Serbia introduces 5,000‑dinar monthly stipend for students in shortage occupations

Serbia’s Dual Education Office released the official list of shortage occupations for the 2026/27 academic year, identifying 36 trades and technical fields where employers report chronic labor gaps. The list includes traditional roles such as electricians, chefs, and bakers, as well as technical positions like mechatronics technicians, IT technicians, and telecommunications installers.

Students who enrol in any of these shortage programmes will receive a monthly allowance of 5,000 Serbian dinars for nine months of study, paid into a designated savings account. The stipend is part of a government measure approved at the end of 2023 to encourage enrolment in dual‑training programmes and help address the skills shortage in the national labour market.