World in Serbia Government Scholarship

Overview

The World in Serbia Government Scholarship is a fully-funded programme administered by the Government of the Republic of Serbia through the Ministry of Education. It targets students from the 127 member and observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement — countries across Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. As of the most recent official figures, 536 scholarship holders from 127 countries are currently enrolled at Serbian state universities, making this one of the most geographically diverse government scholarship schemes in the Balkans.

The programme covers every level of academic study: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes at Serbia's public universities. Host institutions include the universities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac, all offering accredited programmes in engineering, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, law, and the arts. Because most instruction at Serbian state universities is in Serbian, the scholarship includes a free intensive Serbian language preparatory course on arrival — removing one of the biggest practical barriers for international students considering Serbia.

Applications do not go directly to a university. Serbia's Ministry of Education works in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meaning Serbian consular offices in eligible countries collect applications on behalf of the Ministry. The consulate in your home country is your primary point of contact for the whole process, from requesting application forms to submitting your documents.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must hold citizenship of one of the 127 member or observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement located in Africa, Asia, or Central and South America. The full list is maintained by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can be confirmed through the Serbian consulate in your country. Citizens of European or North American states are not eligible under this programme.

Academic Requirements

You must have completed the prior level of education required for your chosen programme — a secondary school diploma for bachelor's study, a bachelor's degree for master's, and a master's degree for doctoral study. The Ministry does not publish a specific GPA threshold; your consulate will advise on the academic standard expected for the current competition cycle.

Language Requirements

You are not expected to speak Serbian before arrival. The scholarship includes a free intensive Serbian language preparatory course that runs before the academic year begins. For English-taught programmes, the relevant institution will advise on English proficiency requirements. Most state university undergraduate programmes are taught in Serbian.

Age and Other Requirements

No specific age limit is published for this programme. You must not already hold Serbian citizenship or permanent residency. You must also meet the standard admission requirements of the Serbian state university you are placed at, including any entrance examination requirements for your chosen faculty.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Free tuition at a state-founded Serbian university for the full duration of the programme
• Free student dormitory accommodation in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, or Kragujevac
• Meals provided through student centres
• Monthly financial allowance paid throughout the scholarship period
• Full health insurance coverage
• Free intensive Serbian language preparatory course upon arrival
• Assistance with diploma translation and referral to the Qualifications Agency for document recognition

How to Apply

1. Contact the Serbian consulate in your country — Find the Serbian embassy or consulate nearest to you. This office handles applications and will inform you when the annual competition is announced.
2. Request the application form — The competition form is issued by the Ministry and distributed through consular offices. Ask the consulate directly, as forms may not always be published online.
3. Prepare and certify your documents — Gather all required documents well in advance. Academic certificates typically need official certified translations.
4. Submit your application to the consulate — Deliver your completed application and supporting materials before the consulate's deadline. Some offices require an in-person appointment.
5. Await notification — Successful candidates are informed through the consulate and receive placement details from the Ministry, including their assigned university and faculty.
6. Arrange your visa and travel — Once confirmed, work with the consulate on your student visa and plan to arrive before the Serbian language preparatory course begins, typically in September.

Required Documents

• Completed official application form (issued by the Serbian consulate)
• Valid national passport
• Certified copies of all academic transcripts and diplomas
• Certified translations of documents into Serbian or English where required by the consulate
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or national ID)
• Medical certificate confirming fitness to study
• Motivation letter or study plan explaining your field of interest and reasons for choosing Serbia
• Passport-sized photographs

Key Dates and Deadlines

The World in Serbia competition is announced annually by the Ministry of Education, with each Serbian consulate setting its own submission deadline in line with the Ministry's calendar. There is no single universal deadline — it varies by country. Check with the Serbian embassy or consulate in your home country at the start of each calendar year to find the current cycle's dates. The Serbian academic year typically starts in October, with the language preparatory course beginning in September.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Contact the Serbian consulate early in the year — some offices communicate the competition only to students who have already been in touch.
• Write a motivation letter that names your specific field of study and explains what you want to achieve at a Serbian university, rather than writing a general statement.
• Research the faculties and programmes at Serbian universities in your field before applying so you can reference specific departments or areas of study.
• Arrange certified translations of your academic records well in advance, since translation services can take several weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting photocopies of documents without official certification — the Ministry requires authenticated copies.
• Assuming the deadline is the same every year or the same across countries. Always verify the current year's deadline directly with your consulate.
• Applying to the university directly instead of going through the consulate. The Ministry does not process individual applications.
• Underestimating the language course schedule — you need to arrive in Serbia before it starts, so plan your travel accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

It is a fully-funded government scholarship offered by the Republic of Serbia to students from Non-Aligned Movement member and observer states in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a free Serbian language preparatory course at all study levels.

Who is eligible for the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

Citizens of the 127 member or observer states of the Non-Aligned Movement in Africa, Asia, or Central and South America. Citizens of European or North American countries are not eligible under this scheme.

Is the World in Serbia Government Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers free tuition, student dormitory accommodation, meals through student centres, a monthly financial allowance, health insurance, and a free Serbian language preparatory course.

Does the World in Serbia Government Scholarship cover a monthly stipend?

Yes. Recipients receive a monthly financial allowance throughout the scholarship period in addition to free accommodation and meals.

What documents do I need for the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

You typically need a completed application form, valid passport, certified academic transcripts and diplomas, a medical certificate, a motivation letter, proof of citizenship, and passport photos. Your local Serbian consulate will provide the exact list for the current competition.

How do I apply for the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

You apply through the Serbian embassy or consulate in your home country, not directly to a university. The consulate collects applications once the Ministry of Education announces the annual competition.

What is the deadline for the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

The deadline varies by country — each Serbian consulate sets its own cutoff in line with the Ministry's annual calendar. Contact the Serbian consulate in your home country at the beginning of each year to confirm the current cycle's deadline.

Do I need to speak Serbian to apply for the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

No. The scholarship includes a free intensive Serbian language preparatory course that runs before the academic year begins. No prior knowledge of Serbian is required at the time of application.

Which universities can I study at under the World in Serbia Government Scholarship?

You study at accredited Serbian state universities in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac. The Ministry assigns your placement based on your field of study and available capacity at each faculty.

How many World in Serbia Government Scholarships are awarded each year?

The official portal reports 536 active scholarship holders from 127 countries currently enrolled. The annual intake is determined by the Ministry of Education and announced with each competition cycle.