Education System in Montenegro

Montenegro is located in south-eastern Europe and is bordered by Serbia to the north-east, Croatia to the west, Albania to the south-east, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north-west. 

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Montenegro administers education in Montenegro. Education in Montenegro begins with preschool, followed by elementary and secondary education. After completion of the secondary education, students can go for tertiary education. The elementary and secondary education fee is covered by the government in Montenegro.

Education Profile of Montenegro

Pre primary Education

Pre-primary education in Montenegro is imparted by preschools. This educational level is optional and is for children up to 3 years of age. 

Compulsory Education

Education in Montenegro is mandatory for children aged 6 to 15.

Primary/Elementary Education (Osnovna skola) 

The primary/elementary education in Montenegro is mandatory and free of charge. 
  • Duration: 9 years
  • Ages: 6 to 15
  • Grades: 1 to 9

Secondary Education (Srednja skola)

Secondary education in Montenegro comprises of general education and vocational education. This educational level prepares students for higher education.
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Ages: 15 to 18
Secondary schools in Montenegro are split up into 3 types:
  • Gymnasium (Gimnazija): These schools provide general as well as broad education and lasts for 4 years. 
  • Professional schools (Stručna skola): These schools emphasize in a particular field and studies at these schools last for 3 to 4 years.
  • Vocational schools (Zanatska skola): These schools prepare students for a particular vocation. The duration of studies at the vocational schools is 3 years.
In Montenegro, there are specialised secondary schools also available that offer studies in music, ballet or art. The duration of the studies at these schools is 4 years. 

The school curriculum in Montenegro covers the history and culture of all ethnic groups. 

Certificate awarded: At the end of secondary education, students are required to take a graduation exam- Matura.

Higher Education

Higher education in Montenegro is provided by the universities-public and private. University of Montenegro is a public university, and University of Donja Gorica and University Mediterranean are the private universities operating in Montenegro.

Higher Education Qualifications

The higher education qualifications in Montenegro are:
  • Bachelor’s degree: This degree lasts for 3 years.
  • Master’s degree: This degree programme lasts for 1 to 2 years and lead to Master of Science or Master of Art.
  • Doctoral degree: This degree lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending upon the field of study. 

Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions in Montenegro comprises of universities, faculties, colleges, art academies and higher schools. 
  • Universities offer a wide range of programmes. There are public as well as private universities in Montenegro. Universities in Montenegro have faculties and scientific research institutes. 
  • Colleges (Fakultet) and art academies (akademija umjetnosti) in Montenegro offer programmes that last for 4 to 6 years.
  • Higher schools (Visa skola) offer programmes that last for 2 to 4 years.

Post-graduate Education

Post-graduate education (post-diplomske studije) in Montenegro is provided after higher education. This educational level provides master’s, doctorate and specialization degrees.

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed secondary education and passed Matura exam are eligible to apply for higher education institutions in Montenegro. Admission requirements vary depending on the university, study programme and level of study.  

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction in Montenegro is Montenegrin. Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian are also widely spoken in Montenegro. These are also the languages of instruction in Montenegro. Some of the primary and secondary schools in Montenegro that have a major population of Albanians have Albanian as their language of instruction.

Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters:
  • Winter semester: Commences in September and ends in December. Exams are held in January.
  • Summer semester: Commences in February and ends in June
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