The World in Serbia scholarship (Svet u Srbiji) is one of the best-known fully funded study opportunities for international students in Europe. The World in Serbia scholarship is offered by the Government of Serbia through the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is open to students from member and observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and it covers tuition, free accommodation and meals, and a monthly stipend. If you are looking for a fully funded way to study in Europe, this scholarship is a strong place to start.
What is the World in Serbia scholarship?
The World in Serbia scholarship (Svet u Srbiji) is a fully funded government scholarship offered every year to students from Non-Aligned Movement countries. It is run by the Serbian Ministry of Education together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its aim is to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Serbia and developing countries, and to give students the chance to complete higher education in a safe, well-established academic environment.
Who is eligible for the World in Serbia scholarship?
The scholarship is open to citizens of member or observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement: around 127 countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. That includes most Arab countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Sudan, as well as countries like Ghana, Lesotho, Azerbaijan and Grenada, whose national authorities published the 2026 call. You must also meet the other conditions below.
- Nationality: citizen of a Non-Aligned Movement member or observer state, nominated by the competent authority of your country.
- Age: under 21 for Bachelor’s studies, under 25 for Master’s studies, and under 35 for PhD studies, at the time of enrolment.
- Academic background: a four-year secondary school diploma for a Bachelor’s, a Bachelor’s degree for a Master’s, or a Master’s degree with an average grade of at least 8.5 for a PhD.
- Language: you do not need Serbian to apply, but you need at least A1-level English or Serbian on arrival, and you must complete the Serbian language course before starting your degree.
Application requirements
The exact process varies by country, but the core requirements are the same:
- An official application through the competent authority in your home country (usually the Ministry of Education or Foreign Affairs).
- Certified copies of your academic certificates and transcripts.
- Proof of good health: a medical certificate, vaccination record and test results on the official form.
- A CV with a motivation letter.
- A passport valid for at least 6 years from the visa application date, and proof of English or Serbian at conversational level.
What does the scholarship cover?
The World in Serbia scholarship covers the main costs of studying, which makes it one of the strongest fully funded scholarships in Europe. Coverage includes:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered for one level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) at a state university. |
| Accommodation and meals | Free, in state student dormitories in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. |
| Monthly stipend | RSD 18,000 per month (2026 call), paid regularly. |
| Health insurance | Mandatory for scholarship holders enrolled in studies under the age of 26; voluntary for those over 26 and during the language course. |
| Travel | Not covered. You pay your own travel to and from Serbia. |
Important note on coverage
Details can vary by university and programme, so check the official call before you apply. The scholarship does not cover travel to and from Serbia, city transport, textbooks, exam registration and other administrative fees, or residence permit fees.
How to apply: practical steps
You apply for the World in Serbia scholarship through the competent authority in your home country, not only through the Serbian government. In the 2026 call, candidates also had to fill in the Ministry of Education’s online form and email their scanned, translated documents to worldinserbia@prosveta.gov.rs. This process is known as nomination by the home authority.
- Check your eligibility: make sure your country is a Non-Aligned Movement member or observer, and that you are within the age limit for your level of study.
- Contact the competent authority: get in touch with the Ministry of Education or Foreign Affairs in your country, or the Serbian embassy, to get the call and application form.
- Gather your documents: prepare everything required, such as your diplomas and transcripts, CV, motivation letter, passport copy, language proof and medical documents.
- Submit your application: complete the online form, email your documents to the Ministry, and submit your file to your home authority before the deadline.
- Wait for the results: Serbian embassies send the list of nominated candidates to Serbia, where the final selection is made. Results are communicated through official channels.
- Visa and travel: once you are selected, you receive an official invitation to apply for a student visa, and you arrange your own travel to Serbia.
Language training before your studies
All scholarship holders attend an intensive Serbian language course before starting their degree, typically lasting from several months up to one academic year. The course is essential because most university programmes are taught in Serbian.
You can start learning Serbian early through free options such as free Serbian language courses offered by official institutions in Serbia.
