Secondary education in Montenegro for international students

Children who receive secondary education in Montenegro really likes studying at school: this is due to the peculiarities of the educational system based on the principle of “starting with less, let's go to more”. The principle lies in the minimum load of students from the first grades and its gradual growth - children do not get tired of classes, have enough free time to chat with peers, play games and attend sports sections. 

Students study physics, mathematics, music, physical education, drawing, history, geography, foreign languages. The differences are in the absence of a division of mathematics into two disciplines and in a minimal study of world history - the emphasis is put on the history of Montenegro.

Education in schools of Montenegro consists of several stages:

• In the first grade, a child is admitted from the age of 6 - this is a preparatory class. For foreign students who came to Montenegro at the age of 7 and did not go to school, the administration of the institution often makes an exception and allows them to go to the second grade, but parents should think carefully, because in the preparatory school you can learn the basics of the Serbian language.
• 2-4 classes. Here, all disciplines are taught by one teacher, they give little homework, they check only its presence. There are no diaries: the assignment is recorded in notebooks or notepad, and marks are given to parents at the monthly meeting. In the second grade, students are offered a choice of sports, music, dance sections and groups.
• 5th grade. There are more teachers, but they lead in 2-3 subjects. They give more homework, check it more strictly - prepare for high school.
• In high school teachers become even more. They are no longer called teachers, but mentors. The educational process is becoming more complicated every year.

Examinations are held at Montenegrin schools in the 9th grade, before this assessment takes place every semester through testing and quizzes. Transfer to the next class depends on the average point: you can get 2-3 "deuces" and not have problems, but with the "unit" is more difficult - you have to retake the item during the vacation period.

From the 3d grade, all schools involve learning English. In high school, another foreign language is added. Education in Montenegro is interesting for students, it allows you to show character: willpower, responsibility, seriousness and independent work.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

There are many opportunities for children receiving secondary education in Montenegro. Many people use their free time for sports: football, tennis, gymnastics, swimming. Sections work school and private. The cost of classes is from 20 to 45 euros per month, depending on the sport. Tennis is the most expensive and prestigious.

Having received secondary education in Montenegro, children have good opportunities for admission to European universities. Knowledge of English in a country where half of the people speak it and where they learn it from the 3rd grade will allow you to easily obtain TOEFL or IELTS certificates - the main requirement for admission to European universities.