Study in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
The higher education system in Bosnia is separated into two routes, universities and “higher schools” (colleges). Universities offer academic degrees at all levels of study (Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral) whereas higher schools only offer Bachelor degrees.
The University of Sarajevo (UNSA) is the oldest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the European humanistic traditions since 1949, UNSA continually aims to link research to education to enhance the academic community. UNSA has also contributed to establishing new universities throughout the region and is a proud representative of the alma mater community of all public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. UNSA comprises 25 faculties and academies, giving students access to a rich academic community. In the latest Webometrics Rankings of World Universities, UNSA was ranked in the top 8%. There are currently approximately 27,000 students studying at UNSA and welcomes international studies from the USA, Italy, Brazil, Kenya, Syria as well as many other regions. UNSA has established more than 150 partnerships with universities across the globe, emphasising the university’s commitment to supporting a culturally diverse student body. Students can study as full-time, part-time or Distance-learning students and all diplomas are recognised in the European Higher Education Area. Students can take part in international exchange programs such as Erasmus Mundus, which UNSA has been participating in since 2008.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
UNSA has two scholarships available for students:”Suada Dilberović” and “Academician Edhem Čamo” and advertise Erasmus+ scholarships throughout the year here.
Across the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the annual tuition fees for international bachelors students range from 440 – 25,900 BAM (£189 – 11,104 GBP). For masters students annual tuition fees range from 440 – 18,400 BAM (£189 – 7,899 GBP). Private universities will be more expensive than public university tuition.
Cost of living
Student Visa and immigration policies
- Valid passport
- Copies of previous visas (if applicable)
- Valid identification cards
- Signed application forms
- Proof of fee payment to the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy
- One passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Acceptance letter from your chosen university
- Bank statement demonstrating financial capacity to stay in the country for length of study
- Flight itinerary
Depending on your country of residence, additional time may be added to the turnaround time of your visa application, we recommend you check Bosnia and Herzegovina’s embassy website for more information. The visa application fee in Bosnia and Herzegovina is €81 EUR.
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
Sarajevo is a diverse and growing economy and a popular work destination for expats.
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in international development, the United Nations has many roles available in Sarajevo ranging in research IT, consultancy, project management and development, operations and administration and HR. The most common English-speaking jobs are teachers, clerks, nurses, policemen, and doctors. English-speaking jobs that are in high demand in Sarajevo include roles in sales, marketing, customer service, IT and medical assistance. Jobs are relatively well paid and are reported to have good benefit systems.
Safety and security
It is important to note that there are still many minefield and unexploded mines, bombs and explosive remnants that remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the Yugoslav wars. Visitors and students are advised to never enter damaged buildings and to walk on paved surfaces and avoid walking in the grassy hills surrounding Sarajevo. Areas that have not been cleared of explosives are marked by yellow tape or signage.
As common in major cities, it is recommended to be aware of your belongings due to higher rates of petty crime. Organised crime is common in Sarajevo but is reported to rarely impact visitors and civilians.
Language requirements
English is the main language of instruction of academic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Non-native English speakers are required to prove their language proficiency via the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some universities now accept a Duolingo English Test score. We recommend that you check the specific university’s website. The minimum TOEFL score to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 70 and the minimum IELTS score is 6.
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located in the central region of the country, on the left bank of the Danube River, it’s one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Europe with a population of over 2 million people.Sarajevo is widely known for its unique culture, cuisine, and historical importance. Sarajevo is a fascinating city for its traditional religious diversity and history, where followers of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism have coexisted for centuries. Sarajevo is home to many museums and religious architecture and locals offer tours to the city’s nearby hills, waterfalls and valleys.
Accommodation availability and options
UNSA has ‘student centres’ which offer international students shared-room or private-ensuite accommodation.
The Bjelave Student Dormitory is located in the Centar Municipality. It has an accommodation capacity of ~1000 places and includes a restaurant, coffee shop, park, multimedia centre, library, outdoor amphitheatre and sports fields. Rooms are either two-bed or three-bed with shared bathrooms, and prices vary from 154 – 169 KM (£65.56 – 71.94 GBP) per month.
The Nedžarići Student Dormitory is located in Novi Grad Municipality and accommodates 960 students. Along with two-bed and three-bed en-suite rooms (private bathrooms), it includes a student restaurant,cafe-pizzeria, multimedia centre, library, park, reading room, sports fields and tennis courts and more. The tram station is also located close by for quick connections to the city centre and university campus. Depending on the room, prices vary from 154 – 169 KM (£65.56 – 71.94 GBP) per month.
A large number of students also opt to live in private accommodation. Monthly rental prices can range from 150 KM and above, and are highly dependent on the size of the housing and the proximity to the city centre.
Healthcare system and student insurance
Medical and dental facilities outside major towns are limited. European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) do not cover Bosnia and Herzegovina therefore, students are advised to have travel insurance for local treatment options. The contact information for English-speaking medical practices can be found here. A popular insurance provider, Aon, can provide rates as low as €0.53 EUR per day.
Climate and weather conditions
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
Sarajevo International Airport (Butmir Airport) is the main international airport in Sarajevo and in the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located around 6.1 km southwest of the Sarajevo railway station. Flights to Sarajevo from London cost on average £240 GBP for a round trip, £900 GBP from North America and £350 GBP from UAE.
Recognition of degrees internationally
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
Information on how Bosnia and Herzegovina recognise international degrees can be found here.