How much does student life cost in the region?

Although study conditions differ across the countries of the region, students face similar challenges — the rising cost of living and lack of affordable accommodation. In Pristina, tuition is free and expenses are mostly limited to transportation and food, while in Belgrade and Tirana the main problems are high rent prices and limited student housing capacity. Skopje lies somewhere in between, with lower costs but modest scholarships, whereas North Mitrovica stands out as a place where conditions are not only affordable but, according to students, the city feels like a second home.

Written by: Petar Rosic

The academic year in the region is in full swing, and at Serbian universities in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Novi Pazar, classes began on November 3. From the cost of dormitories and private rentals to monthly food, transport, and textbook expenses, differences among Western Balkan countries are significant. Yet one thing is shared by all: being a student today is expensive.

The cost of living varies greatly from place to place. Life in large cities is typically much more expensive than in smaller towns or suburbs. Differences appear not only in rental prices but also in the availability and conditions of student dormitories.

According to the website Studentski centar, dormitories across six Belgrade municipalities can accommodate around 10,500 students. Rooms are usually shared by two or three students and include a bathroom, kitchenette, internet access, and direct phone line.

Depending on the room category and number of occupants, monthly dormitory fees for students on a government-funded budget range from 1,300 to 3,190 dinars, while self-financed students pay up to 16,400 dinars.

Food costs also vary. For a student on the budget, three daily meals cost 7,980 dinars per month (about 266 per day), while self-financed students pay 30,600 dinars (around 1,020 per day).
Belgrade — Home to 90,000 Students

With around 90,000 students, many in Belgrade must rent privately. But according to real estate consultant Nikola Djogatovic, finding affordable accommodation has become increasingly difficult.

“Anyone who hasn’t found an apartment by now — and we’re already in early November — will struggle to find anything affordable. The student housing search season starts in late August and September. Freshmen and their parents begin looking then, while older students usually keep their apartments,” Djogatovic told Kosovo Online.

He added that finding a good apartment at a reasonable price is still extremely difficult.

“Students can look for cheaper options, but those are usually found in June or July. At this point, finding a decent apartment for a fair price is far from easy,” he explained.

Location and price are students’ top priorities, while quality comes third.

“People often view two or three apartments and, after a week, realize the one they wanted is gone. If you find a place that meets your needs, act quickly — don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” Djogatovic advised.

He noted that many students share apartments to cut costs.

“Everyone wants to live alone, but prices dictate otherwise. Over the past few years, students have been sharing apartments with one or two roommates. Larger apartments and utilities cost more, but the overall expense per person is lower. A 60m² flat isn’t twice as expensive as a 30m² one — only about 40–50% more,” he said.

Djogatovic also highlighted a growing trend known as “student housing”, common abroad but new to Serbia.

“Private investors are starting to build small student dormitories or repurpose old factories and office buildings into student accommodation with reading rooms and shared spaces. This trend has existed for 20–25 years elsewhere in Europe, and it’s only just beginning here,” he said.
Albania — Not Enough Student Housing

A similar situation exists in Albania. Granit Sokolaj, Executive Director of the Alert Consumer Protection Center in Tirana, said one of the biggest problems is the shortage of dormitory space, forcing most students to rent privately — where prices have doubled since 2019.

“Housing costs have risen by 100 percent. Rents for apartments have doubled compared to ten years ago. Today you can’t find a studio for less than 300 euros, even on the outskirts. Ten years ago, the same would have cost 150 euros,” Sokolaj told Kosovo Online.

He added that utilities have also increased, and that the only student benefit is a transport pass for free public transit.

Tirana’s main student complex accommodates about 5,500 students, with small additional dormitories at the Civil Engineering and Medical Faculties, and just two small buildings at the Agricultural University.

“These are minimal capacities for the total number of students coming from across Albania and the region. Imagine how difficult it is for those from small towns or rural areas — or from Kosovo, Serbia, or North Macedonia. Much of their family budget goes to rent, which starts at 300 euros per month, excluding utilities,” Sokolaj explained.

He said many students work part-time to support themselves — in cafés, restaurants, or call centers.

“It helps financially but inevitably affects their studies. Spending six hours at university and another six to eight at work makes it difficult to keep up academically,” he said.

Sokolaj urged the government to expand dormitory capacity, improve public transport discounts, and subsidize food or reduce tuition fees, which can reach €800–€1,500 even at public universities.

“That’s more expensive than in Germany. Why not reduce tuition for students from low-income families?” he asked.

North Macedonia — Lower Costs, Smaller Scholarships

In North Macedonia, student expenses are lower, though scholarships are modest.
Filip Kaladziski, delegate of the Student Parliament at Skopje’s Medical Faculty, told Kosovo Online:

“Costs are lower than in Serbia, Bulgaria, or Slovenia, but scholarships elsewhere are higher, and students are valued more.”

Dormitory accommodation costs 3,645 denars (≈ €60) per month. However, due to limited capacity, many students rent privately. Rents in Skopje range from €250–€400, while in Stip and Bitola they are cheaper.

“Food, cafés, and shops are also more expensive in Skopje, which is expected due to inflation,” he noted.

Kaladziski encouraged students to engage in student activism to secure discounts and reforms.

“In Skopje, we negotiated student discounts in about 50 venues. Change depends on us — by submitting proposals, we can reduce costs and improve student life,” he said.
Pristina — No Tuition Fees

According to students, Pristina is the most affordable place to study, as tuition is free and expenses are mainly for transport and food.

Besim Gaši, a second-year anthropology student, said:

“Studying is free. I live with my parents, so I have almost no expenses.”

A sociology student from Podujevo spends about €50 per month on transportation, while Arbjerie Salihu from Kosovo Polje said:

“Public transport for students is free, but I spend about €30 or more per week on food.”
For those renting apartments, monthly rents range from €250 to €400, depending on size and location.
North Mitrovica — A True Student Community

In North Mitrovica, the Student Center is considered one of the best in the region, offering modern dormitories, cafeterias, a clinic, a library, and extracurricular activities.
Milica Bulatovic from Herceg Novi, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, said:

“I lived in the dorm before moving into private accommodation. Both options have advantages.

Apartments are modern and close to the university. Conditions for study and life are excellent.”
She added that local residents are very welcoming:

“Mitrovica is a city with soul. People are warm and always ready to help. I truly feel at home here.”
Marko Randjelovic, a sixth-year medical student from Leskovac, said that choosing Mitrovica was one of the best decisions of his life.

“I’ve lived in the Student Center since my first year. Prices are affordable — a full day with three meals costs 270 dinars. Despite minor price increases, it’s much cheaper than in central Serbia.”
He emphasized the strong university spirit and sense of community among students:

“We study together, eat together, live together — the Student Center connects us all. There are regular events, tournaments, and quizzes. It’s a true community that makes life here special.”
Luka Virijevic from North Mitrovica, a law student, added:

“It’s a great privilege to study law in my hometown. The university conditions are excellent, on par with, or even better than, those in central Serbia. Students from other regions always receive a warm welcome, and we all feel at home here.”