If you are looking for an outstanding study experience in Europe at a reasonable cost, Serbia is a great choice for international students. The country has a varied mix of public and private universities offering English-taught programmes in many fields, and it is one of the European countries that makes it relatively easy for international students to enrol. In this complete guide we present the best universities in Serbia in 2026, with a clear comparison between public and private universities, details on tuition fees, available fields and the cities where they are located, plus information on academic accreditation and exchange opportunities.

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Best Universities in Serbia: Public vs Private – Comparison Table

Universities in Serbia are either public institutions run by the state or private universities run by independent companies or educational foundations. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks and differs in costs, programme quality and accreditation. The comparison table below helps you make an informed decision based on your priorities.

University	Type	City	Annual fees (Serbian dinars)	English-taught programmes	Accreditation (NAT)
University of Belgrade	Public	Belgrade	150,000 – 250,000 RSD	Many (engineering, sciences, medicine, management)	Accredited (7 years)
University of Novi Sad	Public	Novi Sad	130,000 – 220,000 RSD	Many (sciences, technology, management)	Accredited (7 years)
University of Niš	Public	Niš	120,000 – 200,000 RSD	Some (engineering, medicine, management)	Accredited (7 years)
University of Kragujevac	Public	Kragujevac	110,000 – 190,000 RSD	Some (engineering, sciences, management)	Accredited (7 years)
State University of Novi Pazar	Public	Novi Pazar	100,000 – 180,000 RSD	Limited (sciences, management)	Accredited (7 years)
University of Arts in Belgrade	Public	Belgrade	140,000 – 230,000 RSD	Limited (arts, design, music)	Accredited (7 years)
Singidunum University	Private	Belgrade	250,000 – 400,000 RSD	Many (management, technology, computer science)	Accredited (7 years)
Metropolitan University	Private	Belgrade	230,000 – 380,000 RSD	Many (management, technology, e-commerce)	Accredited (7 years)
Union – Nikola Tesla University	Private	Belgrade	240,000 – 390,000 RSD	Many (engineering, computer science, management)	Accredited (7 years)
Educons University	Private	Belgrade	See the official fee page	Many (management, technology, social sciences)	Accredited (7 years)

Public Universities in Serbia: Standing, Fields and Accreditation

Public universities are the oldest and best known in Serbia and are a trusted source of higher education. They are run by the state, and their programmes are subject to strict standards set by the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAT), which renews accreditation every 7 years. This supports the quality of education and the value of the qualifications.

The leading public universities in Serbia include the University of Belgrade, the University of Novi Sad, the University of Niš, the University of Kragujevac and the State University of Novi Pazar. Each offers many programmes in technical, medical, engineering and social science fields, with English-taught options, especially at the postgraduate level.

If you want an official and reputable study experience, public universities are the best choice. Their costs are also much lower than at private universities, especially in less expensive cities such as Novi Pazar and Kragujevac.

University of Belgrade: The Academic Heart of Serbia

The University of Belgrade is Serbia’s oldest and largest university. It is located in the capital, an important cultural and educational hub.

For detailed information, see the University of Belgrade page, where you will find fields of study, costs and admission requirements.

University of Novi Sad: A Model of Academic Excellence in the North

The University of Novi Sad is in the city of Novi Sad, one of the leading universities in northern Serbia (the Vojvodina region). It is known for the quality of its teaching, the variety of its programmes and its comfortable study environment. It offers English-taught programmes in technical fields, sciences and management, and has partnerships with major European universities.

For more details about this university, go to University of Novi Sad.

Private Universities in Serbia: Flexibility, Modern Fields and English-Taught Programmes

Private universities in Serbia offer a modern model of education, with a focus on contemporary fields such as computer science, business administration, digital marketing and artificial intelligence. They are known for a flexible learning environment, many English-taught programmes and partnerships with international academic institutions.

Although tuition at private universities is higher than at public ones, the quality of education, teaching and practical training opportunities make them an attractive choice for international students looking for a global study experience.

