Via Academica

What Via Academica does

Via Academica is a private Serbian educational consulting agency founded around 2015 and headquartered in Belgrade (Navigator Business Center, Novi Beograd) with a secondary office in Novi Sad. Operating as a sole proprietorship (Zvjezdana Crnogorac PR Obrazovni konsalting Via Academica), the firm helps students from the Western Balkans — Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Albania — apply to bachelor's, master's, and MBA programs at international universities. Its core product is a three-phase mentorship package covering personalized program matching, document preparation (CV, motivation letter, recommendations), and application submission, with pricing quoted in euros and payable in up to three installments per phase; additional advisor hours are billed at €25 per started hour. The company complements consulting with a B2B recruitment and marketing service for partner universities, offering event management, webinars, masterclasses, and tailor-made promotional campaigns.

The company's technology stack centers on a proprietary virtual event platform, co-developed with CollectVibe, that simulates physical study abroad fairs and replicates university campus experiences for online attendees. A proprietary CRM supports student tracking across the application and enrollment lifecycle, and a 5-step methodology structures lead generation, profile assessment, pre-selection, program matching, and enrollment. Via Academica also operates a self-built program search tool, an email newsletter pipeline (Mailchimp), and Google Workspace integrations for communications and analytics. The firm runs two branded regional fair franchises — STUDY EXPO and STUDY IN ITALY — held online and in-person in Belgrade, and extends upstream into secondary education through the American Institute Allied with Thornton Academy (AITA), an American high school program in Novi Sad.

Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer with multi-channel demand generation: content marketing via a blog (10,000+ readers/month), social media (20,000+ followers), program search SEO, and free e-book lead capture funneling into a 5,000+ annual inquiry base that converts into roughly 500+ paying students per year. Via Academica maintains direct partnerships with 286 universities and secondary schools worldwide, including King's College London, LUISS, Bocconi, VU Amsterdam, Ca' Foscari, Constructor University, LSE, Tilburg, Bologna, IULM, EU Business School, KdG, and Cattolica, securing application fee waivers, tuition reductions, and dedicated scholarships for its students. The firm is bootstrapped, with no external funding, and operates at small scale (1–10 employees).

Name

Via Academica

Legal name

Zvjezdana Crnogorac PR Obrazovni konsalting Via Academica

Website

https://viacademica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Via Academica is a Belgrade-based educational consulting agency that helps students from the Western Balkans apply to bachelor's, master's, and MBA programs at international universities via three-phase mentorship packages and a network of 286 partner universities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Consulting Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Outbound Exchange Advising, Placement & Nomination Services (EDAIABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Application Support, Matching Platforms & Scholarship Administration Services (EDAIAOAN), Study Abroad Program Management & Administration (for Institutions) (EDAIAAAJ), International Student Academic & Personal Support (case management, referrals) (EDALANAE)

Keywords

• Study abroad consulting
• Education consulting services
• University admissions support
• Scholarship application guidance
• Student recruitment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Belgrade

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Mentorship and Consulting Services: Mentorship packages with three phases: (I) questionnaire and personalized program list, (II) CV/motivation letter/recommendation preparation with revision, (III) application submission for studies and scholarships. Payment in up to three equal installments per phase. Prices in euros, paid in dinar equivalent.
2. Recruitment and Marketing Services for Partner Universities: Via Academica provides recruitment, marketing, and promotional solutions for partner institutions including event management, live presentations, webinars, masterclasses, university visits, and tailor-made events. Universities pay for student recruitment and brand-building services in the Western Balkans region.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Via Academica is an educational consulting agency that helps students from the Western Balkans enroll in international universities through personalized three-phase mentorship: program matching, document preparation (CV, motivation letter, recommendations), and application submission. Beyond student consulting, the company provides recruitment, marketing, and event services for partner universities and operates the virtual fair platform that powers its regional STUDY EXPO and STUDY IN ITALY events.

