Serbia is a beautiful European nation that boasts of an upper-middle-income economy and a 64th Human Development Index ranking. It has placed high importance on education, as seen in its provision of free primary and secondary schooling for its citizens.
Although university education is not free, they come at a low price – compared to the rest of Europe. This is why many international students continue to flock to Serbia. Here, you can even get your degree at any of the nation’s 19 universities for cheap (or even for free.)
If you’re considering a quality Serbian education, then you might want to consider applying for any of these best scholarships in Serbia for international students:
Best Scholarships in Serbia
1. World in Serbia Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full amount
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate Degree
World in Serbia is a scholarship program given to citizens of non-aligned movement (NAM) states. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development, it offers free tuition at participating Serbian universities.
Apart from a full-tuition scholarship in Serbia, the program also provides free Serbian language courses, a scholarship award of $150 a month, free food & accommodation, health insurance, a free study visa, and diploma recognition services.
The scholarship, however, will not cover the cost of travel expenses, local transport, and textbooks/other study materials.
Apart from being a citizen of a NAM country, scholars should be nominated by the project office in their home nation.
Likewise, the student should meet the age requirements of 21 for bachelor’s, 25 for master’s, and 35 for Ph.D. studies.
Eligibility requirements also include appropriate education (i.e., ECTS points) and proficiency with the English or Serbian language.
2. University of Novi Sad Scholarships for Talented Students
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Undisclosed
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Novi Sad
The University of Novi Sad is one of the most prestigious institutions in Serbia. Founded in 1961, it houses 14 faculties throughout campuses in Novi Sad, Subotica, Zrenjamin, and Sombor.
In 1992, the university established a fund that aims to facilitate the development of its students, researchers, and artists. When it was first launched, it defrayed the tuition costs for 19 deserving students.
Thanks to the generous donations of several companies, the scholarship funding has continued to increase. In recent years, the university managed to provide this Serbia scholarship to 992 students.
To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must have a GPA of 9.00 and be a:
- Third- or fourth-year student taking a baccalaureate degree
- Unemployed Master’s student
- A student enrolled in a three-year integrated degree
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship (EMJMDS)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Depending on course and nationality (funding for 12-24 months)
- Eligible Degree: Master’s degree at Erasmus universities in Serbia
The EMJMDS is an international study program delivered by a variety of educational institutions. This Serbia scholarship is open to all Master’s students who wish to study in Serbia and other participating nations.
Apart from the scholarship, the EMJMDS will also provide insurance coverage, monthly allowances, travel costs, and settling-in costs.
To apply, the student must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Likewise, graduating baccalaureate students may send in their applications as well.
The beauty of the EMJMDS is that you get to finish your Master’s degree in two countries. You can do this as a Serbian university student or as an enrollee of a foreign Erasmus institution. The only caveat, though, is that you need to participate in full-time courses.
Depending on your program, you may get a single certificate issued by the two universities – or two certificates given by each.
The process of EMJMDS application – as well as selection – vary from course to course.
4. European Commission Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Funding for up to four years
- Eligible Degree: Doctorate Degree at select Serbian universities, such as the University of Belgrade
The European Commission Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network was created to implement and facilitate doctorate programs throughout Europe. To date, the association has EUR 402.95/USD 478 million worth of funding ready to disperse.
It is open to aspiring Ph.D. students from any country. While they shouldn’t have a degree by the time of the application, they should have already been accepted into a Ph.D. program in Serbia.
For industry doctorates, the foremost requirement is that they should devote 50% of their time to fields outside the academe.
Apart from tuition funding, the program also provides a living allowance and mobility allowance. Dependent on the scholar’s situation, the network will also offer special allowances and family leaves.
On top of these allowances, the Commission will also fund the student’s research, networking, and training activities. Likewise, scholars may be covered for indirect or other management costs.
5. ELSYS Eastern Europe Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: RSD 15,000 or USD 151 per month
- Eligible Degree: Must be in the fourth year of studies at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Novi Sad – Faculty of Technical Sciences, or Faculty of Electronic Engineering at the University of Niš
If you’re currently in your fourth year at the universities/faculties mentioned above, then you may be able to apply for the ELSYS Eastern Europe scholarship, one of the best scholarships in Serbia for international students.
Apart from the monthly paid scholarship, awardees will be given access to mentors who are trained engineers. Under their stewardship, scholars can put their skills to the test by working on the company’s analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits.
Scholars are expected to work for only 16 to 24 hours per week, for a total of 80 hours a month.
Apart from this hands-on training, students may also work on their thesis at the company plant.
Compared to other scholarship programs, ELSYS offers no lock-in contract obligation. That said, awardees will not need to work in the company (unless they want) to repay their scholarship.
To apply, the potential scholar should submit a curriculum vitae (in English), a cover letter, a certificate of passed exams, and a project proposal.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in Serbia for international students was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
