Short answer: Serbia suits Indian students who want an affordable European degree taught in English. The official Study in Serbia portal lists more than 170 programmes taught fully or partly in English, annual tuition of roughly EUR 2500 to EUR 8,000, and average living costs of EUR 250 to 350 a month. Indian passport holders need a Serbian visa: a long-stay Visa D for study, then a temporary residence permit after arrival.

Last checked: 21 October 2026, on the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the Study in Serbia portal.

7 reasons Indian students choose Serbia

1. Degrees taught in English

More than 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes are taught entirely or partly in English. The Study in Serbia portal recommends English at about B2 level; Serbian is not required for these programmes, although learning some helps in daily life.

2. Tuition that fits a family budget

Tuition is paid per academic year (60 ECTS credits) and generally ranges from EUR 2500 to EUR 8,000, depending on the university and programme. Books and study materials usually add about EUR 100 to 250 a year.

3. Living costs below most of Europe

Average monthly costs are about EUR 250 to 350, including accommodation, utilities and transport. A shared room in a student dormitory costs around EUR 150 a month, and food, travel and leisure about EUR 100-150 a month. At these averages, 12 months of living costs come to roughly EUR 3000 to 3500.

4. European credit system and a familiar calendar

Programmes use ECTS credits (60 per year). The academic year usually starts in September or October and ends in June, with a winter and a summer term and several exam periods.

5. A clear entry route

After admission you apply for a long-stay Visa D for study, then register with the police and apply for a temporary residence permit in Serbia. The permit is valid for one year and is renewed each year of your studies.

6. Work is possible, with a permit

Foreign citizens with a temporary residence permit can work in Serbia once they hold a work permit from the National Employment Service; the portal says these are issued for 3 to 12 months. No fixed weekly hour limit for students is published on the official portals, so confirm with your university before you plan part-time work, and never count part-time income towards the funds you show for your visa.

7. A route our students already use

Students from our Jagraon and Ludhiana offices have recently received Serbian study visas, for example Harmanjot Kaur and Gurpreet Singh, both at the University of Kragujevac.

🇷🇸 Why Choose Serbia for Your European Study Journey?

🌍 Your Gateway to European Experiences: Discover Serbia, a beautiful European country offering rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, historic cities, and an exciting international student experience.

🎓 Study in English, Dream Big: Explore English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes and gain international academic exposure while preparing for a bright future.

💼 Explore Exciting Career Opportunities: Serbia offers a growing business environment with opportunities across IT, engineering, manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, customer service, and business services. Build practical skills, gain experience where eligible, and prepare for a world of career possibilities.

🇪🇺 Excellent Location for Exploring Europe: Serbia is strategically located in Southeast Europe and shares borders with several Schengen Area countries, including Hungary, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Enjoy the opportunity to discover neighbouring destinations while following the applicable visa and entry requirements.

💰 Make Your International Education More Accessible: Explore potentially affordable tuition fees and living costs compared with many other European study destinations. Choose a programme that aligns with your academic ambitions and budget.

🌐 Build a Global Network: Meet students from different backgrounds, experience new cultures, strengthen your communication skills, and create connections that can benefit your personal and professional development.

🚀 Turn Education into Opportunity: Develop your independence, enhance your employability, and explore eligible work opportunities during or after your studies, subject to applicable regulations and employment requirements.

🏡 Enjoy a New Student Lifestyle: Experience Serbia's welcoming atmosphere, vibrant cafés, cultural events, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities to discover a different way of life.

🎯 Choose Your Future with Confidence: Get personalised guidance on university selection, English-taught programmes, admission requirements, tuition fees, documentation, and study visa procedures.

Visa and residence steps for Indian students

  1. Get your admission (enrolment) letter from a Serbian university.
  2. Apply for a long-stay Visa D at a Serbian embassy or consulate, or online through the Welcome to Serbia portal (welcometoserbia.gov.rs), which needs an account on the eid.gov.rs portal.
  3. Prepare the general documents listed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: application form, passport valid at least 90 days beyond your planned departure with two blank pages and issued within the last 10 years, a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo, the visa fee, proof of the purpose of stay, travel medical insurance, and the documents required for temporary residence under the Law on Foreigners.
  4. After arrival, register with the police and apply for a temporary residence permit, then renew it every year.
A valid Schengen, UK, EU member state or US visa lets ordinary passport holders visit Serbia for up to 90 days in six months, but long-term study still needs a Visa D and a residence permit.

FAQs

Do Indian students need a visa for Serbia?

Yes. The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a visa requirement for holders of ordinary Indian passports. Students apply for a Visa D and then a temporary residence permit.

Is IELTS required to study in Serbia?

The Study in Serbia portal recommends English at about B2 level for English-taught programmes. Each university decides which proof it accepts, so check the admission rules of your programme.

How much does it cost to study in Serbia per year?

Tuition generally runs from EUR 2500 to EUR 6,000 a year, plus about EUR 250 to 350 a month for living costs, according to the Study in Serbia portal.

Can I work while studying in Serbia?

Yes, with a temporary residence permit and a work permit from the National Employment Service. Confirm current rules with your university and the National Employment Service before starting work.

When does the academic year start?

Usually in September or October, ending in June.

Official sources

Talk to a licensed consultant

Win Your Visa (M/s Win Your English and Consultancy) is a Punjab Government licensed consultancy, Licence No. 908. Visit our head office in Jagraon (Raikot Road, above Bank of Baroda) or our Ludhiana branch (SCO 13, Block-A, Model Town Extension), or call +91 76578 91191. For universities, courses and intakes, read our full Study in Serbia guide for Indian students; for medicine, see MBBS in Serbia.