Product overview

Via Academica operates as a specialized educational consulting agency offering comprehensive study abroad services primarily in the Western Balkans region. The core offering consists of mentor packages (Mentorski paketi) that guide students through a 3-phase application process including personalized program recommendations, document preparation (CV, motivation letter, recommendations), and application submission support. Additional services include study preparation programs, mentor consultations, academic/professional orientation, and a program search tool. The company organizes regional study abroad fairs (STUDY EXPO, STUDY IN ITALY) through a proprietary virtual platform developed for online events. For partner universities, Via Academica provides recruitment, marketing, and promotional services including event management, presentations, and masterclasses. The portfolio also includes the American Institute Allied with Thornton Academy (AITA), an American high school in Novi Sad. The company has partnerships with 286 universities and schools worldwide and serves approximately 500+ students annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The American Institute Allied with Thornton Academy (AITA): An American high school program operating in Novi Sad, Serbia, offering American secondary education curriculum. Operated by Via Academica as part of its educational consulting services.
• Study Expo
• Study in Italy

Products and services

• Mentorski paketi (Mentor Packages) Comprehensive three-phase mentorship packages guiding students through the entire study abroad application, including personalized program matching, document preparation (CV, motivation letter, recommendations), and application submission support. Paid per phase in up to three installments.
• Pripreme za studije u inostranstvu (Study Preparation) Comprehensive preparation services for students planning to study abroad, including guidance on applications, documentation, and application strategy.
• Konsultacije sa mentorom (Mentor Consultations) One-on-one consultation sessions with experienced mentors who have themselves studied abroad, providing personalized guidance on study abroad options.
• Akademska i profesionalna orijentacija (Academic and Professional Orientation) Assessment and guidance service to help students identify their talents, interests, and suitable study programs and career paths abroad.
• Recruitment and Marketing Services for Universities Marketing and promotional solutions for partner universities, including event management, live presentations, webinars, masterclasses, university visits, and tailor-made events to recruit students from the Western Balkans.
• STUDY EXPO Fair Regional study abroad fair brand that brings together thousands of students and parents seeking study abroad options, including online virtual and in-person events in Belgrade featuring 30+ universities.
• STUDY IN ITALY Fair Regional study abroad fair focused specifically on Italian universities and study programs, featuring online and in-person events.
• American Institute Allied with Thornton Academy (AITA) American high school in Novi Sad, Serbia, offering world-class American secondary education and academic and career guidance for students preparing for study abroad.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.9+ student satisfaction rating based on 57 reviews on Trustindex
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• King's College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica collaborates with King's College London as part of its 286 university partners. Students are guided toward King's College London programs in areas such as War Studies, World History & Cultures, Urban Informatics, and UK/EU/US Copyright Law. The partnership enables students to receive application support and scholarship guidance.
• 100+ Partner UniversitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica maintains direct partnerships with over 100 universities globally for student recruitment and placement services. Partners include institutions across Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Austria, France, and other countries. The partnership provides students with application fee waivers, tuition reductions, and access to dedicated scholarships.
• CollectVibesupportingTechnology or IntegrationVia Academica collaborated with CollectVibe to develop its unique virtual platform that simulates university campuses for online events, providing immersive experiences for prospective students considering studying abroad.
• The American Institute Allied with Thornton Academy (AITA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica operates the American High School in Novi Sad (Serbia) in partnership with AITA, providing world-class secondary education, academic and career guidance for students preparing for study abroad.
• LUISS UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with LUISS University in Rome, Italy, helping students enroll in business, economics, and other programs. Multiple Via students have been accepted with tuition reductions (including 70% and 80%) and HSP scholarships.
• Vrije University AmsterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with Vrije University Amsterdam. Students have enrolled with VUFP and HSP scholarships covering tuition and living costs.
• Ca' Foscari University VenicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica collaborates with Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Italy. Multiple students have enrolled in programs including International Business Management and received application support.
• Constructor University BremencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica works with Constructor University Bremen. Student Jovana Spalević enrolled with VUFP and HSP scholarships covering tuition and living costs.
