The University of Belgrade, Serbia’s oldest and largest university, is a strong choice for international students looking for good education at a reasonable cost. It offers a wide range of programmes in English and Serbian, and its reputation in Medicine, Engineering, Law and Economics makes it a popular option for anyone who wants to study in Eastern Europe at competitive prices. This guide explains the fees for foreign students, the admission steps and the registration requirements.
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University of Belgrade: overview of fields and programmes
The University of Belgrade, founded in 1808, is the largest public university in Serbia. It has 31 faculties and 11 research institutes, including the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics, as well as advanced programmes in architecture and the humanities. A key feature is that some programmes are taught in English, so students can apply without first mastering Serbian.
- Medicine: an English-language programme with tuition of €8,000 a year.
- Electrical Engineering (ETF): programmes in Serbian and some master’s programmes in English.
- Economics: offered in Serbian, with various sub-specialisations; check the faculty for English-taught options.
- Law: taught in Serbian.
- Architecture: taught in Serbian, with advanced specialisations in urban design.
If you are a science or engineering student, the University of Belgrade is an excellent destination, especially with English-language options in fields such as Medicine, which lower the language barrier and make settling in easier.
Tuition at the University of Belgrade: English track vs Serbian track
Tuition at the University of Belgrade depends on the language track (English or Serbian) and on the programme. Foreign students usually choose English-taught programmes for easier admission and integration, but these cost more. The table shows annual tuition for foreign citizens as published by the university for 2025/26; where a figure is not confirmed, check the official fee page.
| Field | Track (language) | Annual fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | English | 8,000 |
| Economics | English | See the official fee page |
| Law | Serbian | See the official fee page |
| Architecture | Serbian | See the official fee page |
| Electrical Engineering and Computing (bachelor’s) | Serbian | 2,000 |
| Pharmacy | English | 3,500 |
These fees may change from year to year and differ by faculty and programme, so check the university’s official website before applying. English-taught tracks generally cost more, but they make admission and settling in easier for international students, especially in medicine.
If you want to cut costs, consider programmes taught in Serbian, but these require good Serbian before you start, or a preparatory language programme.
Admission to the University of Belgrade: from application to enrolment
Admission to the University of Belgrade follows clear steps, especially for foreign students. The details vary a little by programme and language track, but most cases follow the same pattern.
- Choose a programme and field: pick the right programme from those listed on the official university and faculty websites.
- Gather the required documents: typically your secondary-school diploma and transcripts (legalised or apostilled, with a notarised Serbian translation), proof of English proficiency for English-taught programmes (native English-speaking countries are exempt at some faculties), a copy of your passport and proof that you paid the application fee.
- Apply online or in person: through the faculty’s official application procedure. Enter your details accurately.
- Wait for the admission result: for Medicine, the faculty announces the entrance exam results and the ranking of applicants.
- Official enrolment: once accepted, enrol at the faculty and pay the first-semester tuition in advance.
- Get your student visa: from the Serbian embassy in your country, with the acceptance letter and health insurance documents.
These steps are critical, so start early, especially for highly competitive programmes such as Medicine. See the student visa guide for Serbia for detailed information on the procedures.
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Language at the University of Belgrade: do you need to master Serbian?
Serbian is the official language of Serbia, but the University of Belgrade offers several programmes in English, especially in medical and some scientific and engineering fields. If you choose an English-taught programme you do not need Serbian to study, although learning it helps with daily life and integration.
If you want to learn the language, the Serbian as a Foreign Language Centre at the Faculty of Philology is designed for foreign students. It offers intensive courses from beginner to advanced level and helps you adapt to life in Belgrade.
If you are considering programmes taught in Serbian (such as Law or Architecture), you must master the language before starting, or join a preparatory language programme, typically about one academic year.
Is the University of Belgrade a good fit for international students?
The University of Belgrade is a good option for international students in terms of quality, cost and integration. Serbia is a multicultural country and is generally welcoming to Muslim students. Belgrade has the historic Bajrakli Mosque, and halal restaurants can be found in some areas of the city.
If you are looking for a balance between quality and cost, the University of Belgrade offers an excellent experience. Its location in the capital also gives easy access to transport, nightlife and cultural activities.
For more on the experience of Muslim students in Serbia, read Is Serbia right for Muslims? to understand the challenges and opportunities in more depth.
An investment in your future: why choose the University of Belgrade?
The University of Belgrade is more than a place to study; it is a gateway to a strong career. It is Serbia’s oldest university, with a very broad range of faculties,
If you want a high-quality education at a reasonable cost, the University of Belgrade is a real opportunity. Fields such as Medicine, Electrical Engineering and Economics offer wide scope for professional development.
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Medicine in English at the University of Belgrade: official facts
The Faculty of Medicine’s English-language studies page lists an application fee of €140 and tuition of €8,000 per academic year (€4,000 per semester), which the faculty says is subject to change (source). The repeat-year fee is €117 per ECTS credit.
- Application documents include a birth certificate and the secondary-school diploma and transcripts, each with a notarised Serbian translation; a copy of your passport; a certificate of English proficiency (applicants from native English-speaking countries are exempt); and proof of payment of the €140 application fee.
- Documents for recognition of foreign qualifications are submitted to the Serbian Qualifications Agency, with confirmation that the procedure is under way handed to the faculty.
- To register, accepted applicants need photographs, a student record book, the registration form and proof of payment of the first-semester tuition (€4,000).
Source: Faculty of Medicine, Applying to UBFM.
Residence fees and working while studying
Serbia is not in the EU or the Schengen area. According to the official Welcome to Serbia portal, temporary residence costs 430 RSD at submission plus 23,450 RSD at approval, 23,880 RSD in total (source). Health insurance is required; see the official visa D documentation page.
Students with temporary residence for study may work up to 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month without a separate work permit (source). The minimum wage is 371 RSD per hour net, rising to 405 RSD from 1 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study at the University of Belgrade without speaking Serbian?
Yes, if you choose an English-taught programme, for example Medicine or Pharmacy. Learning Serbian is still useful for daily life and integration.
How much does it cost to study at the University of Belgrade?
Fees depend on the programme and track. For example, Medicine in English costs €8,000 a year and Pharmacy in English €3,500, according to the 2025/26 fees; for other programmes see the official fee page, because fees can change.
What are the admission requirements for the University of Belgrade?
Requirements typically include a legalised secondary-school diploma, proof of English proficiency for English-taught programmes, and payment of the application fee; Medicine also has an entrance exam. Requirements vary by programme and faculty.
Does the University of Belgrade offer scholarships to foreign students?
Foreign students normally pay tuition throughout their studies, so ask the faculty directly about any reductions, and see our page on study costs in Serbia.
Can I work while studying in Serbia?
Yes. A student with a study residence permit may work up to 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) during term without a separate work permit.
The University of Belgrade is a strategic choice for international students looking for a high-quality education at a fair cost. With a range of English-taught programmes, a welcoming environment and a strong academic standing, it is one of the best destinations for study in Eastern Europe. Whether you plan to study medicine, engineering, law or economics, it is a smart step towards a successful career. Start your journey today, and explore the Serbia study guide for more opportunities.
Official sources
- Official website of Singidunum University (a separate private university)
- Singidunum University — Wikipedia (English)
- National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Body (NAT)