International Relations office UNSA

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

The Winter semester (first semester) at the University of Sarajevo runs from October to February, and the Summer semester (second semester) extends from the end of February to July. Both semesters begin with a Welcome Day and Orientation Program held one week prior to the official start of classes.

Students enrolled in Bachelor (1^st cycle) and Master (2^nd cycle) programs who will be attending classes are expected to arrive before the start of the semester (and participate in Welcome days and Orientaiton week), while PhD students, trainees, and those engaged in research should coordinate their arrival with their assigned mentors.

Participation in the Welcome Day and Orientation Program is highly recommended for all students, as it supports a smooth integration into academic and social life in Sarajevo. For the most accurate and updated semester dates and planned activities, students should consult the active Academic Calendar.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

1st Winter semester 2025/2026 (October – February)

• Welcome Days: 29-30 September 2025 (followed by orientation at the host member unit)
• Classes start: 6 October 2025
• Duration: 15 weeks, physical presence expected
• Classes end: 16 January 2026
• Exams: end of January > mid-February 2026
• Expected end of mobility: 27 February 2026

2nd Summer semester 2025/2026 (March – July)

• Welcome Days: 25-27 February 2026 (followed by orientation at the host member unit)
• Classes start: 2 March 2026
• Duration: 15 weeks, physical presence expected
• Classes end: 12 June 2026
• Exams: end of June > mid-July 2026
• Expected end of mobility: 17 July 2026

Attendance: students of 1^st, 2^nd and integrated study cycles should start their mobility following the academic calendar. PhD students should agree on the dates of their visit with their host mentors.

HOLIDAYS

UNSA does not have long academic breaks like many European universities (e.g. winter, Christmas, or spring breaks). The university may be closed or classes may not be organized only during official public and religious holidays throughout the year (please refer to the list below).

International students may agree with their host academic coordinator to spend a few days with their family during important holidays (e.g. Christmas), provided that this does not interfere with their academic obligations.

Public and religious holidays that affect the working time of the University of Sarajevo (following the academic calendar):

1^st / Winter semester

• 25 November – B&H’s Statehood day (university is closed)
• 25 December– Catholic Christmas (no class activities)
• 01-02 January – New Year (university is closed)
• 07 January – Orthodox Christmas (no class activities)

2^nd / Summer semester

• 01 March – B&H’s Independence day (university is closed)
• 20 March – Eid Ramadan (no class activities)
• 05 April – Catholic Easter (no class activities)
• 12 April– Orthodox Easter (no class activities)
• 01 & 02 May – International Labour Day (university is closed)
• 27 May – Eid al Adha (no class activities)

MOBILITY DATES

You can check our Academic calendar, which will show the dates of classes, exams, and holidays and help you calculate your mobility days. The Winter semester is from October until February (the following year), and the Summer semester is from February until July. Mobility is expected to last in most cases four to five (4-5) months and includes classes and an exam period. 

FIND YOUR BUDDY

The International Relations Office (IRO) at the University of Sarajevo offers the Buddy Program to help international students adjust to life in Sarajevo. Your Buddy is a local student volunteer who can support you in getting to know the city and university, assist you in settling in during your first days, and help you understand everyday life in Sarajevo. They can also answer practical questions about public transportation, shopping, or local customs, and introduce you to new people and student activities. If you’re interested in having a Buddy, simply let the IRO know, and we will do our best to match you with a local student from your faculty or study field. Once a Buddy is assigned, you will receive their contact details by email. Keep in mind that Buddies are volunteers—students just like you, many of whom have participated in Erasmus themselves—and they are there to help you feel welcome and supported during your stay.

ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of Europe’s most prominent student associations. It was created in 1989 and is a crucial volunteer organization in international higher education. The network is constantly developing and expanding, with around 15,000 active members in more than 42 countries!

ESN supports international students in academic and social integration and links local and international students. This is mainly done through activities in the local sections, which include cultural and social events such as trips to various places within the country, film nights, language projects, international food festivals and last but not least, parties. It also encourages students to gain international experience and experience different cultures.

