Overview

Last update: 4 May 2026

Key Features of the Education System

The education system in Montenegro is centrally governed, with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation holding the primary responsibility for policy development, strategic planning and overall system management.

Education is organised as a unified system covering early childhood education and care, primary, secondary and higher education, as well as adult education and training.

Compulsory education is free of charge and takes place at primary level. Public education is predominantly state-funded, while private provision exists at all levels, particularly in early childhood education and higher education.

The system places emphasis on inclusive education and equal access, supported by national strategies and legislative frameworks. Ongoing reforms focus on improving the quality, increasing the participation in early childhood education and aligning the system with European standards.

Educatonal providers: Education and upbringing is provided in preschool institutions, schools, educational centres, resource centres, by adult education providers, universities, faculties, academy of art and upper secondary non tertiary schools, all of which can be public or private.

At up to the university public educational institutions, education is of secular character and the religious activity is not allowed except in the secondary religious schools.

Equity: Montenegrin citizens are equal in their rights to education, irrespective of nationality, race, sex, language, religion, social background or other personal ability. Foreign citizens who have short-term residence or permanently reside in Montenegro, are equal in their rights to education with Montenegrin citizens. With regards to higher education, a foreigner is entitled to be enrolled in study programmes in Montenegro under the same conditions as Montenegrin citizens, in compliance with the Law on Higher Education and statute of the institution.

Language of instruction: Teaching in educational institutions is performed in the official, Montenegrin language. Teaching is also performed in languages in official use: Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian.

Curriculum: Education and upbringing are provided on the basis of the educational programs (curricula) adopted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation upon the recommendation of the relevant Council. With regards to higher education, the accreditation of a study program is done by the Agency for Control and Quality Assurance in Higher Education, upon the proposal of a higher education institution.

Autonomy: Up-to-the-university institutions are autonomous in realization of educational programs. Autonomy of the HEIs is guaranteed by the Constitution and the Law on Higher Education. The institution is autonomous in the field of teaching, research and artistic work, within the framework of its license, in accordance with this Law.

Quality Assurance (QA): QA of the educational work in the institution is done internally and externally. Internal quality assessment is performed by the institution itself. External assessment is carried out by the responsible public bodies or authorized agencies. The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation regulates the Methodology for both internal and external evaluation. Quality assurance work in higher education is performed by the Agency for Control and Quality Assurance in Higher Education in accordance with European standards and guidelines (ESG). The agency was established in 2017 in accordance with the Law on Higher Education. The Agency, among other things, conducts the procedure of accreditation of the study program and external evaluation (re-accreditation) of higher education institutions in accordance with European standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area - ESG. The work for the advancement and development of higher education is performed by the Council for Higher Education.

Trends and reforms: Education is seen as a key factor of the societal development and Montenegro is continuously implementing reforms in this area in order to make educational system compliant with modern trends and quality. In recent years, reforms have been done at all levels of education. Reforms were preceded by adoption of new laws and amendments and changes for the appropriate level of education, and its harmonization with EU legislation.

Future trends and efforts in education area in Montenegro were identified through the Education Sector Analysis 2015-2020 and relate to the following:

Strengthen the strategic planning function within the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and work towards an integral Education Sector Plan (ESP) covering all levels of education
Further improvement of equity and enrolment at all levels
Further improvement of the quality of education
Strengthened and harmonized pre-service and in-service teacher training.
A better enabling environment by moving to single-shift schooling and investments in ICT infrastructure and science laboratories
Build the sector’s capacity to improve the monitoring and evaluation function and data utilization in order to guide evidence-based policymaking regarding the quality and equity of education.
Development of a quality and inclusive system for distance education, online teaching, learning and collaboration
Ensure sufficient resources and cost-effective spending

Stages of the Education System

The education system in Montenegro is structured into the following stages:

• Early childhood education and care (ISCED 0): for children from birth to age 6, provided in nurseries and kindergartens;
• Primary education (ISCED 1 and 2): compulsory education lasts 9 years, typically for children aged 6 to 15;
• Secondary education (ISCED 3): includes general (gymnasium) and vocational education, lasting 3 to 4 years;
• Higher education (ISCED 5–8): provided by universities and higher education institutions, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies;
• Adult education and training: offers opportunities for lifelong learning, including formal and non-formal programmes.

Educational institutions operate within a national framework regulated by legislation, with programmes delivered in both public and private institutions.

Education of Children with Special Educational Needs

Education of children with special educational needs (SEN children) is part of a single educational system and it is compulsory from the moment of identifying a special education need of a child. Education of SEN children is carried out in preschool institutions, institutions of primary and secondary general and vocational education, as well as in resource centres. This type of education is provided for a specific level of education which corresponds to SEN childrens' physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Space, equipment and teaching material must be adapted to SEN children and there is obligation for schools to provide adequate educational conditions.

Part-time Education in the Arts (Public Music Schools)

Primary music schools offer part-time education as an additional education of primary school level children. This kind of education is taken voluntary. Children from the age of 6 may take this course on the basis of the entrance examination showing basic prerequisites or talents for a certain musical instrument, ballet or singing. At public primary music schools no fees are required.

Structure of the National Education System

A visual representation of the structure of the Montenegrin education system is available through the Eurydice online tool: The structure of the National Education Systems.