Family · Schools · Updated October 2026
Schools in Serbia for expat children: public, international and home education
Short answer
In Serbia, public primary school is free and compulsory for every child for eight years, starting at age 6½ to 7½. Lessons are in Serbian; the International School of Belgrade teaches in English and lists $10,580–$28,945 a year for 2026/27. The Agency for Qualifications recognises school reports from abroad, and the Ministry of Interior (MUP) decides each child’s residence permit.
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Facts checked 30 October 2026.
Can foreign children go to public school in Serbia?
Free. Yes. Public primary school is free and compulsory (Welcome to Serbia).
In Serbian. Lessons are in Serbian. It is not needed to enrol, but most children need language help.
Local school. A school must take local children. You can ask for another by 1 February, if it has room.
Many families start Serbian lessons early.
At what age do children start school in Serbia?
First grade starts at 6½ to 7½ on 1 September; from age 6 after a readiness test. The duty to attend ends after the school year a child turns 15 (Government of Serbia). A pre-school year, 4 hours a day for 9 months, is compulsory. Belgrade’s state kindergartens are free for parents (Kurir, July 2024), but places are limited.
What documents does a child need to enrol?
Schools and kindergartens usually ask for:
- passport
- birth certificate with a court translation
- residence permit or address registration
- doctor’s certificate and vaccination record
- past school reports and the recognition decision
Why it has to be right: names and dates must match on every paper, and a kindergarten will not admit a child without a vaccination certificate (021.rs).
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Are school reports from abroad recognised in Serbia?
Yes, through the Agency for Qualifications (ENIC/NARIC centre). Start before enrolling, because the grade depends on it. It needs certified copies, a certified translation and a fee. If the decision is late, a child can start conditionally. The Agency sets the timing, and we don’t promise a date.
How much do international schools in Serbia cost?
| Option | Language | Yearly cost (2026) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbian public school | Serbian | Free | Takes local children first |
| International School of Belgrade | English, IB | $10,580–$28,945 + €3,000 capital fee (new pupils) | Official 2026/27 list |
| British International, Brookhill, Prima (Belgrade) | English or bilingual | about €5,000–€17,000 | Indicative |
| Novi Sad | Serbian, English | State-funded IB at Jovan Jovanović Zmaj | Clever International: Cambridge |
Indicative fees: iSchoolAdvisor, September 2026.
Comparing schools? Our school selection service helps families choose and prepare what each school asks for. You deal with the people who do the work.
Is homeschooling legal in Serbia?
Yes, for primary school. Parents tell the school in writing by the end of the school year before, and the school runs exams in every subject (Law on Primary Education). A foreign online school is judged case by case.
What often goes wrong with school enrolment?
Missing court translations delay both the school and the residence file.
Without the decision the school cannot settle the grade.
A kindergarten can refuse a child until the certificate arrives.
Who decides on school places and residence for children?
The school decides enrolment and grade, under Ministry of Education rules. The Agency for Qualifications recognises foreign reports. The Ministry of Interior (MUP) decides a child’s residence, usually through family reunification, with both parents present or a statement from the other.
See also schooling for expat families, the cost of moving to Serbia and family reunification residency.
Relocation Serbia, in Belgrade and Novi Sad, is one team for residence, school selection and settling in. We prepare the files; the authorities decide.
A good first step is the €49 Relocation Roadmap (credited toward any package within 90 days — see pricing).
Frequently asked questions
Can expat children go to public school in Serbia for free?
Yes. Public primary school is free and compulsory, and lessons are in Serbian.
At what age do children start school in Serbia?
At 6½ to 7½ on 1 September, or from 6 after a readiness test.
How much does the International School of Belgrade cost?
Its 2026/27 list shows $10,580 to $28,945 a year, plus a €3,000 capital fee for new pupils.
Is homeschooling allowed in Serbia?
Yes, for primary school. Parents tell the school in writing, and the school runs exams.
Who decides on school enrolment and residence for children in Serbia?
The school decides enrolment, the Agency for Qualifications recognises foreign reports, and the Ministry of Interior (MUP) decides residence.
Sources (checked 30 Oct 2026): Gov. of Serbia: primary · Gov. of Serbia: pre-school · Welcome to Serbia: enrolment · Welcome to Serbia: recognition · ISB fees 2026/27 · iSchoolAdvisor, 15 Sep 2026 · Kurir, 3 Jul 2024 · 021.rs, 2018 · Home education law · MUP residence.
Updated October 2026 · Relocation Serbia. General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change.