Bilingual Schools in Belgrade: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Belgrade has become a popular base for international companies, tech teams and remote workers, and its school market has grown to match. Families arriving here usually want two things at once: an English-language education that travels well and a way for their children to connect with the local language and culture. This guide looks at bilingual schools in Belgrade in 2026, how they teach languages, what they cost and how to choose between them.

What bilingual means in Belgrade

In Belgrade, bilingual education comes in two main forms. International schools teach almost entirely in English and offer Serbian as a second language, often at several levels so that both Serbian children and newcomers are covered. Bilingual private schools follow the Serbian national curriculum, often with Cambridge programmes in English, so that pupils earn both Serbian certificates and international qualifications.

A hard fact worth knowing: Serbia's 2006 constitution makes Cyrillic the official script, but the Latin alphabet is used widely in daily life, business and media. Children in Serbian schools learn both. For expat children, this means a Serbian class usually starts with Cyrillic, which can feel harder at first but is phonetic and quick to learn.

Where schools are and how families choose areas

Many international families live in Dedinje, Senjak, Vračar or New Belgrade, and more recently along the Belgrade Waterfront development. Several international schools are in the leafy southern suburbs, while others are in New Belgrade or near Zemun. Traffic across the Sava bridges at peak times can be slow, so pick your home and school together.

Curricula available

• International Baccalaureate: offered by the International School of Belgrade from early years to diploma.
• British curriculum: leading to IGCSE and A levels at British-style schools.
• Cambridge programmes within the Serbian system: bilingual schools that combine both.
• Finnish-inspired primary education: available at smaller schools for younger children.
• Serbian national curriculum: in public schools, taught in Serbian.

Bilingual and international schools in Belgrade

Each of these schools has a verified profile on International School Advisor where you can compare details.

International School of Belgrade

International School of Belgrade The longest-established international school in the city, offering the IB and serving many diplomatic families. Serbian is taught as a language, with other languages available too.

British International School Belgrade

British International School Belgrade Follows the English National Curriculum in English and suits families with UK links or plans to move to another British school.

BrookHill International School

BrookHill International School An English-language school with a British-based programme and a strong community feel, often praised for its approach to newcomers.

Chartwell International School

Chartwell International School Chartwell combines Cambridge international programmes with the Serbian curriculum, a true bilingual option for families who want their children to integrate fully and keep international routes open.

PRIMA International School

PRIMA International School A smaller school that is worth adding to your list if you prefer a close-knit setting and more personal attention.

Bilingual school fees in Belgrade in 2026

Figures are indicative for 2026 and 2027, usually quoted in euros. Confirm with each school.

• Bilingual private schools with Serbian and Cambridge programmes: roughly EUR 5,000 to 10,000 a year.
• British-style international schools: roughly EUR 8,000 to 15,000 a year.
• IB international schools: roughly EUR 12,000 to 20,000 a year or more in the diploma years.
• One-off fees: application and enrolment fees of roughly EUR 300 to 3,000.
• Extras: bus, lunch, uniforms, trips and exam fees.

Some schools invoice in dinars at the official exchange rate, so check the currency and the payment schedule.

How to judge a school's language programme

Ask how Serbian is taught. Good schools offer several levels, from beginner to native speaker, and move children between groups as they progress. Ask how many hours a week each level gets.

Ask about home languages. Many international families want to keep French, German, Russian or another language alive. Some schools offer these as subjects or after-school classes, while others rely on parents.

Look at the language of the playground. In schools with many Serbian pupils, children often switch to Serbian at break time, which is excellent for learning but can be hard for a shy newcomer at first. Schools with a larger expatriate community tend to use English more widely outside class.

Bilingual or fully international: which suits your family?

The right choice depends mostly on how long you expect to stay. For a posting of two or three years, a fully English-language international school gives continuity with schools in other countries, and your children will pick up everyday Serbian through classes and friends. For families planning to stay five years or more, or those with a Serbian parent, a bilingual school that follows the national curriculum can make integration much easier and keeps the option of Serbian universities open.

Consider also how your children cope with change. A child who has already moved several times may benefit from the stability of a large international community where arrivals and departures are normal. A child who wants to settle and make local friends may thrive in a bilingual school with many Serbian classmates. Talking to parents at the school gate during a visit is one of the best ways to understand which environment fits your family.

Practical tips for families moving to Belgrade

Start early for September. Most schools follow a September to June year and accept applications from January. Mid-year entry is often possible, particularly at the larger international schools.

Prepare documents. Schools usually ask for passports, recent reports, vaccination records and, for older pupils, transcripts. Some documents may need an apostille and a translation into Serbian later for residency.

Visit more than once. A second visit on a normal school day shows you how teachers switch between languages and how newcomers are supported.

Compare the best schools in Serbia

See reviews, curricula and fees for schools in Belgrade and across the country in our ranking of the best schools in Serbia.

More guides to schools in Belgrade

• How to Choose an International School in Belgrade: 2026 Guide
• International School Fees in Belgrade: 2026 Cost Guide for Expat Families
• International School Admissions in Belgrade: 2026 Guide for Families
• ranking of the best schools in Serbia

Frequently asked questions

Do international schools in Belgrade teach Serbian?

Yes. International schools in Belgrade teach mainly in English but offer Serbian as a subject, usually at several levels from beginner to native. Bilingual schools such as Chartwell go further and follow the Serbian national curriculum alongside Cambridge programmes, so pupils earn both Serbian and international qualifications.

How much do bilingual schools in Belgrade cost?

For 2026, bilingual private schools combining Serbian and Cambridge programmes charge roughly EUR 5,000 to 10,000 a year. British-style international schools cost roughly EUR 8,000 to 15,000, and IB schools roughly EUR 12,000 to 20,000 or more. Enrolment fees, transport and lunch are usually extra.

Will my child need to learn Cyrillic?

If your child studies Serbian, yes. Serbian schools teach both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, and Cyrillic is the official script under the constitution. Most children pick it up within a few months because it is phonetic. International schools usually introduce it gently in beginner Serbian classes.