The Institute for Foreign Languages in Belgrade (ISJ) offers group and individual Serbian language courses with CEFR certification. Classes are conducted entirely in Serbian from the first day, which accelerates adaptation. The group course up to level A2 costs 320 EUR for 80 academic hours, while individual lessons start at 25 EUR per hour. Classes take place in the center of Belgrade (Kneza Miloša 11) and online. Registration for the fall semester 2026 is open until September 15, and classes start on September 25. A passport and 50% advance payment of the course fee are required for registration.
How to Choose a Course: Key Players in the Market
The Belgrade market features both state institutions and private schools. The largest ones include:
- Institut za strane jezike (ISJ) - the only institution certified by the Institute of the Serbian Language of the SANU. It issues official A1-C2 certificates that are accepted for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship.
- Azbukum - a private school with 20 years of experience, specializing in intensive courses for expats, offers accommodation with local families.
- Belgrade Language School (BLS) - since 2018, focuses on conversational practice and business Serbian.
- Private tutors - flexible schedule, from 15 EUR per hour, but without official certification.
For a limited budget, group courses at ISJ or BLS are suitable; for quick results, Azbukum's intensive courses are recommended.
Cost and Duration of Courses up to Level A2/B1
| Institution | Level | Duration | Cost (EUR) | Format | Certificate |
|---|
| ISJ | A1-A2 | 80 h | 320 | Group (12-15 people) | Yes (SANU) |
| ISJ | A1-A2 | 80 h | 560 | Individual | Yes (SANU) |
| Azbukum | A1-A2 | 6 weeks | 450 | Group (8-10 people) | No |
| Azbukum | A1-B1 | 12 weeks | 890 | Intensive (20 academic hours/week) | No |
| BLS | A1-A2 | 10 weeks | 380 | Group (10 people) | No |
| Private tutors | A1-B1 | On request | 15-25/hour | 1 on 1 | No |
For level B1, 160-200 academic hours are required. ISJ offers an advanced B1-B2 course for 400 EUR (100 h), without a certificate. The official exam at the Institute of the Serbian Language (Kneza Mihaila 35) costs 80 EUR.
Where and How to Register: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose a format
- Certificate - ISJ (group or individual).
- Quick result - Azbukum (intensive).
- Flexible schedule - private tutors.
- Documents for ISJ
- Passport (copy + original).
- Photo 3.5×4.5 cm.
- 50% advance payment (cash or bank transfer).
- Registration
- Payment
- ISJ: 50% upon registration, balance - before the third lesson.
- Azbukum: 100% upon registration.
- Tutors: advance payment for 4-8 lessons.
- Start of classes
- ISJ and BLS groups start on fixed dates (autumn 2026: September 25, October 23).
- Azbukum intensives start every 2 weeks.
Online vs. Offline: What to Choose for an Expat
Offline
- Pros: live contact, quick feedback, cultural immersion.
- Cons: fixed schedule, transportation (monthly public transport ≈ 25 EUR).
Online
- Pros: flexibility, ability to study from anywhere.
- Cons: motivation may decrease, conversational practice is more difficult.
ISJ and Azbukum offer hybrid options. For level A2, 60% online classes are sufficient, while for B1, at least 30% face-to-face communication is recommended.
Certification: How to Confirm Language Level
For a residence permit or citizenship, a certificate of level A2 or higher is required. Exams are conducted by:
- Institute of the Serbian Language (SANU) - Kneza Mihaila 35, Belgrade.
- University of Novi Sad - for residents of Vojvodina.
- University of Niš - for residents of the Southern region.
Procedure
- Registration: online form or in person.
- Payment: 80 EUR (A2) / 100 EUR (B1).
- Exam dates 2026: October 15, November 15, December 15.
- Results - within 10 working days.
Preparatory courses at ISJ (40 h, 200 EUR) include mock tests.
Life Hacks from Expats: How to Accelerate Learning
- Immersion: talk to neighbors, shopkeepers, taxi drivers; watch Serbian series ("Senke nad Balkanom", "Ubice mog oca") with subtitles; listen to B92 radio or podcasts "Pričaonica".
- Practice with native speakers: find conversation partners on Tandem; attend the "Serbian Language Exchange" language club (cafe "Zeleno oko", Macedonian 24, every Thursday at 19:00).
- Apps: Clozemaster (A2-B1, 12 EUR/month), Drops (A1, free version), Anki (ready-made decks on Reddit r/Serbian).
- Courses at embassies: free classes at the Russian Embassy (Knyaz Pavla 11, registration +381 11 306 89 00).
- Work and volunteering: part-time job in a cafe/store (4-6 EUR/hour, level A2+); volunteering at "Crveni krst" - practice in an informal setting.
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