After graduating from the Real Gymnasium in Belgrade, as a scholar of Principality of Montenegro he went to art studies in Vienna in 1895. In Vienna, during the period 1896-1901, he studied at the State Academy of Arts. Before graduating he won the award of the Faculty’s professorial council for nude studies and on that occasion he was organized the first solo exhibition in Vienna. From 1901 he continues his education in Paris, where in 1905 he graduates from The Great School of Fine Arts. During his education abroad, Šobajić perfected in Munich the technique of etching and undertook a series of study tours. He visited the major museums and collections of works of art in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Russia and France. With his knowledge of French and German language, Šobajić was an artist of extremely broad education and general culture. Since he was colour blind, he was almost naturally committed to the graphic arts. His stay in Cetinje, which lasted until 1914, was filled with frequent involvement in drafting Montenegrin stamps, Montenegrin money - Perper (he drafted denominations of 1 and 5 Perper), and commemorative plaques, medals, etc. Educated and brought up in a spirit of academic realism, that stylistic commitment he did not leave until the end of his life. Montenegro Post shall within the edition "Art in Montenegro through centuries 2012", which contains four stamps and four First day covers, publish a commemorative postage stamp titled "Ilija Šobajić." Author of the conceptual design is Đorđije Radević, a graphic designer from Podgorica.
