Montenegro is a small country in Southeast Europe, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse landscape. It is also a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a friendly and affordable environment. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should consider studying in Montenegro, how to apply for a visa, what are the types of visas, what is the cost of living, and what are the universities in Montenegro. We will also focus on the University of Montenegro, the largest and oldest public university in the country, and its programs, faculties, and facilities.
Why Study in Montenegro?
There are many benefits of studying in Montenegro, such as:
- Quality education: Montenegro offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, in various fields of study. The education system is based on the Bologna Process, which ensures the compatibility and recognition of degrees across Europe and beyond. The University of Montenegro is a member of several international associations and networks, such as the European University Association, the Balkan Universities Network, and the Mediterranean Universities Union. It also cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions through exchange programs, joint projects, and research activities.
- Low tuition fees: Montenegro is one of the most affordable countries in Europe when it comes to tuition fees. The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree is around 1,000 euros per year, while for a master’s degree it is around 1,500 euros per year. For a doctoral degree, the tuition fee is around 2,000 euros per year. Some programs may have higher or lower fees, depending on the faculty and the level of study. There are also scholarships and grants available for students who meet certain criteria, such as academic excellence, financial need, or social status.
- Low cost of living: Montenegro is also a cheap country to live in, compared to other European countries. The average monthly cost of living for a single person is around 650 euros, while for a family of four it is around 2,300 euros. This includes expenses such as rent, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Of course, the cost of living may vary depending on the location, lifestyle, and personal preferences of each individual. However, in general, Montenegro offers a good quality of life for a reasonable price.
- Beautiful scenery: Montenegro is a country of stunning natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and forests to lakes and beaches. It has five national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Montenegro is also rich in cultural and historical attractions, such as medieval towns, fortresses, churches, and monasteries. Montenegro is a perfect place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, sailing, and diving. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, the sea, and the fresh air.
- Friendly people: Montenegro is a country of hospitable and warm-hearted people, who are proud of their culture and traditions. Montenegro is a multiethnic and multilingual country, with a population of around 620,000 people. The official language is Montenegrin, but other languages such as Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian are also widely spoken. English is also commonly used, especially among young people and in tourist areas. Montenegrins are open-minded and tolerant, and they welcome foreigners with respect and curiosity.
How to Apply for a Visa to Study in Montenegro?
If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need to register with the local police and apply for a temporary residence permit. You can do this within 30 days of your arrival in Montenegro.
If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you may need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. You can check the visa requirements for your country on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro.
Types of Visas
There are three types of visas that you can apply for to study in Montenegro:
- Type A visa: This is a transit visa, which allows you to pass through Montenegro on your way to another country. It is valid for up to five days and it is not renewable. You need to have a valid visa or a residence permit for the country of your final destination, as well as a confirmed ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.
- Type C visa: This is a short-stay visa, which allows you to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is valid for one or multiple entries, depending on the purpose of your visit. You need to have a letter of invitation from a university, a school, or an organization in Montenegro, as well as proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient funds for your stay.
- Type D visa: This is a long-stay visa, which allows you to enter and stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days, up to one year. It is valid for one or multiple entries, depending on the purpose of your visit. You need to have a letter of acceptance from a university, a school, or an organization in Montenegro, as well as proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient funds for your stay. You also need to apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Montenegro.
To apply for any visa, you need to fill out an application form, provide two passport-sized photos a valid passport, and pay a visa fee. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, or a travel itinerary. You need to submit your application to the nearest Montenegrin embassy or consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days before your intended travel date. You can find the list of Montenegrin diplomatic missions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro2’s website.
Cost of Living in Montenegro
As mentioned earlier, Montenegro is a relatively cheap country to live in, compared to other European countries. However, the cost of living may vary depending on the location, lifestyle, and personal preferences of each individual. Here are some average prices of common goods and services in Montenegro, as of November 2023:
- Rent: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 300 euros, while for a three-bedroom apartment it is around 600 euros. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 200 euros, while for a three-bedroom apartment it is around 400 euros.
- Food: The average monthly cost of food for a single person is around 200 euros, while for a family of four it is around 700 euros. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 9 euros, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around 40 euros. A liter of milk costs around 0.9 euros, a dozen eggs costs around 2.6 euros, a kilogram of chicken costs around 5.9 euros, and a kilogram of apples costs around 1.3 euros.
