The Serbian higher education system comprises multiple academic levels, each designed to cater to specific stages of academic and professional development. These levels include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, integrated, and specialist studies. Each programme is accredited and follows a standardised system of credits known as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), facilitating international recognition of qualifications. Understanding the academic levels, study types, and requirements is essential for planning your education in Serbia effectively.
Overview of Academic Levels
1) Bachelor Studies
- ECTS: 180–240
- Duration: 3-4 years
Bachelor’s programmes, also known as basic academic studies, typically last three to four years, with a workload of 180 to 240 ECTS credits. They are offered by universities, faculties, and colleges of applied studies. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may be required to complete a final thesis, depending on the specific curriculum of their programme.
For international students, it is mandatory to have their secondary school diploma recognised by the ENIC/NARIC Centre in the Republic of Serbia before enrolling. This recognition ensures that their qualifications meet the requirements for higher education in Serbia.
2) Master’s Studies
- ECTS: 60–120
- Duration: 1-2 years
Master’s programmes provide advanced education and are available in both academic and applied forms. These programmes last one to two years, requiring 60 to 120 ECTS credits for completion. To enrol in a master’s programme, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Students with a bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS can enrol in a two-year master’s programme.
- Students with a bachelor’s degree of 240 ECTS can enrol in a one-year master’s programme.
To complete a Master study programme a student has to defend his/her Master thesis at the end of the studies.
3) Doctoral Studies (PhD)
- ECTS: 180
- Duration: 3 years
Doctoral programmes, or PhD studies, represent the highest level of academic achievement in Serbian higher education. These programmes are offered by universities and last three years, requiring 180 ECTS credits.
To qualify for a doctoral programme, students must have completed a master’s degree and accumulated at least 300 ECTS credits during their prior studies. Doctoral studies focus on extensive research, the publication of academic papers, and the preparation of a doctoral thesis. In artistic disciplines, students may complete an artistic project instead of a traditional thesis.
4) Integrated Studies
- ECTS: 300–360
- Duration: 5-6 years
Integrated study programmes are unique to specific fields, particularly in medical sciences. These programmes combine bachelor’s and master’s levels into a single cycle. Integrated studies typically last six years and require 360 ECTS credits. Fields such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science commonly adopt this format Programmes in pharmacy are an exception, lasting five years with 300 ECTS credits.
5) Specialist Studies
- ECTS: 60
- Duration: 1 year
Specialist studies provide further training for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and accumulated at least 300 ECTS credits. These programmes last one year and involve 60 ECTS credits. They can be either academic and applied and may include a final thesis as part of the curriculum.
Academic Studies vs Applied Studies
Serbia’s higher education system includes two types of study programmes: academic and applied studies.
Academic Studies
These programmes are offered by universities and colleges of academic studies. They have an academic curriculum, which trains students for development and application of scientific, professional and artistic accomplishments. They include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies, and prepare students for advanced studies and professional roles that require in-depth expertise.
Applied Studies
These programmes are offered by colleges of applied studies as well as universities. Applied programmes emphasise practical skills and knowledge, equipping students for immediate entry into the job market. These programmes are particularly suited for students pursuing vocational careers. They include bachelor’s applied studies, specialist applied studies, and master’s applied studies.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
All higher education institutions in Serbia must be accredited by the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Both public and private institutions are subject to the same standards, ensuring quality education across all programmes.
