Are you thinking about studying in Serbia and wondering how hard it is to learn Serbian? If you want to enrol at a Serbian university or apply for a scholarship, understanding the language and how to learn it is a decisive step. Serbian belongs to the South Slavic family and is closely related to its neighbouring languages, yet it has features of its own that make learning it a distinctive experience. In this complete guide we look at how hard it really is to learn Serbian as an international student, explain how to handle the Cyrillic and Latin scripts, recommend the best self-study resources, and estimate how long it takes to reach the B2 level required for admission to Serbian-taught programmes in 2026.

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Is Serbian Hard to Learn?

Serbian is a Slavic language that international students can learn, but how hard it feels depends on your language background and your previous experience of learning languages. Many learners find it more approachable than Russian or Polish, mainly because its spelling is largely phonetic: words are written the way they are pronounced.

Serbian is written in both Cyrillic and Latin script, and its sound system is fairly regular. Its grammar, however, is demanding: nouns, adjectives and pronouns change form across seven cases, and verbs have their own patterns of aspect and tense.

On the other hand, Serbian is mutually intelligible with Croatian, Bosnian and Montenegrin. This means learning Serbian also opens the door to understanding these languages, which reduces the size of the challenge.

Serbian Scripts: Cyrillic and Latin

Serbian is written in two scripts: Cyrillic and Latin. Cyrillic is the official script, while the Latin alphabet is also in everyday use. Both appear in education, the media and official documents. This gives you some flexibility in choosing which one to learn first.

Cyrillic is widely used in schools and textbooks, while Latin script is common on the internet, in social media and on brands. Even so, recognising both systems is essential if you plan to study in Serbia.

Matching Cyrillic to Latin Letters

Many Cyrillic letters look like Latin letters, but sound different. For example:

• А → A (as in “father”)
• Б → B (as in “bed”)
• В → V (as in “van”)
• Г → G (as in “go”)
• Д → D (as in “dog”)
• Ж → Ž (like the “s” in “measure”)
• Ч → Č (like “ch” in “church”)
• Ш → Š (like “sh” in “ship”)
• Ј → J (like “y” in “yes”)

It is a good idea to start with the Latin alphabet, because it is more common on websites and learning apps, and then move gradually to Cyrillic, especially when you join an official study programme.

Cyrillic vs Latin: A Comparison Guide

To help you tell the two systems apart, here is a table of the main differences:

Script	Common use	Strength	Challenge
Latin	Internet, apps, brands	Easy to read; works with standard Latin keyboards	Less used in official government documents and some textbooks
Cyrillic	Textbooks, formal education, government documents	The official script; widely used in schools and official documents	Needs extra reading and writing practice

For a well-rounded learning experience, we recommend studying both systems together. You can start with our guide to the comparison of Cyrillic and Latin scripts to understand the differences in practice.

The Best Resources for Learning Serbian on Your Own

Excellent digital and educational resources for learning Serbian from scratch are available today, especially if you do not have direct access to a language school. Here are the main ones:

• Language-learning apps: apps such as Memrise and LingQ offer simple Serbian lessons with a focus on everyday vocabulary and basic grammar. Check the current course list in each app, as Serbian coverage changes.
• YouTube channels: channels for Serbian learners publish short lessons on the alphabet, grammar and everyday conversation, often in English.
• Websites: the Serbian Ministry of Education publishes official information about studying in Serbia and its scholarship calls, which is useful for planning your language preparation.
• Coursebooks: beginner coursebooks for Serbian as a foreign language are a good place to start and are widely used when preparing to study in Serbia.
• Language-exchange platforms: platforms such as Tandem and HelloTalk let you talk with native speakers from Serbia, which strengthens your speaking and listening skills.

If you plan to enrol at a university in Serbia, start an intensive study routine well before your programme begins and set clear goals such as “learn 100 words a month” or “read a short text in Cyrillic within 3 months”.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Serbian to B2?

The time needed to reach B2 (upper intermediate) depends on your commitment, the resources you use and your language background. As a rough estimate:

If you rely on self-study resources only, the process may take 20 to 24 months; with a structured course and daily practice it can be shorter (about 12 to 18 months).

The key point: B2 is required for admission to Serbian-taught programmes in Serbia. For English-taught programmes there may be no B2 requirement, but it is still useful for daily life and integration into society.

Practical Steps to Start Learning Serbian from Scratch

If you are starting from zero, here is a practical plan:

1. Weeks 1–4: learn the Latin and Cyrillic letters and practise simple reading (names, numbers, colours).
2. Weeks 5–12: learn new words every day (family, food, places) and use apps such as Memrise or LingQ.
3. Months 4–6: start reading short texts (diaries, simple articles) and begin talking with speakers through exchange apps.
4. Months 7–12: learn the basic grammar (gender, case, tense) and start writing simple sentences every day.
5. Months 13–18: take practice exams at B1 level and start reading newspaper articles or simple university material.

To succeed, follow a clear plan and track your progress every month. You can follow your progress through the Serbian language courses offered by Serbian universities or official educational organisations.

Scholarships in Serbia: Do You Need a Language Certificate?

If you are looking for a scholarship in Serbia, the language requirement depends on the programme. Under the World in Serbia scholarship, students who will study in Serbian attend free intensive Serbian courses after arriving and before enrolling in their chosen programme, so a language certificate is not normally needed in advance. For English-taught programmes, you study in English.

If you apply for a place in a Serbian-taught programme outside such a scheme, the university may ask you for proof of B1 or B2 through an official exam such as the Serbian language certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Serbian hard for international students compared with other languages?

Not particularly. Serbian is not among the hardest languages, especially if you have already learned a Slavic language or one with complex grammar. Many learners find it easier than Russian or Polish, and the option of using both Latin and Cyrillic script makes self-study easier.

Can I study in Serbia without learning Serbian?

Yes, you can study in Serbia without learning Serbian if your programme is taught in English. It is still a good idea to learn the basics for daily life and integration, and if you want to apply for programmes taught in Serbian.

What is the difference between Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian?

Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian are mutually intelligible languages: a speaker of one can understand texts and conversations in the other two. The differences lie mainly in the scripts used (Serbian uses Cyrillic and Latin, while Croatian and Bosnian use Latin) and in some vocabulary, but they share the same core structure, with differences in standardisation and culture.

What is the best way to learn Cyrillic?

The best way is to start learning the letters with an app such as “Cyrillic Alphabet” on Google Play, then practise reading short texts and use Cyrillic–Latin conversion tables. We also recommend watching educational videos in English to understand the sounds.

How long do I need to learn Serbian for university admission?

As a rough estimate, to reach the B2 level required for admission to Serbian-taught programmes, a student needs 12 to 18 months of steady learning with about 1.5 hours a day in a structured course; self-study alone can take 20 to 24 months. If your programme is taught in English, B2 may not be required, but it is very useful for daily life and integration.

Learning Serbian is not impossible; it is a rewarding and useful experience, especially if you plan to study or work in Serbia. With the right self-study resources, daily commitment and a start from zero, you can reach B2 in under two years. Start today: your first step towards academic life in Serbia may be a small one, but it will pay off. Remember that every language taught in Serbia opens the door to a rich culture, a supportive community and real study opportunities in 2026.

Official Sources

• Serbian Ministry of Education
• Scholarships page on the government’s Welcome to Serbia portal