Top 5 student cities in Serbia

Choosing a destination can be one of the most important decisions when planning an academic experience abroad, and knowing the top 5 student cities in Serbia is a great place to start. This South-Eastern European country has become an increasingly attractive option for international students thanks to its affordable cost of living, reputable universities and young, dynamic atmosphere.

 

In this article, we tell you about the most recommended Serbian cities to study in, analysing what each one offers in terms of quality of life, academic opportunities and rental prices. You’ll also find practical information about leading universities and accommodation options for students, so you can compare and choose the city that best suits your budget and lifestyle before starting your experience in Serbia.

 

Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia, as well as its main academic, cultural and economic centre. It’s a popular destination for international students due to its active social life, youthful atmosphere and lower cost of living than many European capitals.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Belgrade

Choosing Belgrade as a place to study has many advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

 

Pros of studying in Belgrade

• Wide range of universities and academic programmes, including courses in English.
• Affordable cost of living compared to other European capitals.
• Very active nightlife and cultural scene, ideal for students. It’s known as "the city that never sleeps" in Serbia!
• Good transport links within the city and to other Eastern European countries.

 

Cons of studying in Belgrade

• Fewer courses in English compared to other European destinations.
• The infrastructure and study materials at universities may be outdated.
• The range of jobs available to students is limited, and salaries tend to be low.

 

Top Universities in Belgrade

One of Serbia's finest institutions is located in the capital.

 

Univerzitet u Beogradu (University of Belgrade)

The University of Belgrade is the most important university in the country and is internationally recognised for its high-quality education. Most of its faculties are located in the Stari Grad neighbourhood, in the centre of the capital.

Find out everything about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Belgrade.

 

Student housing in Belgrade

Rent for students in Belgrade is one of the most affordable in the region. Young people often choose rooms in shared flats, which typically cost around €400 per month on average.

 

For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in the capital, you can read our guide on student housing in Belgrade.

 

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and one of the country's main university destinations. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than Belgrade, but is very student-oriented, with a strong cultural identity and a quality of life that appeals to international students.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Novi Sad

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

 

Pros of studying in Novi Sad

• The costs are more affordable than in the capital.
• Very good university atmosphere and social life.
• It’s a small town ideal for students.
• Good connections to Belgrade by train and bus.

 

Cons of studying in Novi Sad

• The programmes in English are less varied than in Belgrade.
• Cultural and social life is more limited.
• The labour market is even smaller for part-time jobs.

 

Top Universities in Novi Sad

Novi Sad is home to one of the country's most prestigious institutions.

 

Univerzitet u Novom Sadu (University of Novi Sad)

The University of Novi Sad is another of Serbia's most important universities, renowned above all for engineering, science, economics and humanities. Its main campus is located in Liman 1, a neighbourhood next to the city centre. If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the University of Novi Sad.

 

Student housing in Novi Sad

Compared to Belgrade, rent for students in Novi Sad is more affordable. The average price for a single room in a shared flat is usually between €300-350 per month, especially in areas close to the university or well connected to the city centre.

 

If you’re going to study in the Serbian city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Novi Sad with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

 

Niš

Niš is one of the oldest cities in Serbia and an important university centre in the south of the country. It’s an ideal choice for students looking for a low cost of living, a quieter environment and an academic experience away from the big capitals.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Niš

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

 

Pros of studying in Niš

• The cost of living is significantly lower than in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
• Friendly university atmosphere and less crowded.
• Good location for travelling around southern Serbia and neighbouring countries.
• A compact city that’s easy to get around, ideal for students.

 

Cons of studying in Niš

• Nightlife and cultural options are more limited.
• Fewer programmes taught in English.
• Some parts of the city are neglected.

 

Top Universities in Niš

Niš is home to a highly renowned institution in the country.

 

Univerzitet u Nišu (University of Niš)

The University of Niš is the city's leading academic institution, with faculties of engineering, medicine, economics and social sciences, and a growing range of courses for international students.

The institution's faculties are located in buildings in different parts of the city, although all are very close to each other. In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find accommodation near the University of Niš.

 

Student housing in Niš

Niš has some of the most affordable student accommodation prices in Serbia. The average price for a room in a shared flat is usually between €250 and €300 per month, making it an excellent option for students on a tight budget.

 

Are you planning to study in Serbia? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Nis, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

 

Kragujevac

Kragujevac is a university town in central Serbia, known for its peaceful academic atmosphere and strong educational tradition. It’s a good choice for students who prioritise a low cost of living and a more relaxed environment in which to concentrate on their studies.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Kragujevac

Living and studying in Kragujevac offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Kragujevac

• Affordable rental prices for students.
• Lower cost of living than in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš.
• A small town that’s easy to get around.
• A friendly university atmosphere that’s less crowded.

 

Cons of studying in Kragujevac

• Lower presence of international students.
• Fewer programmes available in English.
• Limited cultural and leisure activities compared to larger cities.

 

Top Universities in Kragujevac

One institution in particular stands out in Kragujevac.

 

Univerziteta u Kragujevcu (University of Kragujevac)

The University of Kragujevac is a public university with a strong regional presence. Its engineering, medicine, law, economics and humanities faculties are particularly noteworthy. Its buildings are located in different parts of the city, many of them in and around the city centre.

 

Student housing in Kragujevac

Rent for students in Kragujevac is among the most affordable in the country. The average price for a room in a shared flat is usually between €220 and €280 per month, depending on the area and proximity to the campus.

 

Novi Pazar

Novi Pazar is a university town in south-western Serbia with a multicultural identity and a relaxed pace of life. It’s an interesting alternative for students seeking a more local experience, with a low cost of living and a close-knit academic environment.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Novi Pazar

Being a student in Novi Pazar has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

 

Pros of studying in Novi Pazar

• A different cultural experience within Serbia.
• It’s more affordable compared to other Serbian cities.
• A small and accessible city, easy to get around on a daily basis.
• The treatment is more personalised at universities, with a friendly atmosphere.

 

Cons of studying in Novi Pazar

• Very few programmes are taught in English.
• There are fewer options for leisure and nightlife.
• It’s far from the big cities, which makes it difficult to get to know the country.

 

Top Universities in Novi Pazar

Novi Pazar is home to a renowned institution in Serbia.

 

Univerzitet u Novom Pazaru (University of Novi Pazar)

The University of Novi Pazar is the city's leading academic institution, offering programmes in social sciences, economics, law and education. Its main campus is located north of the city centre.

 

Student housing in Novi Pazar

As in Kragujevac, Novi Pazar offers very affordable student accommodation. Rooms in shared flats generally cost around €200-250 per month.

 

Find accommodation in Serbia with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the top five student cities in Serbia will largely depend on your budget, lifestyle, and the type of academic experience you’re seeking. Cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad stand out for their active university atmosphere and wider academic offering, while options such as Niš, Kragujevac or Novi Pazar are ideal for those who prioritise a lower cost of living and a quieter environment.

 

Whichever city you choose, Serbia offers renowned universities, affordable student life and a unique cultural experience within Europe. Through our online platform, you can compare verified rooms, flats and residences for students in all these cities, filter according to your preferences and securely book accommodation before you begin your academic experience.

Other guides on studying and living in Serbia

Here are some other guides that can help you gather information about this country:

Studying in Serbia

• Erasmus in Serbia
• Erasmus in Belgrade