Is studying in Serbia free? The short answer: not for a foreign student who enrols at their own expense, but it becomes almost free if you win a government scholarship such as “World in Serbia”. Serbian public universities fund “budget” places for Serbian students who do well in the entrance exam, while foreign students usually pay annual fees starting from about €1,500 for programmes taught in Serbian. Even with a scholarship, some costs remain, such as plane tickets, residence fees, books and transport. In this guide, updated for 2026, we explain when study is genuinely free, what you will pay in any case, and how to keep your costs to a minimum.

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Are public universities in Serbia free for foreigners?

The Serbian system splits students at public universities into two groups: “budget” students, whose tuition the state pays, and “self-financed” students, who pay their own fees. According to the European Eurydice network, a student with a state-funded place pays no tuition fees but does bear some administrative fees. Budget places go to Serbian citizens according to their ranking in the entrance exam and their secondary-school grades, and students keep their place if they earn enough ECTS credits every year.
A foreign student usually enrols as self-financed, and the University of Belgrade states explicitly that foreign citizens pay non-citizen fees, which vary from one faculty to another. Bachelor fees for Serbian-language programmes at public universities range roughly from €1,500 to €3,600 a year, while English-language programmes, especially medicine and dentistry, cost several thousand euros. Figures change every year, so check them in the faculty’s official admission announcement, and see the details on our page about university costs in Serbia for international students.

Status	Who pays the tuition	Notes
Serbian student on a state-funded (budget) place	The state	Pays administrative fees only and keeps the place depending on exam results
Serbian self-financed student	The student	Fees are usually lower than for foreigners
Foreign student paying their own way	The student	From about €1,500 a year for Serbian-language programmes, and more for English-language programmes
Student with a World in Serbia scholarship	The Serbian government	Tuition, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend
Student with a bilateral scholarship	The Serbian government, according to the agreement	Usually for postgraduate study and research for set periods

World in Serbia scholarship: the closest route to free study

If your goal is completely free study, the “World in Serbia” scholarship is the first option. According to the project description issued by the Serbian Ministry of Education in February 2026, the scholarship is awarded to candidates from 127 countries in Africa, Asia and Central and South America that are members or observers of the Non-Aligned Movement, including many Arab countries. The scholarship covers:

• A free preparatory year to learn Serbian, from September to June.
• Free study for one study cycle at a public higher education institution.
• A monthly stipend of 18,000 Serbian dinars.
• Free accommodation and meals in state student dormitories.
• Compulsory health insurance for students under 26, and free recognition of your certificates.

Candidates must be no older than 21 for a bachelor’s degree, 25 for a master’s and 35 for a PhD, with at least A1 level in English or Serbian. The Ministry extended the deadline for submitting applications through embassies to 26 June 2026. Details are on our page World in Serbia scholarship, and the practical steps are in our guide how to apply for the Serbian scholarship step by step.

What does the World in Serbia scholarship not cover?

• Plane tickets for arrival and departure.
• Public transport within the city.
• Books and study materials.
• Exam registration fees and faculty administrative fees, such as fees for issuing certificates.
• Temporary residence fees, which scholarship holders pay themselves: RSD 420 for the application, RSD 2,120 for issuing the temporary residence permit and RSD 1,788 for the biometric residence card (World in Serbia project description).

Bilateral scholarships: an alternative for postgraduate students

Every year the Serbian government awards scholarships to citizens of countries with which it has educational cooperation agreements. According to the announcement for the 2026/2027 academic year published through Serbian embassies, these scholarships include free study, accommodation and meals in student dormitories, a monthly stipend of 18,000 dinars (about €150) and a free residence visa. However, they mostly target postgraduate study or research for short periods set by each agreement, and they are not usually suitable for someone who wants a full bachelor’s degree. Read bilateral scholarships between Serbia and other countries.

University discounts and Erasmus+

If you do not win a government scholarship, it does not always mean paying the full fees. Some public and private universities offer discounts for high achievers, for early payment, or for paying a whole year in advance, and the conditions differ from one university to another. Serbia also takes part in the Erasmus+ programme, so you may get a mobility grant for a semester at a European university if your university participates. Details are in Serbian university discounts and scholarships.

Costs that remain even when study is free

Tuition is only part of the picture. The University of Belgrade estimates that a student needs on average between €600 and €800 a month to cover accommodation, health insurance, bills, food, transport and personal expenses, and the cost is lower in smaller cities. The following table shows the difference between a scholarship student and a self-funded student:

Item	With a World in Serbia scholarship	Without a scholarship
Tuition fees	Covered	From about €1,500 a year for Serbian-language programmes
Accommodation and food	Covered in state student dormitories	Most of the €600–800 per month in Belgrade
Temporary residence	A small administrative fee in dinars	Higher fees; check with the Ministry of Interior
Health insurance	Mandatory and covered for students under 26	Paid by you; the cost varies by insurer
Flights, books and transport	Paid by you	Paid by you

For an accurate estimate, see the cost of living in Serbia for students, the procedures for temporary residence for students in Serbia, and the health insurance options available to students.

How to keep the cost of studying in Serbia to a minimum

1. Apply early for the World in Serbia scholarship, and follow its announcement from the start of the year through the higher-education ministry in your country and the Serbian embassy.
2. Study in Serbian if you can: the fees are much lower than for English-language programmes.
3. Choose a city cheaper than Belgrade, such as Niš or Kragujevac, and compare them in the best cities in Serbia for students.
4. Share accommodation with other students, and read student housing in Serbia before signing any contract.
5. Work part-time within the limits the law allows, as explained in working while studying in Serbia.
6. Make a clear financial plan before you travel with your first-year budget for studying in Serbia.

Is free study in Serbia right for you?

A government scholarship is an excellent opportunity, but it comes with conditions you should know in advance. Study on the scholarship is mostly in Serbian, with the possibility of advice in English, and you will spend a full year learning the language before you sit the entrance exam for the faculty you want. Age limits are strict, places are limited, and nomination goes through the competent authority in your country. If you are ready to learn a new language and commit to a preparatory year, this is one of the cheapest ways to study in Europe. If you prefer to study in English you will usually pay fees, but living costs are still lower than in most EU countries. For a balanced comparison, read the pros and cons of studying in Serbia.

FAQ about free study in Serbia

Is university education in Serbia free for citizens only?

Free budget-funded places are mainly meant for high-achieving Serbian students. Foreigners usually study free only through government scholarships.

What is the monthly stipend of the World in Serbia scholarship in 2026?

RSD 18,000 a month according to the 2026 project description, plus free accommodation and meals in student dormitories.

Can I study free in English in Serbia?

Rarely. The World in Serbia scholarship is aimed at Serbian-language programmes, and English-language programmes at public and private universities are mostly paid.

Do I need money if I get a full scholarship?

Yes. You will need money for plane tickets, transport, books, residence fees and personal expenses, especially in the first months.

Can a foreigner get a budget-funded place?

As a rule, foreigners pay non-citizen fees, and the exception comes through government scholarships and agreements. Check each faculty’s policy in its admission announcement.
Studying in Serbia is not free for everyone, but it is one of the cheapest European destinations, and it can become almost free for those who win a government scholarship. Start by applying for the scholarship, prepare a backup plan with low fees, and read Serbia scholarships and Study in Serbia for the full picture.