Montenegro offers a mix of public, private, and international education. In recent years, the country has seen a steady expansion of private and international programmes, with some institutions now offering internationally recognised curricula. For foreign families, the widest range of options is available in Podgorica and along the coast, particularly in Tivat, Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi.
Preschool education in Montenegro is provided through both public and private institutions. Children up to the age of three attend nursery, while those aged three to six attend kindergarten. Public kindergartens are available throughout the country, while private and international institutions are often the preferred choice for families seeking English-language instruction, smaller groups, and a smoother transition for children arriving from abroad.
highly affordable, at approximately EUR 50 per month
standardised programmes
larger group sizes
Private kindergartens
monthly fees ranging from EUR 180 to EUR 400
smaller classes
English-language programmes
Approaches offered in private kindergartens
NTC method
Learning through play and motor development. This is the most widely adopted approach in Montenegro.
Bilingual, English-based programmes
Bilingual instruction or enhanced language learning.
Montessori-inspired approach
Independent learning supported by specialised didactic materials.
Eco and outdoor programmes
A strong emphasis on time in nature, school gardens, and healthy nutrition.
Sports-focused programmes
Daily physical activity and the development of gross motor skills.
Creative and arts-based programmes
A focus on drama, music, and sculpture.
Individualised national curriculum
The national curriculum delivered in smaller groups.
Primary Education
Primary education in Montenegro is compulsory and free of charge for all children between the ages of 6 and 15, and lasts for nine years. Public primary schools are available across the country, while private and international schools offer British, American, French, and IB programmes, as well as bilingual education.
After primary school, students may continue their education in a general secondary school (gymnasium), vocational school, or arts school. A gymnasium programme lasts four years, while vocational secondary education may last two, three, or four years. For foreign families, the most attractive options are typically those schools offering English-language instruction and internationally recognised qualifications.
Nursery and kindergarten
EFEP, Podgorica
QSI International School of Montenegro, Podgorica
United Kids International Montenegro, UKIM, Podgorica
British Green Academy, Podgorica
The British Academy, Podgorica
KSI Montenegro, Tivat
Arcadia Academy, Kotor
Boka School International, Herceg Novi / Portonovi
Adriatic Open, Bar
Adriatic College, Budva
Dukley Academy, Budva
International School and Kindergarten Maša, Podgorica
Primary school
EFEP, Podgorica
QSI International School of Montenegro, Podgorica
United Kids International Montenegro, UKIM, Podgorica
The British Academy, Podgorica
KSI Montenegro, Tivat
Arcadia Academy, Kotor
Boka School International, Herceg Novi / Portonovi
Adriatic College, Budva
Adriatic International, Podgorica
Adriatic Open, Bar
International School and Kindergarten Maša, Podgorica
Secondary school
EFEP, Podgorica
QSI International School of Montenegro, Podgorica
United Kids International Montenegro, UKIM, Podgorica
KSI Montenegro, Tivat
The British Academy, Podgorica
Arcadia Academy, Kotor
Adriatic College, Budva
Adriatic International, Podgorica
Adriatic Open, Bar
Gimnazija “Podgorica”
Many private and international schools in Montenegro cover several stages of education, which is why some institutions appear under preschool, primary, and secondary education alike.
Higher education in Montenegro is delivered through both public and private universities and higher education institutions. The leading public institutions are the University of Montenegro and the Faculty for Montenegrin Language and Literature in Cetinje. Among private institutions, the most prominent include the University of Donja Gorica, Mediterranean University Podgorica, Adriatic University, the Faculty for State and European Studies, and the Faculty of Business Management.
University of Montenegro, UCG
The country’s public university and principal centre of higher education. Some of the most sought-after options for international students include:
Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Kotor
Faculty of Political Science, Podgorica
Faculty of Maritime Studies, Kotor
IT programmes
Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Cetinje
Faculty of Fine Arts
University of Donja Gorica, UDG
A modern private university offering:
programmes in English
international exchange opportunities
degree programmes in business, digital design, IT, diplomacy, and economics
Mediterranean University
Notable areas of study include:
tourism
management
IT and programming
art and design
translation studies
Recognition of Foreign Diplomas
The recognition of foreign educational certificates and qualifications in Montenegro falls under the authority of the ENIC/NARIC centre within the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation.
For families planning a move to Montenegro, Podgorica and the coastal region offer the broadest selection of private and international educational opportunities, while public schools across the country remain an important and high-quality part of the national system.
Public institutions are often an excellent choice for families seeking easier integration into the local community, while private and international schools provide a more seamless continuation of education in English, French, or a bilingual setting. In such environments, children often use both English and the local language on a daily basis and, thanks to multicultural classrooms, tend to adapt quickly to their new surroundings and acquire additional languages with ease.
One of the key advantages of education in Montenegro is its affordability in comparison with many countries in Western Europe, combined with an increasingly diverse range of programmes for foreign families. Beyond the regular curriculum, children also benefit from a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, including music, dance, sports, IT courses, art workshops, and summer camps. Along the coast, swimming, sailing, and diving are especially popular, while Podgorica and the central region offer a vibrant arts and technology scene.
Montenegro appeals to many families thanks to its safe environment, smaller communities, close relationships between schools and parents, natural surroundings, and a steadily growing international community. It is precisely this combination of reasonable costs, linguistic diversity, flexible educational options, and a more balanced lifestyle that makes Montenegro an increasingly attractive place to live and raise children.
A full overview of all educational institutions in Montenegro can be found on the Ministry’s official website: https://www.skolskamreza.edu.me/
