Your main options
Families moving to Serbia with school-age children have two main choices: English-language international schools, or local Serbian state schools. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay.
International schools in Belgrade
Belgrade has several international schools that teach in English and follow internationally recognised curricula like the IB (International Baccalaureate) or Cambridge framework.
- QSI International School of Belgrade — US-style curriculum in English. Popular with American and international families.
- Belgrade International School (BIS) — Offers the IB curriculum. English-language instruction throughout.
- International School of Belgrade — One of the larger international options. Strong expat community.
Fees at international schools range from roughly €8,000–15,000 per year. Some employers cover school fees as part of relocation packages.
Serbian state schools
Serbian state schools are free. Teaching is in Serbian, which is challenging at first — but children typically pick up the language within 6 months. Academic standards are generally good, especially in maths and sciences.
Private tutoring in Serbian is very worthwhile in the first few months and is inexpensive (€10–20/hour).
School schedules
The school day in Serbia is typically split into morning and afternoon shifts. Children attend either the morning shift or the afternoon shift — not both. This is standard across the country and takes some getting used to.
Common questions
Do I need to register my children for school?
Yes — children of foreign residents living in Serbia are expected to attend school. Contact the school directly to enrol. You will need passports, residence permits, and previous school records.
How do I get a residence permit for my children?
Children can be included on a family residence permit. Marko handles family permit applications.