by NAT in Serbia, which is a key step towards having your degree recognised.

Checking programmes, work rights and recognition

Before you commit to a computer science programme, confirm on official sources that it is accredited and really taught in English. The Study in Serbia platform provides a catalogue of programmes and links to the national database of accredited study programmes (source: Study in Serbia). The government portal also notes that foreign students who are not part of the “World in Serbia” scholarship project can study in English (source: Welcome to Serbia).

IT students often look for part-time work or internships. Under the Law on Employment of Foreigners, a student with a temporary residence permit for studying who is enrolled in an accredited programme may work without a single (residence and work) permit, but during teaching periods work is limited to 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month (source: Law on Employment of Foreigners, Art. 3 and 17).

If you arrive with a foreign secondary-school certificate, it must be recognised in Serbia. Recognition of foreign school certificates and documents is handled by the ENIC/NARIC Centre of the Qualifications Agency; for foreign higher-education documents the procedure consists of an electronic request, submission of the required documents and personal collection of the decision. Recognition of professional qualifications for employment is also handled by the Qualifications Agency (source).

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Serbia without knowing Serbian?

Yes, you can study in Serbia without knowing Serbian, especially if you choose an English-taught programme. Most universities that teach computer science and programming in English do not require Serbian, but learning the basics is useful for daily life.

What are the best universities for computer science and programming in Serbia?

The best universities teaching computer science and programming in English in Serbia include Singidunum University, Metropolitan University, the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad (FTN) and the Technical Faculty in Čačak. Each offers modern curricula and good job prospects.

Are there scholarships for computer science students in Serbia?

Yes, some universities offer partial scholarships or funding for international students, particularly private universities such as Singidunum and Metropolitan. Check the university’s official website or contact its admissions office for information on available scholarships.

Studying computer science and programming in Serbia is a smart choice for international students looking for an advanced learning environment, reasonable costs and promising opportunities in the tech market. With English-taught programmes at reputable universities and an emerging job market in cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia is a great place to build a career in programming and artificial intelligence. Choose a university that teaches your programme in English, and check its NAT accreditation before applying. Start your journey now with the complete guide to studying in Serbia, and start building your tech future in Europe.

Official sources

• Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTN), Novi Sad (official website)
• Singidunum University official website
• Metropolitan University official website