• Bocconi UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with Bocconi University in Milan. Students Maša Ćulibrk and Aleksandra Rađenović enrolled with tuition reduction scholarships.
• Università Cattolica del Sacro CuorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica collaborates with Cattolica University in Milan. Student Marko Jovanović enrolled in Economics and Business, and Via organizes university visits to Cattolica for prospective students.
• LSE London School of EconomicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica supports students admitted to LSE, including Dragana Pivić who enrolled in the master's program in London.
• Tilburg UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Student Aleksandar Matić completed both undergraduate and master's degrees at Tilburg and Utrecht University.
• IULM UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica collaborates with IULM (International University of Languages and Media) in Milan, with students enrolled in programs such as International Business Management.
• EU Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica works with EU Business School across campuses in Spain, Switzerland, and Germany, helping students access business education programs.
• University of Bologna (La Sapienza)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica has helped students enroll at the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in Europe, including through JOIN EU SEE scholarship programs.
• University of SheffieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica collaborates with the University of Sheffield. Student Andrea Matijašević enrolled in Business Administration and Marketing through Via's guidance.
• Utrecht UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where student Aleksandar Matić completed part of his studies alongside Tilburg University.
• KdG University of Applied Sciences and ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVia Academica partners with KdG Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Belgium. Student Anđela Janković enrolled in International Business Management through Via.
• 30+ Universities at EventssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVia Academica's regional study abroad fairs (STUDY EXPO, STUDY IN ITALY) feature 30+ universities that participate as exhibitors, benefiting from lead generation, student screening, and direct access to motivated candidates from the Western Balkans.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Adventus.io: Adventus.io is a student recruitment platform that connects international students with universities and education agents worldwide. It overlaps directly with Via Academica's B2B recruitment and matchmaking layer for partner universities seeking students from emerging markets.
• Crimson Education: Crimson Education is a global university admissions and mentoring consultancy that places students from many international markets (including emerging regions) into top universities. It is comparable to Via Academica as both monetize personalized mentorship packages, application support, and university partnerships targeting students seeking admission abroad.
• Gateway International: Gateway International is a UK-based higher education consultancy that assists international students with applications to UK universities. It is comparable to Via Academica in providing end-to-end application, scholarship, and visa support to international applicants.
• Across the Pond: Across the Pond is a US/UK-focused study abroad consultancy supporting international students applying to North American and British universities. It mirrors Via Academica's personalized mentorship and program-matching model for outbound students.
• ARCA (Study in Italy platform): Study in Italy platforms and agencies recruit international students into Italian universities, matching Via Academica's strong Italian focus (LUISS, Cattolica, Bologna, Bocconi, IULM partnerships and dedicated STUDY IN ITALY fair).

Emerging players

• MPOWER Financing: MPOWER provides scholarships and loans to international students from emerging markets studying in the US and Canada. It overlaps with Via Academica in serving Western Balkans/emerging-market students pursuing study abroad, though its core product is financing rather than mentorship.
• Beyond Academy: Beyond Academy is a mentorship-based admissions consultancy helping international students apply to leading universities. It is comparable to Via Academica as a younger, niche mentorship provider targeting the same student demographic of outbound international applicants.

Others

• EDUopinions: EDUopinions is a platform providing program reviews and study-abroad information for prospective international students. It is thematically related to Via Academica's content marketing and program search tool but does not directly compete on personalized admissions consulting.

Broad incumbents

• QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Events): QS organizes global MBA and university fairs worldwide and produces widely used university rankings. Its international student fair business overlaps with Via Academica's STUDY EXPO and STUDY IN ITALY fairs, though QS operates at vastly greater scale and breadth.
• The Princeton Review (TPR Education): The Princeton Review is a large incumbent offering test prep, admissions consulting, and tutoring services globally. It is a broader incumbent in admissions consulting that competes indirectly with Via Academica's mentorship offering, particularly for graduate-school candidates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/viaacademica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Via Academica