If you are planning to study in Serbia, you may be required to take an entrance exam as part of the admission process. While not every study programme requires one, entrance examinations are common for many undergraduate programmes and are also used for certain master’s programmes, particularly in fields that require specific knowledge, artistic skills, or practical abilities.
Preparing for an entrance exam can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Serbian higher education system. The good news is that universities generally provide clear information about the exam format and, in many cases, offer preparation materials or preparatory courses.
This guide explains everything international students should know about entrance exams in Serbia, from understanding how they work to preparing effectively and knowing what to expect on exam day.
What Is an Entrance Exam?
An entrance exam is an assessment used by higher education institutions to evaluate whether applicants have the knowledge and skills required for a particular study programme.
Unlike some countries where admission is based solely on secondary school grades, many Serbian universities combine entrance examination results with the applicant’s previous academic performance when determining admission.
For undergraduate programmes, your final ranking is often based on:
- Your performance on the entrance examination
- Your secondary school grades (or equivalent qualification)
The exact weighting differs between universities and programmes, so always check the admission requirements of your chosen institution. Passing the entrance exam is therefore an important step towards securing your place at a Serbian university.
Does Every University Require an Entrance Exam?
Not necessarily. Whether you need to take an entrance exam depends on the university, faculty, study programme and the level of studies. For example, programmes in medicine, engineering, architecture, arts and sports frequently require entrance examinations. Master’s and doctoral programmes may instead require interviews, portfolio reviews or assessment of previous academic achievements. Because admission requirements differ between institutions, always consult the official university website or contact the admissions office before applying.
What Does the Entrance Exam Look Like?
There is not one single entrance examination that is used across Serbia at all higher education institutions. Each institution designs its own assessment according to the requirements of the study programme.
Depending on the programme, the entrance exam may include:
- a written examination
- multiple-choice questions
- practical or artistic demonstrations
- oral examinations
- interviews
- portfolio evaluation (for artistic programmes)
For example, medicine applicants often take exams in Biology and Chemistry, engineering applicants may be tested in Mathematics, arts programmes usually include practical examinations or portfolio reviews and language programmes may assess language proficiency. For that reason, knowing the exact exam format is one of the first and most important steps in your preparation.
Where to Find Reliable Information
Many students waste valuable preparation time studying the wrong material. Before opening your first textbook, make sure you know exactly what will be tested. The best sources of information are the university website, previous entrance exams (if the university has published entrance exams from previous years) and the information you get by contacting the university.
Additionally, many Serbian universities organise preparatory courses before the entrance examination. These courses usually take place between February and June and may be offered on campus, online or in a hybrid format. Preparatory programmes usually include lectures covering the exam syllabus, practice questions, mock examinations and opportunities to ask instructors questions. Even if you cannot attend the course, many universities publish study materials online. Taking advantage of these resources can significantly improve your confidence before the exam.
When and How Should You Start Preparing?
Ideally, begin preparing three to six months before the examination. Starting early allows you to study gradually, identify weaker areas, practise consistently and avoid last-minute stress. However, if you already have a strong background in the relevant subjects, you may need less preparation time.
Also, be sure to create a realistic study plan. One of the biggest mistakes students make is studying only when they feel motivated. Instead, create a weekly study schedule with daily study sessions, revision days and regular breaks. Rather than studying one subject for eight hours, shorter and more frequent study sessions generally produce better long-term results. Consistency is much more effective than intensive last-minute studying.
Make sure to also practice under exam conditions. Once you understand the material, begin solving previous entrance exams under timed conditions since this will help you improve speed, become familiar with the exam format, reduce anxiety and identify recurring mistakes. Afterwards, review every incorrect answer and understand why you made the mistake.
Exam Day Strategies
Let’s start with what you should bring on exam day. Although requirements vary, you should generally bring:
- your passport or identification document
- confirmation of exam registration
- pens
- pencils and eraser (if required)
- calculator (if required and only if permitted)
- a bottle of water
Always check the university’s instructions in advance because some faculties prohibit calculators or other materials and arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for registration and finding your examination room.
During the examination:
- read all instructions carefully
- skim through the entire test first
- answer easier questions before returning to more difficult ones
- avoid spending too much time on one question
- leave enough time to review your answers
If your exam uses negative marking, adjust your strategy accordingly since random guessing may reduce your overall score. If you can eliminate several incorrect options, making an educated guess may be worthwhile. However, if you have absolutely no idea, leaving the question unanswered may be the better choice.
Feeling nervous before an entrance examination is completely normal since a moderate amount of stress can actually improve concentration.However, if you begin feeling overwhelmed take slow, deep breaths, focus only on the current question and avoid comparing yourself with other candidates.
What Happens After the Entrance Exam?
Once the examination is completed, universities publish a preliminary ranking list, usually within a few days. This list shows your entrance exam score, your total admission score and your ranking among other applicants. If you believe there has been an error in scoring, universities usually allow candidates to submit an appeal within a specified deadline. After appeals have been reviewed, the university publishes the final ranking list, which determines admission. Students who are admitted can then proceed with enrolment according to the university’s instructions.
