Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 40 Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into 2 entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine) and Republika Srpska. The Federation is further subdivided into 10 autonomous cantons (Bosnian: kantoni). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Republika Srpska entity, situated in the northern part of the country. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all cantons that include at least one higher education institution from Bosnia and Herzegovina meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Brcko District (2)  
Central Bosnia Canton (4)  
Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (6)  
Republika Srpska (17)  
Sarajevo Canton (4)  
Tuzla Canton (4)  
Una-Sana Canton (1)  
Zenica-Doboj Canton (1)  

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Overview of Bosnia and Herzegovina Universities

Bosnia and Herzegovina's higher education system comprises 40 universities operating under a decentralized administrative structure reflecting the country's geopolitical organization. The sector includes public universities primarily funded by entity-level governments (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska) and cantons, alongside private institutions established post-2000. Public universities dominate the top rankings and typically offer comprehensive programs across sciences, humanities and technical fields. Private universities often specialize in business, technology or international studies, with increasing English-language programs. All institutions follow the Bologna Process, offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees with accreditation governed by entity-level agencies.

Top 10 Bosnia and Herzegovina Universities

1. University of Sarajevo (Univerzitet u Sarajevu) - UNSA
   Country Rank: #1 | World Rank: #1538 | Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton | Est. 1949 | Public | Comprehensive programs
2. University of Mostar (Sveučilište u Mostaru)
   Country Rank: #2 | World Rank: #3915 | Mostar, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton | Est. 1977 | Public | Comprehensive programs
3. University of Banja Luka (Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci) - UBL
   Country Rank: #3 | World Rank: #3956 | Banja Luka, Republika Srpska | Est. 1975 | Public | Comprehensive programs
4. University of Tuzla (Univerzitet u Tuzli) - UNTZ
   Country Rank: #4 | World Rank: #4428 | Tuzla, Tuzla Canton | Est. 1976 | Public | Comprehensive programs
5. University of East Sarajevo (Univerzitet u Istočnom Sarajevu) - UNSSA
   Country Rank: #5 | World Rank: #5248 | Lukavica, Republika Srpska | Est. 1992 | Public | Comprehensive programs
6. International University of Sarajevo (Internacionalni univerzitet u Sarajevu) - IUS
   Country Rank: #6 | World Rank: #5432 | Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton | Est. 2004 | Private | International programs
7. International BURCH University (Međunarodni univerzitet Burch) - IBU
   Country Rank: #7 | World Rank: #5943 | Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton | Est. 2008 | Private | Business & technology focus
8. University of Zenica (Univerzitet u Zenici) - UNZE
   Country Rank: #8 | World Rank: #6111 | Zenica, Zenica-Doboj Canton | Est. 1961 | Public | Technical emphasis
9. Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar (Univerzitet Džemal Bijedić u Mostaru) - DBU
   Country Rank: #9 | World Rank: #7354 | Mostar, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton | Est. 1977 | Public | Comprehensive programs
10. University of Bijeljina (Univerzitet Bijeljina)
    Country Rank: #10 | World Rank: #7756 | Bijeljina, Republika Srpska | Est. 2011 | Private | Professional studies

Analysis of University Types

Bosnia and Herzegovina's 40 universities divide into two primary categories: 8 public universities (20% of institutions) and 32 private universities (80% of institutions). Public universities receive governmental funding and dominate the top rankings, while private institutions emerged predominantly after 2000, focusing on specialized and international programs. Geographically, universities operate across all administrative divisions, with significant concentrations in Sarajevo (7 institutions) and Mostar (3 institutions).

Global Ranking and Standing

Bosnia and Herzegovina universities show emerging global engagement but currently lack representation among elite institutions. No universities rank in the global top 200 (0% of institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide (0%). The highest-ranked institution, University of Sarajevo, places at #1538 globally, reflecting opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic visibility among Bosnia and Herzegovina's top universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many public universities operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A: There are 8 public universities, including the University of Sarajevo and University of Banja Luka.

Q: Are English-taught programs available?
A: Yes, several private universities (like IUS and IBU) offer English-language degrees, particularly in business and IT fields.

Q: What is the oldest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A: University of Sarajevo, established in 1949, is the nation's oldest and highest-ranked institution.

Q: How are universities accredited?
A: Accreditation occurs separately in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, following Bologna Process standards.

Q: Do tuition fees differ between public and private universities?
A: Yes, public universities average €1,000-€2,000 annually for international students, while private institutions typically charge €2,000-€4,000.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Bosnian and Herzegovinian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Bosnian and Herzegovinian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Search for Bosnian and Herzegovinian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Bosnian and Herzegovinian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Bosnian and Herzegovinian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Discover Bosnian and Herzegovinian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Find out about Bosnian and Herzegovinian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Explore Bosnian and Herzegovinian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Look for Bosnian and Herzegovinian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Bosnian and Herzegovinian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bosnian and Herzegovinian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Bosnian and Herzegovinian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bosnian and Herzegovinian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.