Address: School of Economics and Business of the University of Sarajevo (Trg oslobođenja – Alija Izetbegović 1, 4^th floor)

Contact:  info@esn.ba

CREATING LEARNING AGREEMENT

After reviewing your application form, we have gained a clearer understanding of your interests and planned activities during your mobility at the University of Sarajevo (UNSA).

The next step is to make your mobility official by preparing an Erasmus+ Learning Agreement (for study) or a Traineeship Agreement (for traineeships). This is an official Erasmus+ document that defines the subjects and/or activities you will carry out at the University of Sarajevo during your mobility period. If your home institution does not provide a Learning Agreement (LA) template, you can download the editable version:

Please complete the document electronically and do not fill in any information by hand.

Kindly ensure that all required sections in the “General information” , “Before the Mobility” and “Commitment of the three parties” part are completed, including:

• Information about the student
• Sending institution
• Receiving institution
• Level of language competence
• Mobility type and duration
• Table A
• Web link to course catalogue (if applicable)
• Table B
• Table C
• Commitment of the three parties

Incomplete or handwritten documents cannot be accepted.

In the Welcome email, you will be informed about your assigned academic coordinator and receive detailed instructions on how to complete the document. Therefore, please make sure that all sections related to the receiving institution are filled in exactly as shown in the table below.

In the table “Mobility type and duration,” please select Long-term mobility, as you will be coming for the entire semester or academic year. The part with “estimated duration” will be provided in the Welcome email.

In Table A of the “Before mobility” section, please enter the courses you plan to attend at the UNSA unit(s). For traineeship mobility, enter the activities you will perform. Both courses and/or activities should be previously approved in your Application Form (by both the home and host coordinators). Make sure to complete all required fields.

In most cases, Table B is left empty, as your mobility does not include a virtual component.

In Table C, you need to enter the courses from your home institution that are expected to be recognized based on the results achieved at UNSA. This table must be prepared in cooperation with your home coordinator. Do not submit the Learning Agreement unless this table has been fully completed.

In the Commitment of the three parties section, make sure to enter the correct responsible person at the receiving institution, as indicated in the Welcome email.

You do not need to fill in the “During mobility” and “After mobility” sections.

Once completed, make sure it is signed by you and your home coordinator, and then send it to the host academic coordinator, as instructed in the Welcome email.

What if you have selected to follow classes at two or more UNSA units?

We always recommend selecting courses from one UNSA unit that corresponds to your field of study. Adding an additional unit increases administrative bureaucracy (e.g. you must to enrol again and pay an additional registration fee, trancript or records can not be issued if you are enroled in the certain unit(s), different coordinators must approve the courses since the process is not centralized, class timetables may overlap, student-support is not centralized, etc.).

However, if during the application phase you were unable to collect enough ECTS from a single unit and therefore selected courses from one or more additional units—you must accurately adjust the Learning agreement by adding additonal rows and data about all UNSA units. Although all member units belong to the same university, each unit or department has its own academic coordinator who evaluates, approves, and signs the study proposal. An academic coordinator from one unit cannot approve or sign courses from another unit. PLEASE NOTE: Make sure that the host unit corresponding to your field of study holds at least 51% of the courses (i.e. more courses or ECTS) compared to the other unit(s).

Therefore, instead of preparing two or more separate Learning Agreements for different UNSA units, make sure to prepare a single Learning Agreement as explained.

• How to add an additional row: in the word document click on the white row under “Receiving institution,” right-click, select Insert, and then choose Insert row below.
• Enter data as explained below and in the Welcome email.

Similarly, this applies to the signatory page:

CHANGES TO THE LEARNING AGREEMENT

We recommend making any necessary changes within the first two weeks after your arrival in Sarajevo (once classes begin). All changes must be made officially in the Learning Agreement under the “During mobility” section. Please do not make any changes before checking and confirming them with both your home and host academic coordinators.

