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International schools in Serbia 2026: fees & curricula

Free public schools plus a compact choice of international schools in Belgrade.

By 2026-09-162 min read
A path in the middle of a forest with lots of trees
Photo: Tanja Tepavac / Unsplash
The short answer

Serbia's international-school scene is concentrated in Belgrade, with British (Cambridge), IB, American, German, French and Finnish options. Annual tuition typically runs from about €5,000 at the lower end to €25,000+ for the most established schools. Children of legal residents can attend Serbian public schools free on the same terms as citizens (instruction in Serbian). Homeschooling is not generally available: it is reserved by law for children whose health prevents school attendance.

International schools in Serbia

Almost all of Serbia's international schools are in Belgrade. The choice is smaller than in Western Europe but genuinely varied: the International School of Belgrade (IB, American-style), British/Cambridge schools such as Chartwell, Brook Hill, PRIMA and the British International School, the dual Cambridge/IB Ruđer Bošković School, plus national-curriculum schools serving specific communities (German, French and a Finnish primary). Annual fees range widely — roughly €5,000 at the lower end to €25,000 or more at the most established schools — with one-off enrolment and capital fees on top. Places at the popular schools fill up, so apply early.

Public schools and homeschooling

Foreign nationals, stateless persons and applicants for citizenship enrol in Serbian public schools under the same conditions and procedure as Serbian citizens, so children of legal residents can attend free of charge. Instruction is in Serbian, which younger children pick up quickly but which is harder for older teens. Homeschooling is not a general option in Serbia: the law reserves schooling outside a registered school for children whose illness or disability prevents attendance, so most expat families choose between public and international schools.

At a glance

ItemDetail
International schoolsCompact choice (mostly Belgrade)
CurriculaBritish / IB / American / German / French
Typical tuition~€5k–25k+ / year
Public school accessFree for residents (Serbian)
HomeschoolingRestricted (health/disability only)

Where it fits in a borderless plan

Belgrade's international schools, low living costs and central location make Serbia an underrated family base. Schooling is often the deciding factor in a move, so weigh it alongside healthcare, banking and where you are tax-resident. Compare options in our international-schools guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much are international schools in Serbia?

Typical tuition: ~€5k–25k+ / year, with British/Cambridge, IB, American, German and French curricula available (mostly in Belgrade). Fees change yearly and vary widely by school and age, and one-off enrolment fees apply — request current fee schedules.

Can expat children attend public school in Serbia?

Yes. Foreign nationals enrol on the same terms as Serbian citizens, so children of legal residents attend free. Instruction is in Serbian — check enrolment documents and language support with the local school.

Is homeschooling legal in Serbia?

Homeschooling is restricted: Serbian law allows schooling outside a registered school only where a child's illness or disability prevents attendance, so it is not a general option. Take local legal advice before relying on it.

Directories & official sources

Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:

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