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Application timeline: 2027–2028 call
The call is published once a year by the Serbian Ministry of Education. In the 2026–2027 call, the online application window ran from 10 June to 26 June 2026, and Serbian embassies had to send their lists of nominated candidates by 3 July 2026. The Ministry has announced new scholarships in 2027 for the Serbian language year 2027/2028, followed by university enrolment in 2028/2029. The 2027–2028 call has not been published yet and is expected around May–June 2027. The dates below are estimates, so always check the official websites.
| Stage | Expected date (2027–2028 call) |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | Expected around May–June 2027 (previous call: 10 June 2026) |
| Application deadline | Expected around June 2027 (previous call: 26 June 2026); check the official site |
| Embassies send nominee lists to Serbia | Usually about a week after the deadline (previous call: by 3 July 2026) |
| Serbian language course starts | Academic year 2027/2028, after arrival in Serbia |
| Degree studies start | Academic year 2028/2029, after completing the language course |
For up-to-date information, visit the scholarships page on the official Welcome to Serbia portal.
Benefits of the World in Serbia scholarship
The World in Serbia scholarship is one of the most attractive options for international students, thanks to these advantages:
- Full funding: no tuition fees and no accommodation costs.
- A safe place to study: Serbia is generally considered a safe country for students.
- Quality education: Serbian public universities such as the University of Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad are well regarded in the region.
- Cultural experience: you live in a multicultural environment alongside students from all over the world.
- Options after graduation: graduates who find a job in Serbia can apply for a work-based residence permit.
Free consultation: your first step
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the World in Serbia scholarship if my country is not a Non-Aligned Movement member?
No. The scholarship is only for citizens of Non-Aligned Movement member or observer states. Most countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are on that list (including all Arab League states), but your country’s competent authority must also take part in the programme.
Do I need to speak Serbian to apply?
No, Serbian is not required when you apply; you need at least A1-level English or Serbian on arrival. You must then complete the intensive Serbian language course before your degree begins, and the course is free under the scholarship.
Which universities offer fully funded programmes?
Many Serbian public universities take part, including the University of Belgrade, the University of Novi Sad, the University of Niš and the University of Kragujevac. Programmes vary by field, so check the official list on the Serbian Ministry of Education website.
Can I apply if I am currently studying at a university in my home country?
Yes. Applicants with a secondary school diploma or a university degree can apply wherever they currently are, as long as they meet the age limit for their level of study. The application must still go through the competent authority in your home country.
What happens after graduation?
After graduating, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for work in Serbia if you have a job offer from a Serbian employer. Rules can change, so check the current requirements with the Serbian authorities.
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A real experience: a student from Palestine
Ahmed, a student from Palestine, received the World in Serbia scholarship in 2025. He describes his journey like this: “It was an experience like no other. I never expected to get full funding for my studies, accommodation and a monthly stipend. The Serbian language course was hard at first, but it helped me settle in. Today I study at the University of Belgrade, and I plan to work in Serbia after I graduate.”
To read Ahmed’s full story, see a World in Serbia scholarship student’s journey.
References and useful links
For official information and regular updates, we recommend these websites:
- Scholarships page on the official Welcome to Serbia portal
- Serbian Ministry of Education
- Non-Aligned Movement — Wikipedia (Arabic)
Next step: start your journey now
If you are an international student looking for a fully funded way to study in Europe, the World in Serbia scholarship is an excellent option. It covers your tuition, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend, and offers a unique educational and cultural experience. Don’t wait for the deadline: start preparing now, and contact us for a free consultation.
For more on studying in Serbia, see our complete guide to studying in Serbia, or learn how to apply with our World in Serbia scholarship application guide. You can also read our country guides for students from Egypt, from Iraq, from Palestine and from Sudan.
Official sources
- Scholarships page on the official Welcome to Serbia portal
- Serbian Ministry of Education
- Non-Aligned Movement — Wikipedia (Arabic)