Schools and Kindergartens in Serbia: A Complete Guide for Relocating Parents 2025

Preschool Education (Vrtić): Public and Private Kindergartens

The first step in Serbia's educational system for young children is the 'vrtić', or kindergarten. For relocating parents, there are two main options, each with its own characteristics. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your child and your family budget.

Public kindergartens ('državni vrtić') are attractive due to their affordability. The cost is significantly lower, but this comes with two main difficulties: long waiting lists for enrollment and complete immersion in the Serbian language environment, as all communication is exclusively in Serbian. Private kindergartens ('privatni vrtić'), on the other hand, offer more flexibility, often have English-speaking groups, and are more modernly equipped.

In large cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad, there is a subsidy system for private kindergartens. If you are unable to secure a place in a public institution, the city can partially compensate for your private kindergarten expenses. This makes private education more accessible for families with a residence permit.

Primary School (Osnovna Škola): How to Enroll Your Child in a Serbian School

The school education system in Serbia begins with 'osnovna škola' (primary school), which lasts for 8 years and is mandatory. An important and pleasant fact for relocators: for children of foreigners with a residence permit, education in public schools is completely free.

The process of enrolling a child in school is quite simple and straightforward. Schools are assigned to specific districts, so the choice of educational institution most often depends on your place of residence ('propiska').

To enroll in school, you will need to prepare a package of documents and go through several mandatory steps. The whole process usually takes a little time, and the school administration is generally understanding and willing to help foreign families.

1. Undergo a medical examination ('lekarski pregled'). This is a standard procedure for all future first-graders, which includes an examination by several specialists.
2. Translate and notarize the child's birth certificate. The translation must be done by a certified court interpreter ('sudski tumač').
3. Prepare personal files and report cards from the previous school (if the child is not enrolling in the first grade). These documents also require translation.
4. Submit the collected package of documents to the selected school in your district of residence.

Language Adaptation: Myths and Reality of Full Immersion

One of the main fears for parents when moving is the language barrier for their child. Many hope to find special classes for Russian-speaking children in regular Serbian schools, but this is, unfortunately, a myth. The public education system does not provide for such groups, and children are immediately placed in a Serbian-speaking environment.

In practice, the 'full immersion' strategy proves to be very effective, especially for younger school-aged children. There is no need to panic: children have an amazing capacity for adaptation. Teachers and classmates in Serbia are usually very friendly and try to help the new student in every way.

• First 1-3 months: The child gets used to the sound of the language, begins to understand simple commands and requests.
• 3-6 months: The first words and phrases in Serbian appear, the child begins to communicate with classmates on a basic level.
• 6-12 months: Speech becomes more confident, the child is able to maintain a dialogue and fully participate in the educational process.

The main thing during this period is parental support, patience, and a positive attitude. Do not demand immediate results from your child and praise them for any, even the smallest, successes in learning the new language.

Alternative Education: International and Russian Schools

If you are not ready for full immersion in the Serbian system or plan to move to another country in the future, it is worth considering alternative options. In Belgrade, and to a lesser extent in other large cities, there are several international and Russian schools.

International schools offer education in English according to recognized global curricula (e.g., British or International Baccalaureate). This is an excellent option for maintaining educational continuity, but it requires a significant financial investment. Tuition fees at such schools can reach several thousand euros per year.

• British International School of Belgrade (BIS)
• Chartwell International School
• Deutsche Schule Belgrad (German School)
• École Française de Belgrade (French School)

For those who want their child to continue their education under the Russian curriculum, there are Russian schools and educational centers. For example, the school at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Belgrade. This helps to avoid difficulties with the future nostrification of the certificate in Russia and provides a familiar educational environment.

Nostrification of a Certificate: Recognition of Education in Serbia

Nostrification, or the recognition of a foreign educational document, is a procedure necessary for continuing studies in a Serbian secondary school, college, or university, as well as for employment in certain professions. If you are moving with a high school student, this issue deserves special attention.

The process of recognizing certificates and diplomas in Serbia is handled by a special ENIC/NARIC center. The procedure is standardized but requires time and attention to detail. You will need to prepare a package of documents translated into Serbian by a court interpreter and submit an application.

1. Collecting documents: certificate/diploma with transcript, birth certificate, passport.
2. Translation of all documents by an accredited court interpreter.
3. Submission of the application and documents to the ENIC/NARIC center.
4. Payment of the state fee.
5. Waiting for the decision. The review period can take from several weeks to several months.

Having a nostrified certificate opens the door to admission to Serbian universities and is an important step for full integration into the country's professional environment.

Advice for Parents: How to Prepare Your Child for a New School

Adapting to a new school is stressful for any child. However, proper preparation and support from parents can significantly ease this process. It is important to act calmly and confidently, conveying this feeling to your child.

When choosing a school, do not limit yourself to a formal approach. Try to visit several educational institutions, talk to the principal and the school psychologist. Often, a personal impression plays a decisive role. Look for reviews of schools in chats and groups for relocators—the real-life experience of other parents is invaluable.

• Positive Attitude: Talk about the move and the new school as an exciting adventure and an opportunity to make new friends.
• Language Learning: Start learning basic Serbian phrases with your child even before school starts. Simple words like 'zdravo' (hello), 'hvala' (thank you), and 'molim' (please) will help them feel more confident.
• Socialization: Find Russian-speaking families with children in your area. The opportunity to communicate in their native language will help the child relieve stress and feel less alone.
• Patience and Acceptance: Remember that every child adapts at their own pace. Do not compare them to others or put pressure on them. Your love, support, and belief in their abilities are the main keys to success.