Become a Serbian Diplomat
The selection process will be conducted by applying the prescribed criteria for all candidates under equal conditions, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the relevant laws and by-laws governing the diplomatic service.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates with Higher Education
General Requirements
- Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia;
- Legal age (18 years or older);
- The candidate must not have previously been dismissed from employment in a state body due to serious misconduct and must not have been sentenced to imprisonment of six months or more.
Specific Requirements
1. Education
Completion of higher education in a scientific or professional field within the educational-scientific domain of social sciences and humanities, at the level of:
- undergraduate academic studies (minimum of 240 ECTS credits),
- Master’s academic studies,
- specialist academic or vocational studies,
- or basic studies lasting at least four years.
Fields of Social Sciences and Humanities:
- International Relations: Knowledge of international systems, diplomacy, and global issues.
- Political Science: Understanding of political systems, governance, and decision-making.
- Law: Expertise in international law, treaties, and regulations.
- Economics: Analytical skills in trade negotiations, development assistance, and economic diplomacy.
- History: Contextual understanding of historical relations and precedents in diplomacy.
- Regional Studies: Specialization in specific regions, including culture, language, and political dynamics.
Applications from candidates educated in the above-listed fields are particularly encouraged, considering their academic reputation, program standards, and quality of instruction.
Candidates holding higher education degrees in other fields or from institutions not traditionally associated with diplomacy may also apply, provided they can demonstrate relevant experience or convincingly explain other competencies qualifying them for diplomatic service.
Preference will be given to candidates who have received scholarships from the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Education—such as the “Dositej” Scholarship, “Scholarships for Exceptionally Gifted Students,” or other awards—indicating high academic achievement and potential contribution to the public sector.
2. Language Proficiency
Knowledge of at least one foreign language (minimum B2 level), preferably one widely used in international diplomacy (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese).
Proof of Language Proficiency may include:
- certificates, diplomas, or results from internationally recognized exams (e.g., TOEFL, DELF, DELE),
- university diplomas in foreign languages from philological faculties in Serbia or abroad,
- or documentation of completed language courses.
Additional advantage will be given to candidates proficient in regional or less common languages relevant to Serbia’s diplomatic and strategic interests.
3. Relevant Experience
At least one year of professional experience in a related field.
Preference will be given to candidates with research experience or prior work in international organizations or institutions.
4. Professional Knowledge and Skills
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills: Ability to build and maintain relationships in diverse cultural environments, with demonstrated empathy, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
- Digital literacy: Familiarity with digital platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and understanding their role in public diplomacy, information management, and cyber security.
- Mediation and negotiation skills: Experience or potential in facilitating dialogue, mediating disputes, and negotiating in sensitive or high-stakes situations.
- Multidisciplinary awareness: Interest or expertise in areas such as ecology, technology, global health, or culture relevant to contemporary diplomatic challenges.
- Problem-solving and creativity: Capacity for innovative thinking in addressing logistical, operational, or strategic challenges, particularly under constrained or unpredictable conditions.
- Cultural and artistic awareness: Understanding of cultural heritage, arts, and creative industries as tools for enhancing intercultural understanding and cooperation.
Application Documentation for Candidates with Higher Education
- Motivation Letter: Explaining the reasons for applying, qualifications, and fulfillment of the requirements for work in the diplomatic service. (Length: up to five hundred words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of education, work experience, skills, competencies, internships, and other relevant activities.
- References: From professors, mentors, or previous employers, confirming the candidate’s enthusiasm, qualifications, experience, and professionalism.
- Written Work: A research paper, short essay, or analytical report on a relevant topic in international relations, diplomacy, foreign economics, or related fields. (Length: up to 1,500 words)
- Certificates and Supporting Documents: Proof of foreign language proficiency, diplomas, and any other relevant documentation.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates with Secondary Education
General Requirements
- Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia;
- Legal age (18 years or older);
- The candidate must not have previously been dismissed from employment in a state body due to serious misconduct and must not have been sentenced to imprisonment of six months or more.
Specific Requirements
1. Education
Completion of secondary school or grammar school (gimnazija).
Fields of Secondary Education:
- Postal and Telecommunications Services (PTT Traffic);
- Telecommunications;
- Information Technology;
- Electrical Engineering;
- Finance and Accounting.
Preference will be given to candidates who have completed an electrical engineering school or a secondary technical PTT school.
2. Language Proficiency
Knowledge of the English language at a minimum B1 level.
Proof of Language Proficiency may include:
- certificates, diplomas, or results from internationally recognized exams (e.g., TOEFL, DELF, DELE),
- or documentation of completed language courses.
Additional advantage will be given to candidates who are proficient in other foreign languages, particularly those widely used in international diplomacy (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese).
3. Relevant Experience
At least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
4. Professional Knowledge and Skills
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills: Ability to build and maintain relationships in diverse cultural environments, with demonstrated empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
- Digital literacy: Familiarity with digital platforms and technologies, including artificial intelligence, and understanding their role in public diplomacy, information management, and cyber security.
- Multidisciplinary awareness: Interest or knowledge in areas such as ecology, technology, global health, or culture relevant to contemporary diplomatic challenges.
- Problem-solving and creativity: Capacity for innovative thinking in addressing logistical, operational, or strategic challenges, particularly under limited or unpredictable conditions.
Application Documentation for Candidates with Secondary Education
- Motivation Letter: Stating the reasons for applying and explaining qualifications and compliance with the requirements for work within the Ministry. (Length: up to five hundred words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of education, work experience, skills, competencies, internships, and other relevant activities.
- References: From professors, mentors, or previous employers, confirming the candidate’s enthusiasm, qualifications, experience, and professionalism.
- Certificates and Supporting Documents: Proof of English language proficiency, diplomas, and other relevant documentation.
Application Procedure
Applications with the required documentation for participation in the candidate selection process for admission to the diplomatic service should be submitted by email to: