Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships

Overview

Serbia's bilateral agreement scholarships operate within a framework of inter-state educational cooperation treaties negotiated between Serbia and specific partner countries. Unlike the broader World in Serbia programme, these awards are targeted specifically at citizens of countries with active bilateral agreements: China, Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Bavaria (as a distinct party within Germany). The focus is on short-term academic mobility rather than full degrees, covering periods of 3 to 12 months for master's and doctoral students and early-career researchers.

The programme awards approximately 60 places per year. The confirmed monthly stipend is 15,000 Serbian dinars, and accommodation and meals through the Serbian student system are provided alongside health insurance coverage. For a graduate student who wants to pursue collaborative research, spend time in a specialist laboratory, or broaden academic experience without committing to a full multi-year degree in Serbia, this programme offers a practical and fully supported entry point.

A critical procedural point: you do not apply to Serbia or to a Serbian university directly. Applications are channelled through each partner country's own authorities — the national ministry or designated agency in your home country coordinates nominations and submits them to the Serbian side. The Serbian Ministry of Education then processes placements in cooperation with the receiving universities. If you are unsure which body handles this in your country, the Serbian embassy can direct you to the right contact.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a citizen of one of the bilateral partner countries listed above. Bavaria (Germany) operates as a distinct partner within its regional jurisdiction, so applicants from Bavaria should verify eligibility with the Bavarian state authority. For other German citizens outside Bavaria, this specific programme does not apply.

Academic Requirements

The programme is aimed primarily at master's and doctoral students, and at professionals or researchers undertaking specialist training. You must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant programme at a university in your home country. The bilateral agreements specify which categories of recipients are eligible — some agreements prioritise doctoral researchers, others include master's students or professional trainees. Your home country authority will confirm what applies under your bilateral agreement.

Field and Research Requirements

The field of study or research must be supported by your nominated Serbian institution. Because placements depend on matching you with a Slovenian lecturer or researcher willing to supervise your work, identifying a potential supervisor or hosting faculty in advance strengthens your case significantly.

Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the hosting faculty and the nature of your research or training. If your work will be conducted in English, basic English proficiency is expected. If you will attend lectures in Serbian, either existing Serbian language knowledge or a willingness to take a short language course is advisable. Confirm requirements with your home country authority and the proposed Serbian institution.

What the Scholarship Covers

• 15,000 Serbian dinars per month as a living stipend
• Free training, coursework, or supervised research at the assigned Serbian institution
• Accommodation through the Serbian student dormitory system
• Meals through student centres
• Health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay

How to Apply

1. Identify your national authority — Find the body in your home country that administers the bilateral education agreement with Serbia. This is usually the national ministry of education or a designated mobility agency.
2. Confirm eligibility and the current call — Ask your national authority whether the bilateral agreement with Serbia is active for the current academic year and what categories of recipients are eligible under your country's agreement.
3. Find a Serbian host institution — Research Serbian universities and faculties that match your field. Contact potential supervisors or departments directly if possible — a letter of support or preliminary acceptance from a Serbian academic strengthens your application considerably.
4. Prepare your application package — Assemble the documents required by your national authority. These are typically submitted to the national authority, not directly to Serbia.
5. Submit through your national authority — Your country's authority nominates you and submits the dossier to the Serbian Ministry of Education by the bilateral deadline, typically in spring or early summer.
6. Receive placement details — The Serbian Ministry confirms your placement and the host institution. You then arrange your visa and travel to Serbia for the start of your approved period.

Required Documents

• Application form from your national authority
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates for all completed study levels
• Curriculum vitae or research profile
• Research plan or study proposal describing the work you intend to pursue in Serbia
• Letter of support or preliminary acceptance from a Serbian supervisor or institution (where available)
• Language proficiency documentation if required by the bilateral terms
• Medical certificate or proof of health insurance eligibility

Key Dates and Deadlines

Deadlines are set by each bilateral agreement and administered by your home country authority, not by Serbia. In many cases the national authority's nomination deadline falls in late winter or spring — often by March or April — to allow the Serbian side time to confirm placements before the academic year begins. Contact the relevant ministry or agency in your country as early as January to confirm whether the call for the coming academic year is open and what the submission timeline looks like.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Reach out to the Serbian university or supervisor you want to work with before applying — a letter of support from a Serbian academic is a strong signal to both your national authority and the Serbian Ministry of Education.
• Write a specific, well-defined research or study plan rather than a vague statement of interest. The more clearly you describe what you will do in Serbia, the more convincing your application.
• Contact your national authority early — some countries have limited quota under their bilateral agreement with Serbia, meaning seats fill up quickly once the call opens.
• Check whether your bilateral agreement covers specific fields only. Some agreements prioritise technical, scientific, or medical fields, and applying in a covered area improves your chances.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying directly to Serbia or to a Serbian university without going through your national authority. Applications submitted outside the bilateral channel are not processed.
• Leaving the identification of a Serbian host too late — if the Serbian institution cannot confirm availability by the nomination deadline, your application will likely fail regardless of your academic record.
• Assuming the monthly stipend covers all living costs. 15,000 RSD is a contribution to living expenses; factor in personal costs when planning your budget for a stay of several months in Serbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

They are short-term study and research scholarships funded by the Government of Serbia under inter-state bilateral education agreements, available to master's students, doctoral researchers, and professional trainees from 13 partner countries and regions for periods of 3 to 12 months at Serbian universities.

Which countries are eligible for the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

China, Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Bavaria (Germany). Each country's bilateral agreement sets its own eligibility categories and terms.

What is the monthly stipend for the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

The confirmed stipend is 15,000 Serbian dinars per month. Accommodation and meals through the student system and health insurance are provided in addition to this amount.

How long can I stay in Serbia under the Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

The scholarship covers periods of 3 to 12 months, depending on the terms of the bilateral agreement between Serbia and your home country and the nature of your study or research.

Do I apply directly to a Serbian university for the Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

No. You apply through the competent authority in your home country — usually the national ministry of education or a designated mobility agency. Your country's authority nominates you and submits the dossier to the Serbian Ministry of Education.

What is the deadline for the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

Deadlines are set by the bilateral agreement between Serbia and your country and administered by your national authority. Contact the relevant ministry or agency in your country at the start of the year to confirm the current cycle's deadline.

What level of study does the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarship cover?

The programme focuses on master's and doctoral students and professional or research trainees. It is not typically available for undergraduate students.

Does the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarship cover a full degree?

No. It covers short-term study or research stays of 3 to 12 months, not full degree programmes. If you want to pursue a complete degree in Serbia, look at the World in Serbia scholarship instead.

Can I renew the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarship for another year?

Renewal depends on the terms of your country's bilateral agreement with Serbia and the annual quota available. Discuss extension possibilities with your national authority and the Serbian Ministry before your current period ends.

What fields of study are covered by the Serbia Bilateral Agreement Scholarships?

The fields eligible under each agreement vary by partner country. Some agreements prioritise STEM and medical fields; others are open to a broader range of disciplines. Your national authority will confirm what applies under your country's specific bilateral terms.