PREPARING DOCUMENTS

Before starting your Erasmus+ mobility at the University of Sarajevo, make sure to prepare all required documents, including your Learning Agreement, copy of passport or ID, valid health and life insurance covering your entire stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a non-criminal record certificate issued in your home country. Check with your home coordinator whether insurance is included in your Erasmus+ grant. If not, you must obtain one valid for B&H or buy local insurance upon arrival in Sarajevo. All documents must be properly signed and stamped, as digital signatures are not accepted. Upon arrival, follow instructions and visit either faculty coordinator or the International Relations Office (depending on where you are coming) to register, confirm your arrival, and finalize your academic plan with your faculty coordinator.

More details are available at: https://international.unsa.ba/regulating-your-stay-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina/

ARRIVING TO SARAJEVO

By Plane

For most of you, arrival to Sarajevo will likely be via Sarajevo International Airport. Please check available flight options. Major airlines well-connected to Sarajevo include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines. Additionally, low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and WizzAir operate flights to Sarajevo. Other airports in Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla also offer connections to major European cities, primarily through Ryanair and WizzAir.

By Bus

Sarajevo has good bus connections to many regional and European cities. You can check available bus routes on the following websites:

• Centrotrans
• FlixBus
• Biss-Tours
• Globtour

The central Sarajevo Bus Station is located near the city center, and depending on your accommodation, you can reach your destination within 10-15 minutes by walking or taxi.

Transfer to the City Centre from the Airport

• Taxi App: Sarajevo has a local taxi app similar to Uber/Bolt. You can check it at MojTaxi. However, Uber and Bolt are not available in Sarajevo.
• By Bus: A direct bus line connects the airport to the city center. Please note that it is posisble only to pay in cash and in Bosnian currency (5 KM or 2,5 €). The time table is available on the airport’s official website.
• By Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport exit. Depending on your destination, the estimated fare is 25-30 KM (~12-15 €).
• Important: As in many cities, airport taxis tend to charge tourists more. Ensure that the taxi meter is on and agree on the price range beforehand.

FINDING ACCOMMODATION

The University of Sarajevo does not offer student dormitories or staff accommodation. However, there are private dormitories in Sarajevo, or you may choose to rent private housing, which is widely available throughout the city.

The asigned Buddy or Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Sarajevo is a great local resource—they can provide helpful information and guidance on available private student dorms or rental options tailored to your needs.

For private accommodation, both students and staff can explore listings on platforms such as:

• Airbnb – can be expensive if you are staying longer than one month
• Booking.com – similarly to before, can be expensive if you stay longer
• Flatio.com – similarly to before, can be expensive if you stay longer
• Olx.ba – local search platform, it is only in Bosnian so having a local Buddy or person will be helpful
• Nekretnine.ba – local search platform, it is only in Bosnian so having a local Buddy or person will be helpful
• Bauland.ba – local search platform, it is only in Bosnian so having a local Buddy or person will be helpful
• Kirija.ba – local search platform, it is only in Bosnian so having a local Buddy or person will be helpful

Please note that many local platforms offer apartments to sell or rent, so the keywords in Bosnian you need to search are:

• rent – najam or iznamljivanje
• apartment – stan
• house – kuća
• utility bills (electricity, water, heating, internet, etc.) – režija or kirija
• roomate – cimer (M) or cimerka (F)

When choosing a location, make sure the accommodation is not outside the city or on a hill, and preferably close to public transport. The best approach is to first check the location of your host unit and then adjust your accommodation search accordingly using Sarajevo Google Maps.

Accommodation and the regulation of your stay in Sarajevo (and Bosnia and Herzegovina) are closely connected, so the best option is to obtain a statement from your landlord. The accommodation statement is an official document prepared by the landlord and verified at the municipal office. It contains your personal data and confirms that you will be staying at the specified address for the duration of your mobility period. This document is required both for the visa application process, as an address of stay in Sarajevo must be provided, and for registration upon arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina (White Card).

Estimated costs depend on the location, size of the apartment, and utility usage. Monthly rent is usually around 350–400+ EUR, plus utilities, which typically range between 100–150 EUR per month, depending on consumption.