Singidunum University: A Leader in Digital Education

Singidunum University is one of the leading private universities in Belgrade and focuses on technical and digital fields. It offers English-taught programmes in computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technology project management. It is known for encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

For more details, see Singidunum University.

Educons University: Several Fields in English

Educons University offers programmes in business administration, computer science, marketing and social sciences, with a focus on practical application. It encourages student exchange and offers training opportunities with local and international companies.

For full information about this university, go to Educons University.

Tuition Fees in Serbia: Comparison by City and Field

Tuition fees in Serbia vary by type of university (public or private), city and field. At public universities, fees for bachelor’s programmes start from about €600 (for example, Physics at the University of Belgrade) and reach €3,600 (for example, Architecture), while English-taught medicine costs €6,000–8,000 a year. At private universities, fees usually range between €2,100 and €5,000 a year depending on the programme.

Large cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad have higher living costs, while cities such as Kragujevac and Novi Pazar are more economical, which lowers a student’s total costs.

For exact fee details, see tuition fees in Serbia, where you will find updated tables by field and university.

Academic Accreditation in Serbia: Checking Your Qualifications

All universities in Serbia, public or private, must be accredited by the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAT), the official body responsible for quality assurance. Accreditation is renewed periodically (every 7 years for programmes), but this does not mean that every country automatically recognises the degree.

If you plan to return to your home country after graduating, check whether the education authorities there recognise degrees from Serbian universities. See our certificate recognition guide to understand how your degree is assessed in your own country.

Academic Exchange Programmes: Erasmus+ and Tempus

Serbia offers excellent opportunities for international students to join academic exchange programmes. The best known is the Erasmus+ programme, which lets students study or train at European universities for one semester or more. Serbia also takes part in the Tempus programme, which supports academic cooperation and institutional development between universities.

For more information, visit the official Erasmus+ programme or the Tempus Foundation of Serbia.

How to Check Programmes and Fees Officially

Fees and English-taught programmes change from year to year, so confirm them with official sources before you apply. The Study in Serbia initiative, founded by the Tempus Foundation, provides English-language information on higher education in Serbia and links to a catalogue of programmes and a database of accredited programmes. It advises prospective students to contact the relevant university or faculty directly about application procedures, tuition fees and admission requirements.

The University of Belgrade publishes an official 2025/2026 fee table with a separate column for foreign citizens. It shows how widely fees differ even inside one public university: for example, bachelor’s Physics is €600 a year, Software Engineering at the School of Electrical Engineering is €3,000 and Architecture (taught in Serbian) is €3,600.

The Serbian government’s Welcome to Serbia portal also notes that students from Non-Aligned Movement countries can study free of charge at state universities through the World in Serbia scholarship, with students housed in dormitories in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Serbia in English?

Yes, you can study in Serbia in English, especially at private universities such as Singidunum, Metropolitan and Educons, and in some postgraduate programmes at public universities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Which Serbian universities are recognised abroad?

NAT accreditation is a quality requirement inside Serbia, but recognition of a degree in each country is decided by the recognition authority there. Even so, it is advisable to check that the education authority in your home country recognises degrees from Serbian universities before you apply.

Are there scholarships for international students in Serbia?

Some Serbian universities offer scholarships to international students, especially private universities. Conditions and value vary by university and programme. It is best to contact the university you want to join directly for accurate information.

How long do studies last at Serbian universities?

Studies at Serbian universities last 3 to 4 years for a bachelor’s and 1 to 2 years for a master’s, depending on the field and university. The same European standards (Bologna Process) apply.

Can I work while studying in Serbia?

Yes. Since February 2024, a student holding a study residence permit may work without a separate work permit for up to 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) during term time. Check the visa and work conditions that apply to your own situation.

If you are looking for the best universities in Serbia in 2026 that balance quality, cost and future opportunities, Serbia is an excellent strategic choice. Whether you pick public universities with reasonable fees or private universities with modern fields and English-taught programmes, your options are wide and varied. Start your academic journey in Europe with confidence, backed by international education experts, and take the first step towards a successful career.

Official Sources

• Official Erasmus+ programme
• Erasmus programme – Wikipedia (Arabic)
• Tempus Foundation of Serbia