Russian schools in Belgrade: a comprehensive guide for expats 2026

Где учить детей на русском в Белграде: бесплатная школа при посольстве, частные студии и международные школы с русским языком. Цены, адреса, сроки зачисления.

TL;DR
There are several options for Russian-language education in Belgrade: a free school at the Russian Embassy (for children of employees), private Russian schools and studios (200-400 €/month), and international schools where Russian is a second language (Britanska, ISB). Plan enrollment in private schools 6-12 months in advance, and in the embassy school - by appointment.

Why is this important

For expat families planning to live in Serbia long-term or return to Russia, the opportunity for their child to study in their native language is a key factor. As of 2025, there are several institutions in Belgrade:

InstitutionTypeCost (2025)
School at the Russian EmbassyState, free (limited places)-
Private Russian schools/studiosPaid, in-depth study of Russian250-400 €/month
International schools (Britanska, ISB)Russian as a second languagefrom 500 €/month
Additional studios and coursesRussian for children and adults100-200 €/month

When choosing, consider accreditation, language of instruction, location, and enrollment deadlines.

How to choose a school

Step-by-step guide

1. School at the Russian Embassy

  1. Check if your family meets the criteria (embassy/consulate employees or Russians with a residence permit). The list of required documents is on the Russian Embassy in Serbia website.
  2. Collect: child's passport, birth certificate, medical certificate (valid for 3 months), certificate of no criminal record (for children over 14), parents' documents (residence permit or diplomatic status).
  3. Send them by email to the school or bring them in person to the embassy building (Knyaz Miloša 37).
  4. Wait for a response - usually 1-3 months.

Important: without diplomatic status, a child cannot attend this school.

2. Private Russian schools

Russian School in Belgrade (Russkaya Shkola Beograd)

Slavic School

Enrollment in private schools usually takes 6-12 months before the start of the academic year.

3. International schools with Russian as a second language

Britanska škola (British International School of Belgrade)

International School of Belgrade (ISB)

Enrollment in international schools usually takes 3-6 months; popular classes may close six months in advance.

4. Alternative studios and courses

InstitutionAddressCostHow to enroll
Russkiy DomKnyaz Mikhaila 33100-150 €/month+381 11 328 11 22
School at the Serbian-Russian CenterKnyaz Miloša 101120 €/monthonline registration on src.org.rs
Church schools (e.g., St. Alexander Nevsky Temple)-free/symboliccheck with the priest

Required documents

InstitutionList
School at the Russian EmbassyChild's passport, birth certificate, medical certificate (3 months), certificate of no criminal record (for >14 years), parents' residence permit/diplomatic status
Private schoolsPassport, birth certificate, medical certificate (3 months), previous school documents (if available), vaccination record, 2 photos of the child
International schoolsPassport, birth certificate, medical certificate (3 months), translated school documents into English, vaccination record, if desired - letters of recommendation

Deadlines and prices in numbers

ServiceDeadlinesCost (2025)
School at the Russian Embassy1-3 monthsfree
Private schools3-12 months250-400 €/month
Britanska / ISB3-6 months800-1300 €/month
Additional courses (Russkiy Dom)1-2 weeks100-150 €/month

Seasonal nuances

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

FAQ

Can I transfer a child from a Russian school to a Serbian one without losing a year?
Yes, if the chosen school is accredited in Serbia (e.g., Britanska or ISB). Nostrification of the certificate is required.

How much does nostrification of a Russian certificate cost?
50-100 €, the process takes 1-3 months. Submit documents to the Ministry of Education of Serbia.

Can a child study in Russian in a Serbian state school?
No, only in the school at the Russian Embassy.

Does a child need to know Serbian for private schools?
At the Russian School in Belgrade, Serbian is introduced from the 1st grade, but at the initial stages, it is enough to know Russian. In international schools, Serbian is not required.

Can I pay in euros?
Yes, all private and international schools accept payment in euros. In the state school at the embassy - only in dinars.

Check contacts on school websites - prices and procedures may change.

Related articles

SerbiaHub tools

Official sources