- Transportation: The average monthly cost of transportation for a single person is around 30 euros, while for a family of four it is around 100 euros. A one-way ticket for public transport costs around 1 euro, while a monthly pass costs around 23 euros. A liter of gasoline costs around 1.5 euros, while a taxi start costs around 1 euro and a taxi per kilometer costs around 1.6 euros.
- Utilities: The average monthly cost of utilities for a single person is around 100 euros, while for a family of four it is around 200 euros. This includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs around 20 euros, while an internet plan with 60 Mbps or more costs around 25 euros.
- Entertainment: The average monthly cost of entertainment for a single person is around 100 euros, while for a family of four it is around 300 euros. This includes cinema tickets, sports activities, gym memberships, and other leisure activities. A cinema ticket costs around 5 euros, a fitness club membership costs around 35 euros, and a tennis court rent costs around 13 euros.
Universities in Montenegro
Montenegro has several public and private universities that offer a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, in various fields of study. Some of the most popular and reputable universities in Montenegro are:
- University of Montenegro: This is the largest and oldest public university in Montenegro, founded in 1974. It has 19 faculties, located in Podgorica, Nikšić, Cetinje, and Kotor. It offers programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics, and education. It has around 22,000 students and 850 academic staff. It is a member of several international associations and networks, such as the European University Association, the Balkan Universities Network, and the Mediterranean Universities Union. It also cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions through exchange programs, joint projects, and research activities.
- University of Donja Gorica: This is a private university located in Donja Gorica, a suburb of Podgorica. It was founded in 2007, as the second private university in Montenegro. It has six faculties, offering programs in business, law, information technology, international relations, arts, and sports. It has around 2,000 students and 100 academic staff. It is a member of the European Association of Universities, the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Montenegro, and the Balkan Universities Network. It also cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions through exchange programs, joint projects, and research activities.
- University of Mediterranean: This is another private university located in Podgorica. It was founded in 2006, as the first private university in Montenegro. It has seven faculties, offering programs in tourism, hotel management, business, law, visual arts, information technology, and political sciences. It has around 3,000 students and 150 academic staff. It is a member of the European Association of Universities, the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Montenegro, and the Balkan Universities Network. It also cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions through exchange programs, joint projects, and research activities.
- Overview of the University of Montenegro
- The University of Montenegro is the largest and oldest public university in Montenegro, founded in 1974. It has 19 faculties, located in Podgorica, Nikšić, Cetinje, and Kotor. It offers programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics, and education. It has around 22,000 students and 850 academic staff. It is a member of several international associations and networks, such as the European University Association, the Balkan Universities Network, and the Mediterranean Universities Union. It also cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions through exchange programs, joint projects, and research activities.
- The University of Montenegro has a vision to become a modern and competitive university, with high academic standards, international recognition, and social responsibility. It aims to provide quality education, foster scientific research, and contribute to the development of Montenegro and the region. It also strives to promote academic freedom, ethical values, and cultural diversity.
- The University of Montenegro has a mission to educate students who are competent, creative, and responsible, and who can meet the challenges of the globalized world. It also aims to produce scientific knowledge that is relevant, innovative, and applicable, and that can solve the problems of society and the environment. It also seeks to enhance the cooperation and exchange of ideas among the academic community, the public sector, the private sector, and the civil society.
- The University of Montenegro has the following faculties:
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Biotechnology
- Faculty of Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Dramatic Arts
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Maritime Studies
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology
- Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Political Sciences
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education
- Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Each faculty has its own structure, curriculum, admission criteria, and tuition fees. You can find more information about each faculty on the website of the University of Montenegro.
- Conclusion
- Montenegro is a country that offers many opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education in a friendly and affordable environment. It has several public and private universities that offer a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, in various fields of study. The University of Montenegro is the largest and oldest public university in the country, and it has 19 faculties, located in four cities. It is a member of several international associations and networks, and it cooperates with many foreign universities and institutions. It has a vision to become a modern and competitive university, with high academic standards, international recognition, and social responsibility.
- If you are interested in studying in Montenegro, you need to check the visa requirements for your country, and apply for the appropriate type of visa. You also need to check the admission requirements and tuition fees for the program and the faculty of your choice. You also need to prepare for the cost of living in Montenegro, which is relatively low compared to other European countries, but may vary depending on your location, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
- Studying in Montenegro can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the friendly people, and the diverse culture of this small but charming country. You will also be able to acquire quality education, foster scientific research, and contribute to the development of Montenegro and the region.