Tip: Some students come to Sarajevo, book accommodation for a few days, and then look for long-term housing on the spot. This approach is usually safer, as it allows you to see the accommodation in person before committing.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

If you are a student with special needs, we encourage you to contact us in advance so that we can assess your specific requirements and make sure the necessary support and accommodations are arranged to ensure a smooth and inclusive mobility experience in Sarajevo. The University of Sarajevo has an Office for Student Support (UPS) dedicated to assisting students and promoting an inclusive academic environment. This office works on developing policies and practices that support equal access to education and provide the necessary assistance throughout your studies. For more information or to request support, you can reach the office via email at: ured@unsa.ba

UNSA CAMPUS TOUR

The International Relations Office (IRO) has launched a project aimed at creating a digital presentation of the University of Sarajevo’s member institutions. Through a short video or visual presentation of each faculty and academy, you will get an overview of where you can study, network, conduct research, and spend your mobility period. The UNSA Campus Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse academic environment and facilities available across our university even before arriving in Sarajevo.

➡️ YouTube

TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS STUDENTS

TO BE UPDATED SOON

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

At the University of Sarajevo, we do not require official language certificates for Erasmus+ exchange students. Instead, we ask for a confirmation from the home university coordinator stating that the student has sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction to successfully follow classes and communicate with professors and colleagues.

The minimum required level is B1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

It is important that students have a good command of English to actively participate in classes and complete exams. For traineeships and research stays, the requirements are more flexible, but it remains essential that students can communicate effectively in English or the working language of their host environment.

WELCOME DAY AND ORIENTATION PROGRAM

In line with best practices across European higher education institutions, every semester the University of Sarajevo’s International Relations Office organizes a Welcome Day for all incoming international students.

This event takes place one week before the start of classes and is designed to provide essential academic and practical information to help students settle in and navigate their mobility experience at the University of Sarajevo.

During Welcome Day, students receive guidance on various topics, including life in Sarajevo, the history and key facts about the University, necessary arrival procedures, how to regulate the White Card and residence permit, enrollment and registration steps, and an overview of the academic calendar.

Host academic coordinators from the respective faculties are also invited to the event, as they will serve as primary contacts for mobility-related matters such as signing required documents, assigning academic mentors, and organizing class schedules.

Additionally, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Sarajevo and local Buddy students—many of whom have previously participated in Erasmus—are introduced. They are available to assist with accommodation and to help ensure that your first days in Sarajevo are smooth, engaging, and enjoyable.

ENROLMENT

Although you have been nominated and accepted through the mobility program (i.e. Erasmus+), you still need to enrol when classes officially start, just like other local students. Enrollment is a physical process which is done upon your arrival (there is no online enrollment, yet). Registration also ensures that you are entered into the university system, allowing for the preparation of your Transcript of Records or Final report before your departure.

To register, you need to purchase the required admission documents:

• index and
• admission documents

At many universities, this is called a Student ID. At the University of Sarajevo, it is called an INDEX. The INDEX is a small notebook that contains your personal data, registration at the UNSA unit, and records of all your courses and exams. When you take an exam, you are required to submit or show your INDEX. Once your mobility period is over, you must return the INDEX in order to receive your Transcript of Records.

Admission documents are administrative papers that must be completed and submitted to the Student Services. This is done upon your arrival, following the instructions of the faculty coordinator. The fee for admission documents (including the INDEX) is 30 KM (approximately 15 EUR).

BOSNIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

The International Relations Office, in cooperation with the Faculty of Philosophy (Department of Bosnian Language and Literature), organizes a Bosnian Language School for incoming students during the semester. The school is organized based on student interest. A survey is conducted by the International Relations Office, and if at least 10 students express interest, the course will be offered.

