MBBS in Serbia is a good option for Indian students.
Serbia is a rapidly developing country in south-eastern Europe that is emerging as a remarkable MBBS abroad destination for Indian students. Serbia has applied for membership in the EU. In all probability, the nation will be a member of the EU by 2025.
In recent years, the Serbian government has put a lot of focus on developing its educational infrastructure. Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has made it impossible for international students to study MBBS in Ukraine, several European countries have become more important.
Serbia is definitely one of them.
Quick FactsAbout Serbia
| No. of Medical Colleges | No. of Medical Colleges |
| College Type | Govt Only |
| Degree Awarded | MD Equivalent to MBBS |
| Duration | 6 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | PCB 50 % Above |
| Admission Process | University written Exam |
| Indian Students | 90-100 ( Across All years) |
| Total Budget for MBBS | 35-40 Lacs |
| Licensing Exam for Indian Students | Permitted |
| Medical college Recognition | NMC/ECFMG/WHO/ GMC UK |
| Study Pattern | ECTS 360 Credits ( 6 Yrs) 1st Year -Pre Clinical 2-3 Year -Para Clinical 4-6 Year -Clinical” |
| Session Starts | Sept |
MBBS in Serbia for international students
As mentioned, Serbia has applied for consideration to be made a member of the EU. The country has been stepping up its academic infrastructure because foreign students contribute majorly to the Serbian economy.
Coming to MBBS, in Serbia , like the rest of Europe, it is called an MD. So, an MD from a Serbian Medical University featured in the list given in the table in the next section (WDOMS list) are eligible to appear in the NEXT to practice in India.
Alternatively, he/she may appear in USMLE and go for a Medical PG in the US.
Medical Universities in Serbia
The table below contains the names of the biggest universities in the nation of Serbia .
| University | Medium of Instruction (WDOMS) |
|---|---|
| Military Medical Academy, University of Defense | Serbian |
| University of Belgrade | Serbian |
| University of Kragujevac | Serbian |
| University of Nis Faculty of Medicine | English/Serbian |
| University of Novi Sad | Serbian |
You have to be cautious as to which university you choose because most of these universities do not have English as the medium of instruction. Many times, to earn fat commissions, foreign education agents promote the non-English Universities as English ones.
As you can see, WDOMS establishes that only the 2 universities that are in Nis are the ones that offer MBBS in English.
Best Medicine Universities in Serbia
| University Name | Country | University Type | University Grade | Established Year | World Rank | ECFMG Approved | Intake | Duration | Fee | Medium of Instruction | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nis Faculty of Medicine | Serbia | Public | A | 1965 | 1996 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5.8 Yrs of MD, Incl. of internship | ₹35.55 Lacs | English | MBBS |
MBBS in Serbia : Duration of MBBS/MD
Like other European nations, the ECTS is effective in Serbia as well. This calls for a level of uniformity in academic parameters across the continent. So, according to the ECTS, the Serbian MBBS duration is 6 years.
That means you are eligible to appear in NEXT as per the latest NMC guidelines.
Living Cost
The cost of living in the nation of Serbia may well be described as moderate. You will manage fairly well if you can afford to spend €250 per month. This much will cover all your costs, except accommodation, of course.
We can safely say that the average range of the monthly living cost will be between €200 and €300. In the table below, we are sharing the current prices of principle expenditures an average youth commonly incurs.
| Commodity/Service | Cost (in Euros) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 litre) | 0.85 |
| Loaf of bread | 0.43 |
| Eggs (a dozen) | 1.701.70 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 6.0 |
| Monthly Local Conveyance Pass | 27.0 |
| Basic Utilities (Gas, Electricity etc in a rented home) | 129.0 |
Hostel
Though the universities listed above are all public and they all have hostel facilities, it is highly unlikely that you will find accommodation in them. Most of the international students who go to Serbia opt for rented apartments.
These apartments vary in rent depending on their size and location. The number of students that share an apartment depends on the kind of money they can afford. If we speak of the minimum expenditure on accommodation that you will incur, it will not be more than €150–200.
These apartments are designed for international students and are fully furnished. They are hygienic and safe.
MBBS in Serbia cost
The MBBS in Serbia tuition fee, in general, has a wide range of variations. Among the various Serbian medical universities, the lowest tuition fee that you will find is €5,500 per year, with the highest being €7000.
However, let’s talk about the University of Nis Faculty of Medicine that offers an MD in English and that is suitable for your consideration as an Indian student. Of course, you may visit the page to get details. Here, we are giving a brief heads-up.
So, in the MD in English at the University of Nis, you will pay a total tuition fee (all inclusive) of €8,000 in the first year. In the subsequent years, you will pay €5,700. So, the total amount that you will be spending over the next 6 years as tuition fees at this Serbian medical university will be €36,500.
