To study engineering in Serbia is an excellent choice for international students looking for a strong technical degree with high academic quality at a reasonable cost. Several Serbian universities offer engineering programmes in English, especially in technical fields such as electrical, mechanical and computer engineering, and you can also join similar programmes taught in Serbian. Tuition varies by university and field: roughly €3,000 to €3,500 per year for English-taught programmes and €2,000 to €3,000 for Serbian-taught ones. Employment prospects in Serbia and Eastern Europe are attractive, especially in technology and industrial engineering.
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Best engineering universities in Serbia that teach in English
Universities in Serbia are among the strongest in Eastern Europe for teaching engineering in English, especially in larger cities such as Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. The Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTN) at the University of Novi Sad is one of the leading institutions offering English-taught engineering programmes with official accreditation from the national accreditation body (NAT), a basic requirement before applying to have your degree recognised in your home country.
- University of Novi Sad – one of Serbia’s most prominent universities, offering bachelor’s programmes in electrical, mechanical and computer engineering in English.
- University of Niš – offers an electronic engineering programme in English, one of the best options for students interested in digital engineering and telecommunications.
- University of Kragujevac – offers mechanical and industrial engineering programmes in English, with a focus on industrial applications and innovation.
Make sure the programme you choose is accredited by the national accreditation body (NAT) before you apply, especially if you plan to return to work in your home country or continue to postgraduate study.
English-taught vs Serbian-taught programmes
The experience of studying engineering in Serbia differs depending on whether the programme is taught in English or Serbian, in terms of cost, language requirements and future job prospects.
| Criterion | English programmes | Serbian programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026) | €3,000 to €3,500 per year (FTN Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac) | €2,000 to €3,000 per year (University of Belgrade ETF, FTN Novi Sad) |
| Language requirements | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or equivalent) | Proficiency in Serbian (required to apply) |
| Academic accreditation | The programme should be accredited by NAT (the national accreditation body) | Approved by Serbia’s Ministry of Education |
| Career prospects | Excellent in Europe, especially at technology companies and international engineering firms | Limited outside Serbia, but good in the local market |
If you plan to work in Europe or at an international company, joining an English-taught programme is a strategic choice. If you want to work in Serbia or return to work in your home country, Serbian-taught programmes may be more cost-effective.
Tuition fees for engineering programmes in Serbia 2026
Tuition fees for engineering programmes in Serbia range from €2,000 to €3,500 per year, depending on the university and field. These prices cover tuition only, not living costs or health insurance.
- University of Novi Sad – Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTN): €3,000 per year for English-taught programmes (such as electrical and mechanical engineering).
- University of Niš – Faculty of Electronic Engineering: €3,500 per year for the English-taught programme.
- University of Kragujevac – Faculty of Engineering: €3,000 per year.
- University of Belgrade – School of Electrical Engineering (ETF): €2,000–3,000 per year for Serbian-taught programmes.
We recommend visiting the official Study in Serbia platform for the latest list of fees, because prices may change with the academic year and programme type.
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Admission requirements for engineering programmes in Serbia
Admission requirements vary by university and programme, but there are general requirements common to all engineering programmes in Serbia.
- Secondary school certificate: your certificate must be recognised by Serbia’s Ministry of Education, and a certified translation of your school-leaving certificate is often required.
- Entrance exams: some universities, such as the University of Novi Sad, require entrance exams in mathematics and physics, especially for programmes focused on engineering analysis.
- Language requirements: for English-taught programmes, you must prove proficiency with IELTS (at least 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (at least 72). For Serbian-taught programmes, you must prove Serbian through official exams; see the Faculty of Technical Sciences FTN, Novi Sad (official website).
- Interview: may be required at some universities, especially for advanced or highly competitive engineering programmes.
Registration is usually done online through the university’s website, and you should apply before mid-June 2026 for programmes starting in October 2026.
The job market after graduating from an engineering faculty in Serbia
Serbia’s job market is well suited to engineering graduates, especially in the following fields:
- Electrical and electronic engineering: with the growth of electrical equipment and telecommunications manufacturers in Niš and Novi Sad.
- Mechanical engineering: in demand in industrial plants, especially in manufacturing and the automotive sector.
- Computer and software engineering: with a growing number of start-ups in Belgrade and Novi Sad, job opportunities in this field are excellent.
Graduates can work in Serbia directly or in other Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Romania and Bosnia, depending on each country’s own work-permit rules. Recognition of a Serbian degree abroad is decided by each country, so check the rules of the country where you plan to work.
If you plan to work in your home country, apply for recognition of your degree through the education authority there. A recognition document is often required; see our guide to degree recognition in Serbia.
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Working while you study engineering in Serbia
Students with a temporary residence permit for study may work up to 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month) without a separate work permit (source). Part-time work in a technical field, such as an internship or student job at a local company, can help you build experience while you study.
For the official list of accredited English-taught programmes and application steps for international students, see the Study in Serbia platform (source). Visa and residence-permit procedures are explained on the government portal for foreigners (source).
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Serbia without speaking Serbian?
Yes, you can study in Serbia without speaking Serbian if you choose an English-taught programme. Still, it is worth learning the basics of Serbian to make daily life and integration easier.
What are the best engineering universities in Serbia for international students?
The best universities are the University of Novi Sad (FTN), the University of Niš (Electronic Engineering) and the University of Kragujevac, especially because they offer accredited English-taught programmes with reasonable costs and good job prospects.
Are there scholarships for engineering in Serbia?
Some universities offer partial or full scholarships based on academic performance, but they are rare. Look through our scholarships in Serbia resources and follow the application steps specific to each university.
How long does an engineering degree take in Serbia?
A bachelor’s degree in engineering in Serbia lasts 4 academic years, divided into 8 semesters. Some universities offer intensive programmes or programmes combined with practical training.
Studying engineering in Serbia is an excellent opportunity for international students who want an accredited engineering degree at a lower cost than in other European countries. With English-taught programmes at leading universities such as Novi Sad and Niš, and promising job prospects in Europe, Serbia has become an attractive destination for a strong technical degree. Don’t forget to check the programme’s NAT accreditation, and visit the best universities in Serbia to choose the programme that suits you. If you need help applying or choosing a field, book your free consultation now.
Official sources
- Faculty of Technical Sciences FTN, Novi Sad (official website)
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade (official website)
- Official Study in Serbia platform