Balkans university enrollment competition 2026

In the 2026/27 academic year, Serbian and Croatian universities reported a surge in applications for popular programmes such as psychology, medicine, dentistry, economics and related social‑science fields. Serbian institutions saw intense competition, with dozens of candidates per budget seat, while Croatia’s University of Zagreb allocated the majority of its 3,583 available places to social‑science faculties, leaving psychology and communication studies fully occupied.

Alongside the enrollment pressure, Serbian students faced rising living costs. Monthly rents in major university cities ranged from €350 to €700, prompting many to share larger flats to reduce expenses. The total cost of housing, including deposits and utilities, added a significant financial burden to students already competing for limited study places.

Both snapshots illustrate a broader regional trend: high demand for select academic programmes coupled with financial challenges for students, highlighting the need for universities and policymakers to address capacity constraints and affordability in the Balkans.