Study in Bosnia & Herzegovina

All About the University of Mostar

The University of Mostar (Sveučilište u Mostaru) is a prestigious public university located in the historic city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the only Croatian-language university in the country, it offers over 140 study programs across 10 faculties and an Academy of Fine Arts, making it one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the region — and the third-largest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

About University of Mostar

The University of Mostar (SUM) was officially founded in 1977, though its roots in higher education trace back to 1895 with the establishment of the Franciscan Theological School — the first institution of university-level learning in the Herzegovina region. Over the following decades, additional schools and faculties were created: the Teacher Training School (1950), the Higher Engineering School (1959), the Higher Agricultural School (1960), and independent faculties of Law and Economics (1976).

Today, SUM is a modern, integrated university fully aligned with the Bologna Declaration and embedded in the European Higher Education Area and European Research Area. It boasts a First Smart Campus in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NB-IoT), University Television (SUM TV), an e-index student system, a 35,000-unit library, and branch campuses in Orašje, Vitez, and Brčko. The university is home to around 12,000–16,000 students, over 1,000 academic staff, eight research institutes, and 14 postgraduate doctoral study programmes.

Recognition

  • Ministry of Education, Science, Sports & Culture – Herzegovina-Neretva Canton
  • Agency for Development of Higher Education (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
  • Croatian Accreditation Agency (AZVO RH)
  • Times Higher Education (THE) Listed
  • QS World University Rankings – Europe (#491)
  • Rectors' Conference of Bosnia & Herzegovina
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Why Study Here?

  • Only Croatian-language university in Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • 140+ study programmes across all disciplines
  • First Smart Campus (NB-IoT) in the country
  • Strong Erasmus+ and European research partnerships
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Key Advantages

  • Affordable tuition fees compared to Western Europe
  • Located in UNESCO-listed city of Mostar
  • ~17% international student population
  • Bologna-compliant 3+2+3 credit structure (ECTS)
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Study Structure

  • 3-year undergraduate (Bachelor's)
  • 1–2 year postgraduate (Master's)
  • 3-year doctoral (PhD) programmes
  • 14 postgraduate doctoral study programmes
Founded 1977 (roots from 1895)
Language Croatian (official)
Location Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Faculties & Departments

Medicine Law Economics Civil Engineering Agriculture & Food Technology Philosophy Mechanical Engineering Natural Sciences & Mathematics Health Studies Teacher Education Academy of Fine Arts 8 Research Institutes

Hostel & Accommodation

  • Renovated, modernised student hostels located just 10 minutes from the main study building
  • Rooms available in 2–3 seater configurations, fully furnished with beds, wardrobes, study tables and chairs
  • Facilities include kitchens, laundry, reading hall, and sports hall on each floor; free gym access for all residents
  • CCTV surveillance and fire alarm safety systems installed; central heating and hot water provided

Academic Programmes Overview

Health Sciences Medicine, Nursing, Health Studies, Pharmacy-related programmes, Clinical training at Mostar Clinical Hospital
Technical Sciences Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Information Technology
Social & Humanities Law, Economics, Philosophy, Teacher Education, Croatian Language & Literature, History, Social Sciences
Natural & Applied Agriculture & Food Technology, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry; Academy of Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Graphics)

Ranking & Career Scope

The University of Mostar is ranked #1 among all universities in Mostar across 108 meta-rankings, and placed #491 in QS World University Rankings: Europe (2024). It holds a Scimago Institutions Ranking of #3351 globally, and has published over 3,135 scientific papers with 15,000+ citations across fields including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Environmental Science, and Social Sciences. The university's alumni include prominent political, academic, and cultural figures across the Balkans and beyond. Graduates find employment across European Union member states, the wider Balkan region, and internationally, particularly in medicine, engineering, law, agriculture, and education sectors. Active Erasmus+ exchange agreements ensure strong career networking across Europe.

Type Public University
Students 12,000 – 16,000
Staff 1,000+ academic & admin

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