Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Serbia
CapitalBelgrade
Population6.6 million
Area77,589 km² (29,957 sq mi)
LanguagesSerbian
CurrencySerbian dinar (дин.)
TimezoneUTC+01:00
RegionEurope / Southeast Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$32,781 (2024)
Inflation Rate4.7% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$984 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend32.1% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)3.4% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Serbia varies depending on the type of institution and the student's residency status, with public education being generally free or subsidized for local students, while private and international schools and universities charge tuition fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)3.4%
Literacy Rate95%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year9 months
CurrencyRSD

Education System Overview

The education system in Serbia is divided into public and private sectors, with the public sector being the largest and most widely available. Public education is generally considered to be of good quality, with a strong emphasis on core subjects such as mathematics, science, and language. The language of instruction is Serbian, but some schools may offer additional languages such as English, French, or German. Compulsory education in Serbia lasts for 12 years, starting from the age of 7 and ending at the age of 18. International schools are available in larger cities such as Belgrade, offering a range of curricula including the International Baccalaureate and the British A-level.

The quality of private education in Serbia can vary depending on the institution, but many private schools offer a high level of education with smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Some private schools may also offer additional amenities such as sports facilities, libraries, and computer labs. International schools in Serbia often have a more diverse student body and teaching staff, and may offer a range of extracurricular activities and programs. However, the cost of private and international education in Serbia can be prohibitively expensive for many families, with tuition fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)High-quality education, but may lack resources and facilities
Private Primary$500-$2,000Range of quality and amenities, from basic to premium
Public Secondary$0 (free)Similar to public primary, with a strong emphasis on core subjects
Private Secondary$1,000-$5,000More advanced facilities and resources, with a focus on university preparation
International School$5,000-$15,000High-quality education with a range of curricula and extracurricular activities

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$0-$500$1,000-$3,000Low tuition fees for local students, with a range of programs and specializations
Private University$1,000-$5,000$3,000-$10,000Higher tuition fees, with a focus on business, law, and other professional programs
Top-Ranked University$2,000-$10,000$5,000-$20,000University of Belgrade, with a range of programs and research opportunities

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$100-$500Range of quality and amenities, from basic to premium
Private Tutoring (per hour)$20-$50One-on-one instruction, with a focus on specific subjects or skills
Language Course (monthly)$100-$300Group or individual instruction, with a range of languages and levels
School Supplies (annual)$50-$200Basic supplies such as textbooks, notebooks, and pens
School Uniform$50-$100Mandatory for many schools, with a range of prices and quality

Education Quality & Tips

  • The University of Belgrade is considered one of the top universities in the region, with a range of programs and research opportunities.
  • International schools in Serbia often have a high level of education quality, with a range of curricula and extracurricular activities.
  • Private tutoring is a popular option for students who need additional support or want to improve their grades.
  • Scholarship opportunities are available for local and international students, with a range of programs and funding options.
  • Online learning options are becoming more popular in Serbia, with a range of courses and programs available.
  • Expats and international students may want to consider enrolling in a private or international school, which can offer a more familiar curriculum and teaching style.
Related Cost Guides: Cost of Living Overview · Monthly Budget · Healthcare Costs · Economy