UDG Completes Major Research on the Attractiveness of English-Medium Instruction Programmes in Montenegro

Within Work Package 2 – Evidence Base and Monitoring of the ME – Study in English project, the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) prepared Deliverable D2.7 – Research Paper from Market Research on the Attractiveness of EMI Programmes in Montenegro. The study represents one of the key research outputs of the project and provides an evidence-based assessment of the potential for further development of English-Medium Instruction in Montenegrin higher education.

The research combined a large-scale quantitative survey with qualitative insights from international students, visiting professors and representatives of international companies operating in Montenegro. In total, 541 survey responses were collected from prospective students representing different countries, age groups and educational backgrounds. The quantitative analysis was complemented by interviews with key stakeholder groups, enabling UDG researchers to combine measurable trends with experiences and perspectives relevant to the future development of EMI programmes.

The results indicate growing interest in English-taught programmes among both domestic and international students, while simultaneously identifying limited international visibility of Montenegro as a study destination. Respondents associated Montenegro with affordability, safety and a welcoming environment, while highlighting the need for stronger international promotion, clearer information in English and more structured support for international students. International students and visiting professors generally reported positive academic experiences, while employers emphasised the importance of combining English proficiency with practical, technical and digital competencies.

Based on the collected evidence, the research identifies several priorities for the future development of EMI in Montenegro: stronger international visibility and promotion, consolidation of institutional quality and support systems, continuous development of teaching staff, and deeper cooperation between universities and employers through internships, guest lectures and project-based learning.

The research concludes that Montenegro has significant potential to develop competitive and sustainable EMI programmes and that English-taught education can become an important pillar of the country’s higher education internationalisation strategy. The findings produced by UDG within the ME – Study in English project provide an important evidence base for future institutional development, policy recommendations and Montenegro’s deeper integration into the European Higher Education Area.