With more than 22.000 foreigners, working in Serbia, in 2009, childcare and schooling is one of the real challenges for problem of joining families. Fortunately, Belgrade can offer a number of international schools, with programmes in French, German and English as well as nurseries. Check out the links below to find more on the child care and schooling.
Accredited international schools
Education System - Preschool
Preschool education of 6 months is compulsory and is the first part of compulsory studies in Serbia.
The preschool education is offered by kindergartens in Serbia.
Children at the age of 5 or 6 may attend pre-school education.
Education System - Primary school
Primary education in Serbia is compulsory and lasts for 8 years. At the age of 6 or 7 children go to the primary schools (osnovna skola) in Serbia. The primary education is split up into two levels:
- Lower grades: Comprising grades 1 to 4
- Higher grades Comprising grades 5 to 8
Education System - Secondary school
Secondary education in Serbia is not compulsory and generally last for 4 years. Secondary schools (srednja skola) in Serbia are of following types:
- Gymnasiums
- Secondary vocational
Gymnasiums (gimnazija): This type of secondary school provides general and professional education. Studies at gymnasiums last for 4 years. Upon successful completion of the gymnasium studies, students are awarded a high school diploma.
There are 2 special gymnasiums:
- Mathematical high schools (Matematička gimnazija): Pupils at the age of 12 or above may attend this high school
- Philology gymnasiums: These high schools provide language courses.
Secondary vocational education is offered by vocational schools. These schools provide education in specific fields and upon successful completion of the course, a vocational qualification is awarded.
In Serbia, there are two kinds of professional secondary school courses:
- 4-year course: This course provides broad education and allows students to go for further studies
- 3-year courses: Students who do a 3-year course are not eligible for further studies
Education System - Examination
At the end of secondary education, students are required to take a graduation exam-Matura. The Matura exam comprises of three compulsory exams:
- Serbian language
- Mathematics
- Exam that contain questions from chemistry, history, biology, geography and physics
If student wants to go for bilingual education, in that case, in addition to the above mentioned exams, he/she has to take a second foreign language exam also.
