8 Things You Need to Know Before You Come to Study in Serbia
If you are planning to study in Serbia, it is important to familiarise yourself with the structure and procedures of the Serbian higher education system. Understanding key concepts such as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), grading scale, diploma recognition, and academic calendar can help you navigate your education more effectively.
1. ECTS
Serbian higher education institutions use ECTS. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, or ECTS for short, is a standard means of comparing academic credits across Europe. It ensures that credits earned at one institution are recognised at another, enabling greater student mobility. In a standard academic year, 60 ECTS credits represent a full year of study or work. These credits are divided into several smaller modules, each reflecting the workload required. For more information on ECTS you can check out this post.
2. Grading scale
Grading system in higher education is scaled from 5 to 10. Grade 5 is the lowest (and a failing grade), while grade 10 is the best one.
- 10 – Outstanding
- 9 – Excellent
- 8 – Very Good
- 7 – Good
- 6 – Sufficient
- 5 – Insufficient (Failing Grade)
3. Diploma supplement
Graduates from Serbian higher education institutions receive a diploma supplement in addition to their diploma. This document provides detailed information about the qualifications, knowledge, and skills acquired during the course of study. It is especially useful for employers and institutions outside Serbia, as it makes the qualifications more easily understood and recognized internationally.
4. Diploma recognition
To continue with education in Serbia, students need to have their diploma recognized by the state of Serbia.
For the recognition of university degrees, students have to contact the university they want to enrol in to start the recognition procedure. For high school graduates the process is a bit different. Students who want to enrol in a bachelor’s programme first have to check if the qualification acquired in their home country is equated to the corresponding, relevant public document of the Republic of Serbia, and they can do that by filing a request to the ENIC-NARIC centre within the Ministry of Education.
Want to learn how to get your diploma recognized? Check out our post on the Recognition of previous education.
5. Transfer of credits
If you are transferring from another higher education institution, the process involves evaluating your previous coursework.
To find out how the process of your transfer and recognition of subjects from your present faculty to the faculty in Serbia would go, first you need to find a study programme and higher education institution you would like to continue to study at. You can check out the available study programmes in the Study in Serbia catalogue or the programme database.
When you find a programme, feel free to check its website and contact the person in charge of the programme. They can provide you with specific information on their transfer policies and procedures, as well as advise you on which year of study you would be placed in based on your previous coursework.
It is important to note that obtaining a diploma from another university does not guarantee automatic acceptance or transfer of credits to a Serbian university. Each university has its own policies regarding transfer credits, and you may need to complete additional coursework or meet other requirements to receive a Serbian degree.
This process can be time-consuming, so it’s recommendable to reach out to the relevant institutions well in advance.
6. Academic year
The academic year at Serbian higher education institutions typically starts in September or October and concludes in June. It’s divided into two main terms: the winter term, running from autumn until January or February, followed by the summer term, ending in June. Throughout the academic year, institutions usually offer six exam periods to accommodate students’ assessment needs. The first two examination periods occur in January and February, the next two in June and early July, and the final two at the end of July and August. This schedule provides flexibility for students to prepare and complete exams in stages, allowing for a balanced approach to their academic workload. However, specific dates can vary, so students are encouraged to check the academic calendar of their chosen institution.
7. Accreditation
All higher education institutions in Serbia must undergo an accreditation process to ensure quality and compliance with national standards. The accreditation process started in 2007 by the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Serbia (CAQA). In 2018 a new body was established – the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Before enrolling, students should verify the accreditation status of their chosen institution – which you can do by downloading this Guide to accredited higher education institutions and study programmes in the Republic of Serbia. When it comes to programmes in the Study in Serbia database and catalogue, you don’t have to worry, since we only include accredited programmes.
8. Degree system
Serbia follows the Bologna Process, which standardises higher education across Europe. The degree system consists of three cycles:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3-4 years (180–240 ECTS).
- Master’s Degree: 1-2 years (60–120 ECTS).
- Doctoral Studies (PhD): Minimum of 3 years (180 ECTS).
For medical fields such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, studies are organized through integrated studies that last 6 years and must carry a minimum of 360 ECTS. Also, integrated pharmacy studies with 300 ECTS have been introduced.
