Serbia
At a glance
- Living index rating
- Affordable
- Monthly rent
- €150 – €350 for a dorm or shared flat; central Belgrade studios €400+
- Monthly food
- RSD 20,000 – RSD 30,000 (about €170 – €260)
- Other monthly expenses
- RSD 8,000 – RSD 15,000 (transport, phone, health insurance, personal)
- Visa processing time
- D visa about 2 – 4 weeks; residence permit usually within about 15 days
- Family allowed for students
- Yes
Visa requirements
- D visa if your nationality needs one, then register with the police within 24 hours of arriving (usually via your accommodation)
- Apply for a temporary residence permit for education within your 90-day stay, through the Ministry of Interior's online portal
- Proof of admission or enrolment, financial means and health insurance
- Since 2024, temporary residence can be issued for up to 3 years
- Working needs a separate work basis (e.g. a work permit or the unified residence and work permit)
Work permit after studies
- No dedicated post-study visa
- Graduates can apply for the unified residence and work permit (up to 3 years) with an employer; processing has been simplified since 2024
Citizenship route
- Permanent residence after 3 years of continuous temporary residence
- Citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence, usually giving up your other citizenship (not required if married to a Serbian citizen)
Family details
- A spouse and children can apply for temporary residence for family reunification with a foreigner who has temporary residence
- Adult family members with family reunification residence can work
Universities in Serbia
Top-ranked
University of Belgrade · Belgrade
QS 801–850ARWU 501–600
Famous for: Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics
University of Kragujevac · Kragujevac
THE 1201–1400
Famous for: Medical sciences, Engineering, Science
University of Novi Sad · Novi Sad
THE 1601–1800
Famous for: Technical sciences, Agriculture, Medicine
All other universities and colleges (62), A–Z
"Prof. Dr Radomir Bojković" Business School of Applied Studies · Kruševac
"VISAN" College of Health and Sanitary Studies · Belgrade (Zemun)
Academy of Applied Studies of Kosovo and Metohija · Leposavić
Academy of Preschool Teacher Training and Medical Applied Studies · Kruševac
Academy of Technical and Art Applied Studies Belgrade · Belgrade
Academy of Technical and Preschool Teacher Training Applied Studies · Niš
Agricultural College of Applied Studies Bačka Topola · Bačka Topola
Belgrade Business and Arts Academy of Applied Studies · Belgrade
College of Management and Business Communications · Belgrade (Zemun)
Faculty of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship (VSPEP) · Belgrade
ICEPS – International Centre for Professional Studies · Belgrade
Technical College of Academic Studies (former Shipping College) · Belgrade
University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica · Kosovska Mitrovica
No universities match your search.
This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.
