Medical studies in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The advantages of studying medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet part of the European Union. Nevertheless, studying medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina has some tantalising advantages that convince many European students to start their medical career there.

Fair admission criteria

There is no rigid numerus clausus for admission to medical studies in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The chances of gaining a place to study medicine at one of the universities there are therefore very good.

Study in English

Although the official national language is Bosnian, lectures are held in English due to the high number of international students. 

Easily plannable learning effort through teaching in a block system

The content of the medical degree programme is divided into organ-related blocks. This allows you to learn about the structure, function and diseases of a specific organ in a holistic way. A final examination at the end of each block means that the learning effort is spread evenly over the year.

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

International students can study medicine in Bosnia-Herzegovina in Mostar and Sarajevo.

University of Mostar, School of Medicine

At the university in Mostar, 30 new students per year can begin their medical studies in English. The university advertises intensive personal support for its students and free tutoring in basic science subjects. A Croatian course is also part of the curriculum.

Mostar is the sunniest city in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In your free time, you can admire the historic buildings of the old town, stroll across the Stari Most, Mostar's famous bridge, or enjoy the city's lively nightlife in the many bars and clubs.

University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST)

SSST has been offering an English-language medical degree programme since 2014. It is also possible to study dentistry here in English. Teaching is characterised in particular by intensive clinical practice and a focus on patient communication and ethical standards in modern medicine. With a 3:1 ratio of teaching staff to students, personalised support is guaranteed.

The student community at the medical campus is diverse; in addition to students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is also a large proportion of foreign students. This not only gives you the opportunity to make close friends, but also to build up an international network of contacts.

What are the requirements for studying medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In order to study in Bosnia-Herzegovina, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. The overall grade point average does not play a decisive role, it is the individual achievements in the natural sciences that count. Your extracurricular activities and previous internships can also be helpful. However, the decisive factor is a personal interview, which can also be conducted online. In the interview, you should explain your motivation for studying medicine to the selection committee. We will be happy to help you prepare!

To test your scientific knowledge, the SSST also has an entrance test lasting around two hours in which you answer questions in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics.

As the programme is taught entirely in English, you will also have to prove your English language skills. This also takes the form of a two-hour test, the last 20 minutes of which are a personal interview. You can also submit a TOEFL or IELTS certificate to the Medical School in Mostar. 

There are several dates for the tests between April and September.

How is the medical degree programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina structured?

How long does it take to study medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Although Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet a member of the European Union, the medical degree programme has been adapted to the relevant standards and study cultures. Over the course of six years, you will learn everything you need to know to become a doctor.

In the first few years, these are mainly basic subjects such as the natural sciences, anatomy, histology and pathology. There are also courses on ethics, law and the history of medicine. A first aid course and language courses are also integrated into the curriculum.  

From the fourth year onwards, clinical subjects such as medical psychology, internal medicine, surgery and gynaecology are taught. Hospital rotations take place in the sixth year.

After successfully completing your studies, you will be awarded the title "Medical Doctor" (MD). You can have this recognised in Germany via an equivalence examination. You also have the option of preparing for the American or Canadian exam at the universities.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad To be able to offer a high-quality education, the costs involved need to be carefully considered. The universities in Bosnia-Herzegovina charge tuition fees for their high-quality education. For human medicine and dentistry studies at the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, these are 13,200 euros per year for non-citizens. At the University of Mostar, it is around 9,200 euros per year.

Although this is expensive, the cost of living in Bosnia-Herzegovina is significantly lower than in Germany and amounts to around 600 euros per month including rent, food and pocket money for leisure activities.

In order to cover the costs of studying medicine, you should find out in good time about a possible Scholarship inform.

Country and people: Exciting facts about Bosnia-Herzegovina

1. One country, two entities, three languages. Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two different entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is mainly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats, and the Republic of Srpska, which is mainly inhabited by Serbs. As a result, three different languages are spoken: Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
2. Sarajevo assassinationIn the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Austrian heir to the throne Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed in an assassination attempt by a Serbian nationalist on 28 June 1914. This triggered the First World War.
3. Nationally orientated Ćevapčići. The grilled minced meat rolls are prepared differently in every part of the country.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Applications to study medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina are made via the universities' websites. Within the Application deadlines you have to fill in various forms with information about yourself, your school education and any academic qualifications or honours you have already received. We are happy to put our experience at your disposal and help you with your application!

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Do you only have a vocational baccalaureate? No problem, because there are countries where you can use your Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate can complete. 

Would you prefer to study in neighbouring Croatia? Then take a look at this page: Medical studies Croatia.