Top 5 student cities in Montenegro

Choosing a destination isn’t always easy, especially when you start researching the top 5 student cities in Montenegro and discover that the country offers much more than meets the eye. Montenegro is gaining popularity among international students thanks to its affordable cost of living, growing universities and unique natural environment between sea and mountains.

 

In this article, you’ll find a clear guide to help you decide on your destination: we review the country's main university cities, analysing the pros and cons of studying in each one, the most prominent universities and student accommodation. In addition, from our online student accommodation platform, you’ll be able to compare options for rooms, flats, and verified residences to organise your stay easily and safely.

 

Podgorica

Podgorica is the capital, the largest city and the main university destination in Montenegro. It’s a quiet city with a relaxed pace of life and more affordable prices than other European capitals, making it an attractive option for international students.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Podgorica

The academic experience in Podgorica has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Podgorica

• Lower cost of living compared to other European capitals.
• A peaceful and secure environment.
• Good location for travelling around the country and visiting other cities, the sea and the mountains.

 

Cons of studying in Podgorica

• Leisure and nightlife options are more limited than in larger cities.
• Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 40ºC.
• Public transport is inefficient.

 

Top Universities in Podgorica

Some of Montenegro's most important universities are located in Podgorica.

 

Univerzitet Crne Gore (University of Montenegro)

The University of Montenegro (also called Crne Gore University) is the most important and oldest public university in the country. The campus located in Podgorica is the main one, and is situated in the Univerzitetski Centar area.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find housing close to the University of Montenegro.

 

Univerzitet Donja Gorica (University of Donja Gorica)

Donja Gorica University is one of the most important private institutions in Montenegro. Its name comes from its location in the suburb of Donja Gorica.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near Donja Gorcia University.

 

Student housing in Podgorica

Compared to other European capitals, rents in Podgorica are generally quite affordable. As a rough guide, the minimum cost of a room in a shared flat is usually around €300 per month (although if you search early enough, you may find even cheaper options).

 

If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student housing in Podgorica.

 

Nikšić

Nikšić is Montenegro's second largest city and a traditional university town. This is because it has a more local and authentic atmosphere than the capital, with a relaxed pace of life and competitive prices, making it an attractive option for students who prioritise their budget.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Nikšić

Studying in Nikšić can be very rewarding, although you’ll also encounter some more complicated aspects.

 

Pros of studying in Nikšić

• It’s more economical than Podgorica.
• Relaxed atmosphere and less touristy.
• Good student life, with many venues.

 

Cons of studying in Nikšić

• Fewer programmes in English.
• There aren’t that many events and leisure options.
• Communicating with locals can be difficult without knowing Montenegrin.

 

Top Universities in Nikšić

Nikšić is home to several faculties of a major institution.

 

Univerzitet Crne Gore (University of Montenegro)

Some of the faculties of the University of Montenegro are located in this city. They’re: the Faculty of Philosophy, the Faculty of Philology, and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education. Their buildings are located in the city centre.

 

Student housing in Nikšić

Rent for students in Nikšić is among the cheapest in the country. Generally, a single room in a flat shared between students costs between €200 and €300 per month.

 

Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town located in the bay of the same name, with a beautiful medieval old town and a unique natural environment. Although it’s smaller than other university towns in the country, it offers a different experience for those looking to study in a peaceful setting with strong cultural appeal.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Kotor

Kotor stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

 

Pros of studying in Kotor

• Natural surroundings with exceptional landscapes.
• A safe city with a relaxed pace of life.
• Very good specialised academic programmes.

 

Cons of studying in Kotor

• It’s one of the most expensive cities in the country to live in.
• In summer, it’s usually packed with tourists, as many cruise ships dock at the port.
• Small town, with fewer services designed for students.

 

Top Universities in Kotor

Some specialised faculties of the institutions are located in Kotor.

 

Univerzitet Crne Gore

Kotor is home to several faculties that form part of the University of Montenegro: the Faculty of Maritime Studies, the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, and the Institute of Marine Biology. Most of the buildings where classes are held are located in the Dobrota neighbourhood, opposite Kotor Bay.

 

Student housing in Kotor

Due to the large influx of tourists, the cost of accommodation in Kotor is usually among the highest in the country. Students often choose rooms in shared flats, with prices typically ranging from €500 per month upwards.

 

For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in this city, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Kotor.

 

Cetinje

Cetinje is a small town and the former historic capital of Montenegro. As such, it’s an important cultural centre in the country, with a strong local identity. It’s ideal for students who want a relaxed academic environment away from tourism.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Cetinje

Being a student in Cetinje has several favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

 

Pros of studying in Cetinje

• It’s a very peaceful and safe environment.
• A very important city culturally and historically.
• Low cost of living compared to other Montenegrin cities.

 

Cons of studying in Cetinje

• Reduced academic offering.
• Few options for leisure and nightlife.
• Small town with few services for foreign students.

 

Top Universities in Cetinje

As in the previous cities, Cetinje is home to several university faculties.

 

University of Montenegro

The Faculty of Fine Arts, the Faculty of Dramatic Arts and the Academy of Music of the University of Montenegro are based in Cetinje, in various buildings near or in the centre of the town.

 

Student housing in Cetinje

Rent for students in Cetinje is quite affordable, similar to that in Nikšić. A single room in a shared flat usually costs between €200 and €300 per month, depending on the location and conditions of the accommodation.

 

Budva

Budva is one of Montenegro's best-known coastal destinations, famous for its beaches and lively social scene in summer. Although it isn’t a traditional university town, it can be attractive to students looking for a seaside experience and a more dynamic lifestyle, especially for short stays.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Budva

Student life in Budva has its advantages, but also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

 

Pros of studying in Budva

• Coastal location and pleasant climate for most of the year.
• Young and social atmosphere, especially in the summer season.
• Good connections for travelling to other cities in the country.

 

Cons of studying in Budva

• Expenses increase as summer approaches.
• A city very much focused on tourism, less suited to university life.
• Limited academic offering.

 

Top Universities in Budva

Most faculties and institutions based in Budva focus on programmes in Tourism, Liberal Arts and Sciences. There’s no university that particularly stands out; rather, they’re smaller centres.

 

Student housing in Budva

The cost of accommodation in Budva varies greatly depending on the season. Generally, the most economical option is to rent a room in a flat shared with other students. These usually cost between €300-400 per month, but can increase considerably during the summer months.

 

Find accommodation in Montenegro with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the top five student cities in Montenegro will depend largely on what you are looking for as a student. Podgorica and Nikšić stand out for their academic offerings and affordable prices, while Kotor, Cetinje and Budva offer quieter or coastal experiences, ideal for those who prioritise the environment and lifestyle over a big university life.

 

Whichever city you choose, Montenegro is a destination with a reasonable cost of living and a relaxed pace of life. Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare verified rooms, flats and residences and find the accommodation that best suits your budget and dates of stay, easily and securely.

Other guides on studying and living in Montenegro

The following guide may help you understand a little more about what studying in this country is like:

• Erasmus in Montenegro