Choosing the right major to study in Serbia is not just an academic decision; it is a strategic step that shapes your professional and personal future. If you are an international student looking for an accessible study experience, a safe environment and reasonable costs, Serbia offers promising options. The real challenge is knowing which major fits your interests, the job market and the conditions of studying in Serbia. This guide helps you decide based on three main criteria: availability of English-taught programmes, recognition of your major in your home country, and study costs in 2026.

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Step 1: Check Which Programmes Are Taught in English

English is the key to a smooth study experience in Serbia, especially for students who do not speak Serbian. English-taught programmes are the biggest factor when choosing a major. They are offered at most major universities, but not in every field.

Programmes taught in English usually include computer science, engineering, business administration, medical sciences and social sciences. Availability may vary by university and by level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).

• Universities offering specific programmes in English: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac.
• Programmes mostly taught in Serbian: most humanities and law, plus the cheaper Serbian-language medicine tracks.
• Hybrid programmes: some majors are taught partly in English but require basic Serbian to pass certain courses.

So before you decide, make sure the major you choose is taught fully in English at the university you are considering. You can check this on the official Study in Serbia platform.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Major Will Be Recognised in Your Home Country

Recognition of your major in your home country is essential if you want to use your degree on the job market, apply for government jobs or continue your studies. It is not enough for a major to exist in Serbia; it must also be accepted by the official bodies in your own country.

Programmes popular with international students include (recognition is decided by the equivalence authority in your home country):

• Computer engineering and software
• Business administration (MBA)
• Medical sciences (medicine, pharmacy, nursing)
• Civil engineering and architecture
• Economics and accounting

How hard recognition is depends on your country and major, so ask your equivalence authority.

• Humanities (philosophy, history, Arabic studies)
• Education (in some countries)
• Arts and design (if not backed by a certificate accredited by an official body)

To make sure your degree will be recognised, check the lists of approved majors at the ministry of higher education in your home country. You can also read the quality reports issued by the National Accreditation Body (NAT), the official body responsible for quality assessment at Serbian universities.

Step 3: Compare Costs by Major and University

Serbia is one of the cheapest European countries to study in, but costs vary widely by major and university. Fees for most state bachelor’s programmes range from EUR 1,000 to 3,600 a year, medicine in English costs EUR 6,000–8,000, and private universities charge EUR 2,100–5,000.

Major	Average annual fees (EUR)	Notes
Engineering	1,800 – 3,500	Varies by university; some universities offer scholarships
Business administration	1,500 – 3,000 (international master’s up to 6,000)	Master’s programmes at business schools taught in English
Medical sciences	6,000 – 8,000	Taught in English at some universities, but a local licence is required to practise
Computer science	1,000 – 2,500	Among the cheapest majors in Serbia, with strong job prospects
Humanities	2,000 – 3,500	Lower cost, but job prospects can be narrower, so check demand in your home market

Note: these figures are estimates based on 2026 data and may vary by university and city. The government’s “World in Serbia” scholarship is available to citizens of Non-Aligned Movement countries, and some universities offer partial discounts.

Step 4: Choose the City That Fits Your Major and Lifestyle

Choosing between Serbian cities is not just a matter of preference; it shapes your academic and professional experience. Some cities are academic hubs, while others offer a calmer setting and a lower cost of living.

• Belgrade: the capital and higher-education centre, with the largest number of universities and plenty of job and internship opportunities. Living costs are higher, though.
• Novi Sad: a university city with lower living costs than Belgrade and specific programmes in English (such as medicine and dentistry).
• Novi Pazar: a small city in southern Serbia, suitable for students who want a quiet life, low living costs and a Muslim community. It hosts the state University of Novi Pazar, and most of its programmes are in Serbian, so check which programmes are available in English.

If you want a well-rounded study experience, visit the best cities to study in Serbia to compare options by major and environment.

Step 5: Talk to Someone Who Has Been Through It

Real experiences are a valuable source of information. If you are considering a particular major, look for international students who studied the same subject in Serbia. The experience of a Muslim student in Novi Pazar, documented in a Muslim student’s experience in Serbia, shows how international students can adapt to a diverse and safe study environment.

The experience of Muslim students in Serbia, discussed in Is Serbia suitable for Muslims?, also highlights important points such as the availability of halal food, mosques and freedom of worship.

Degree Levels and Credits in Serbia

Before you pick a major, it helps to know how Serbian programmes are structured. According to the official Study in Serbia platform:

• Bachelor’s programmes last 3-4 years and carry 180 to 240 ECTS credits. They may include a final thesis.
• Master’s programmes last 1-2 years and carry 60-120 ECTS credits. They usually focus on applying theoretical knowledge.
• Doctoral programmes (PhD) last three years and include extensive research and a final thesis or artistic project. Admission requires a bachelor’s and a master’s degree totalling at least 300 ECTS.

source

Where to Search for Programmes

Study in Serbia publishes a catalogue of programmes and links to the national education database of programmes. Use them together with the faculty’s own website to confirm the language of instruction, the level and the fee before you apply. source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Serbia without knowing Serbian?

Yes, you can study in Serbia without knowing Serbian if you choose a major taught in English. Still, it is advisable to learn the basics of Serbian to make daily life easier, deal with government offices and improve your job prospects after graduation.

Are Serbian medical degrees recognised in your home country?

Recognition is decided case by case by the equivalence authority in your home country, and licensing exams are often required (for example in Saudi Arabia or the UAE). Check the recognition conditions with the ministry of health or higher education in your country.

Which majors are taught in English in Serbia?

Specific programmes such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and some engineering, economics and business administration programmes are available in English, depending on the university. Availability differs by university, so check each university’s official website.

How does the cost of living compare with study costs?

Total average monthly living costs range from about EUR 345 to EUR 1,100 depending on the city and housing. Belgrade is the most expensive, while Novi Pazar and other places are cheaper. Costs include housing, food, transport and health insurance.

Choosing your major to study in Serbia requires a balance between personal interests, professional recognition and cost. With English-taught programmes at reputable universities and low costs compared with other European countries, Serbia is a promising choice for international students. Use this guide as a practical roadmap, and check the details by university and major. Start your journey towards a successful career in Serbia with one step: choosing the major that suits you.

Official Sources

• Official Study in Serbia platform
• National Accreditation Body (NAT)