MBBS in Serbia eligibility
The eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill to get admission to a Serbian medical university are basic and common, as summarised in the table below.
| Age | 17 – 25 years |
| Class XII | 60% PCB with English |
| NEET Qualification | Compulsory |
| Entrance Exam) | NACompulsory |
Why study MBBS in Serbia ?
- Serbia is going to be an EU member nation by 2025. Taking admission in a Serbian university will give you all the EU career choices upon completion of your MD.
- In the university specified above, you will study MD in the English language.
- The educational infrastructure in Serbia is improving at a rapid rate, and you will have a balanced academic experience.
- You will be eligible to appear in the NEXT exam, so you can very well practice in India after clearing NEXT. You are eligible for a medical PG in India too.
- You will also be eligible to appear in USMLE, PLAB, etc. after your Serbian MD.
- The nation of Serbia is safe and secure for all.
Medical PG Option after MBBS/MD in Serbia
Medical PG in India after MBBS in Serbia (NEXT)
Whether in Serbia or any country, you start realising the importance of being a specialist after the 2nd year of MBBS. That’s actually too late. Let’s start understanding things here.
First, you need to visualise how tough it is to secure a medical PG seat in a Govt. college in India.
The success ratio to get a PG at Govt. Medical College India is 11%. That is to say, only 1 out of 10 will succeed. The chance of getting a clinical specialty is bleaker. It is 1 out of 20 applicants. Either you must have crores to pay to Pvt. Med. colleges or give up the medical PG dream altogether.
| Total Applicants: NEET PG 2021 | Specialty | Govt Med College | Pvt Medical College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Success Ratio | Seats | ||
| 1.75 Lacs | ||||
| MD (non-clinical) | 15K | 8.6% | 10K | |
| MS (Clinical) | 8K | 4.6% | 5K | |
| Total | 23K | 11.4% | 15K | |
Those who have a Serbian university MBBS also have to go through NEXT as per NMC Notification. NMC will conduct this exam in two parts, NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.
The objective of the NEXT-1 will be to assess the student’s knowledge of pre-, para-, and clinical subjects. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1, will any Medical student be eligible for Internship. Post-completion of internship, students need to go through NEXT-2 which will assess their clinical skills, patient management, and medical history.
Those who clear NEXT-2 will get the licence to practice, and rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice.
Is Serbia a good destination for Indian students to pursue MBBS?
Yes, Serbia is a rapidly developing country with a growing reputation for providing quality medical education. Its medical degrees are recognized globally, and the cost of education is relatively affordable compared to other European countries.
What is the duration of the MBBS program in Serbia?
The MBBS program in Serbia typically lasts 6 years, including a mandatory internship. The program follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
What are the eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Serbia?
The eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Serbia include:
Age between 17 and 25 years.
At least 60% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in 12th grade.
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students.
How much does it cost to study MBBS in Serbia?
The total cost of studying MBBS in Serbia ranges from €35,000 to €40,000 over the 6-year program. This includes tuition fees, which can range from €5,500 to €7,000 per year, depending on the university.
Which Serbian universities offer MBBS programs in English?
The University of Nis Faculty of Medicine is the primary institution in Serbia offering an MBBS program in English. It is crucial to verify the medium of instruction when choosing a university, as most Serbian universities conduct their programs in Serbian.
What is the cost of living for a student in Serbia?
The cost of living in Serbia is moderate, with students typically needing around €200 to €300 per month to cover expenses excluding accommodation. Accommodation costs vary but generally range from €150 to €200 per month.
Can Indian students practice medicine in India after completing MBBS in Serbia?
Yes, Indian students can practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS in Serbia, provided they clear the NEXT exam as per the latest NMC guidelines. The NEXT exam assesses knowledge in pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
What are the advantages of studying MBBS in Serbia?
The advantages of studying MBBS in Serbia include:
Affordable tuition fees and living costs.
Globally recognized medical degrees.
Eligibility to appear for licensing exams such as NEXT, USMLE, and PLAB.
Safe and secure living environment.
Opportunities for further medical education and practice in the EU and other countries.
What are the career prospects after completing MBBS in Serbia?
Graduates can pursue medical practice in India by clearing the NEXT exam or pursue further studies and practice in countries like the USA, UK, and other EU nations. Serbia’s impending EU membership also opens up additional career opportunities within the European Union.
Are there any challenges Indian students might face while studying in Serbia?
Some challenges include the language barrier, as most daily conversations are in Serbian, and the limited availability of universities offering programs in English. It’s essential to verify the medium of instruction before applying.