Course details:

• Timetable: it is agreed during its first class, depending on availablitiy of majority of students
• Participants: minimum 10
• Fee: free of charge
• Location: Faculty of Philosophy, address: Franje Račkog 1 (location)
• Commitment: Once enrolled, students must attend and participate until the end
• Duration: 12 weeks (during the lecture periods: October–February and March–July)
• Language level: A1
• Any higher level available: for now, it is not planned
• Expected previous knowledge: not needed
• ECTS: yes, participating students will receive 2 ECTS
• Can I add it to the Learning agreement: You can add it to the Learning Agreement, but not in the “Before mobility” section. It should be included upon your arrival, under the “During mobility” section. Participation and ECTS will not be included in the Transcript of Records; instead, a separate certificate will be issued.

For the most up-to-date information, please contact the International Relations Office. The Bosnian Language School and its fee structure are subject to review and may change depending on the available budget.

STUDENT SUPPORT

The University of Sarajevo provides academic, administrative, and practical support to all incoming students through the International Relations Office (IRO) and faculty coordinators. Assistance is available for documentation, residence procedures, academic guidance, and integration into student life.

CLASSES, TIMETABLES, EXAMS

The course list and timetable are provided by the academic coordinator at the UNSA member unit. In some cases, this information may not be finalized before classes begin. We kindly ask for your patience, as all necessary details will be communicated to you in a timely manner.

Bachelor and Master students will follow courses that they have selected during their nomination phase.

Depending on the course, it may be taught fully in English (the entire course, including teaching, literature, preparation, and exams, is in English) or in an English-friendly mode (classes are held in the local language, but private lessons, research, written work, literature, mentorship, exams, or other activities can be completed in English or another foreign language agreed upon by the student and the teacher).

As mentioned earlier, it is possible to combine courses from different UNSA units; however, the greater the diversification, the more complex it becomes to create a feasible timetable. All information related to classes and exams will be presented during the orientation day at your UNSA host unit, and any related inquiries should be addressed to the academic (faculty) coordinator.

PhD students will be assigned a supervisor—a faculty member at UNSA—who will guide them in their doctoral research. Attendance at regular classes is not expected; therefore, the timetable is flexible, and activities and tasks will depend on the supervisor’s guidance and the agreements reached between the student and the supervisor.

Early exams or alternative exam modes cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that each professor independently decides whether early exams or alternative examination modes are possible for their course. It is the student’s responsibility to contact each professor as early as possible during the application process—and definitely before finalizing travel plans—especially if they need to return to their home university before the end of the exchange semester at UNSA.

GRADING SYSTEM AND ECTS

The University of Sarajevo regulates its grading system in accordance with the Law on Higher Education of Canton Sarajevo (Article 62). Grades range from 5 to 10, where 5 is a failing grade and 10 is the highest grade.

UNSA applies the principles of the Bologna Declaration and implements the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One semester corresponds to 30 ECTS, while one academic year equals 60 ECTS. One ECTS credit represents approximately 25 hours of student workload

CONTACT INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

For all administrative matters, arrivals, residence permits, or document issues, students should contact the International Relations Office (IRO) via email or in person during office hours.

EXTENSION FOR ONE MORE SEMESTER

Students who wish to extend their stay must contact both their home and host coordinators before the current semester ends. An extension is possible only if both universities agree and sufficient funds are available.

The procedure is as follows:

• The student first contacts the host coordinator to obtain information about the courses offered in the following semester.
• The student then contacts the home coordinator with a proposal for extension.
• The home coordinator checks the availability of funds and any eligibility conditions (for example, if this is the student’s first international mobility, it may be possible to extend for an additional semester if funds permit).
• Once approved, the student is re-nominated by the home coordinator, and a new Learning Agreement proposal is prepared for the next semester.

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

All Erasmus+ students can use the faculty libraries. University library is under construction and should be available soon. A student card (index) or confirmation of enrolment is required for borrowing books and accessing study spaces.

STUDENT ID

Incoming students are enrolled and receive an INDEX – UNSA student ID, which gives access to university facilities, libraries, and discounts for public transport and cultural events. More on https://international.unsa.ba/student-academic-information/#enrolment.

STUDENT CITY TRANSPORT

City transport is free to use for students of the University of Sarajevo. It makes Sarajevo unique city in the region and one of the few in Europe to offer this. If you decide to use public city transport, you will have a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network that will allow you to reach any significant location in Sarajevo. How to get free pass? You need to provide:

• 1 photo of yourself (small for documents),
• Certificate of your student status at the University of Sarajevo (prepared, issued, signed and stamped by the assigned host academic coordinator or the student services upon your enrolment at the hosting UNSA unit where you have your classes). The document will be in the local language. In the certificate, it has to be stated that you are current student enrolled in the current academic year – redovan.

The student must bring the photo and the certificate to the GRAS office (address: Ćumurija 4) every working day from 7,00 until 15,00h. Submitting those documents, you will receive an electrical pass, enabling you to use all city transport in the Canton of Sarajevo (trams, buses, minibuses, electrical busses) from both city transport companies (GRAS and Centrotrans). 

SIM CARD

Be aware that B&H is neither part of the EU nor of the wider EEA, where international roaming rules have been enforced. Unfortunately, our country doesn’t fall under a free-roaming policy that you have among the EU member states. Once you come here, do not use your mobile data unless you want a surprise on your phone bill in the next month. So roaming rates using EU/EEA-issued SIM cards are not regulated and can, therefore, be much higher. It is better to use a local or regional SIM card than an EU SIM. From July 2021, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia have become a single roaming area similar to EU rules. From now on, with Bosnian SIM Card you can roam without surcharges in the Western Balkans, but not in the EU. You can buy SIM cards in many stores, such as post offices, grocery stores, newsstands, service stations, and convenience stores for 4-5 KM. It’s also possible to buy SIM cards at Sarajevo International Airport (Međunarodni Aerodrom Sarajevo). You can top up credit in many local stores or online on the pages of the provider. SIM cards don’t require registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina and remain anonymous. eSIM is also possible.

YOUR ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

For the majority of incoming students, the first communication and nomination process is handled through the International Relations Office (IRO). However, the approval of selected courses is the responsibility of the academic (faculty) coordinator. Each member unit of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) has its own coordinator (vice-dean, coordinator, or international relations officer) who evaluates and approves your Learning Agreement. Their information (name, surname, and email) should be entered under “Contact at the host institution” in the Learning Agreement form. During your mobility period, these coordinators provide academic guidance and assist with any Learning Agreement adjustments that may be necessary. Once you learn about your host department, check who is your academic (faculty) coordinator.

TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS

After completing all exams, the faculty issues a Transcript of Records listing your courses, grades, and ECTS credits. The document is signed and stamped and sent to your home university for recognition.

FINAL REPORT

After returning home, students complete an online Erasmus+ participant report (EU Survey) sent automatically to their email by the Erasmus+ system.

CONFIRMATION OF STAY

Issued by the faculty coordinator or International Relations Office at the end of mobility, this document confirms the exact start and end dates of your stay at UNSA.

FEEDBACK

Students are encouraged to provide feedback about their experience at UNSA through surveys or by contacting the IRO. Feedback helps improve future Erasmus+ mobility support and services. We also incourage you to send us photos of your Erasmus experience in Sarajevo. You are free to creatively design your photo, but we kindly ask you to follow the guidelines below so that your Erasmus experience in Sarajevo and at the University of Sarajevo is clearly reflected.

The recommended photo dimensions are at least 2000 × 1500 px (landscape) or 1500 × 2000 px (portrait). The photo should be submitted in JPG format. It does not need to be a large file, but it should be clear, well-lit, and of good quality, suitable for digital publication.

Examples of content that can represent your Erasmus experience include:

– studying or working in a library, reading room, or classroom
– in front of the University of Sarajevo or your host faculty
– everyday student life (campus, student cafés, group work)
– Erasmus trips and excursions (cities, nature, cultural landmarks)
– squares, streets, or city panoramas of Sarajevo
– cultural events, museums, concerts, or festivals
– interaction with other international students
– special moments that symbolise your personal experience of studying and living abroad

The photo may show you alone or together with others, but it is important that it authentically conveys the atmosphere and experience of your Erasmus mobility in Sarajevo.

COST OF LIVING

TO BE UPDATED SOON