University of Sarajevo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Sarajevo

Univerzitet u Sarajevu Sveučilište u Sarajevu Универзитет у Сарајеву
Latin: Universitas Studiorum Saraievoensis
Type	Public
Established	2 December 1949; 75 years ago (1949-12-02) (1537; 488 years ago (1537) as an Islamic madrasa)
Endowment	$247.9 million (2020)
Budget	$107.8 million (2020)
Rector	Rifat Škrijelj
Academic staff	1,636
Administrative staff	990
Students	23,127 (2021)
Location	Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Campus	Urban
Colors	Blue and white
Affiliations	European University Association
Website

The University of Sarajevo is a big public university in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the largest and oldest university in the country. Its history goes all the way back to 1537, when it started as an Islamic school called a madrasa.

Today, the university has 20 main departments (called faculties), three academies, and three theology schools. In 2021, over 23,000 students were studying there. This makes it one of the biggest universities in the Balkans. Since it officially opened in 1949, more than 122,000 students have earned their first degrees. Many have also completed master's and doctorate degrees in 45 different subjects. It is known as the most important university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 1,000 teachers work there.

History of the University

Early Beginnings

Main gate of the Gazi Husrev Bey's Library in Baščaršija, built in 1537

Before the modern university, the first higher education schools in Sarajevo began in the 1500s. These were started by the Ottomans. In 1537, Gazi Husrev Bey opened an important Islamic school, a madrasa, in Sarajevo. This was a place for advanced learning.

Modern University Starts

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, built in the Austro-Hungarian period

The university as we know it today, with many different subjects, grew during the time of Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this period, many important places for learning and culture were built. One example is the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is still open today. The university continued to grow after World War I. Even during World War II, new schools were added. For example, a department for agriculture and forestry opened in 1940. A medical department started in 1944.

Growing After World War II

First Years (1949-1955)

After World War II, the medical department reopened in 1946. A law department and a teacher training college also opened. In 1948, the agriculture and forestry department was restarted. In 1949, an engineering department was added. On December 2, 1949, the University of Sarajevo was officially created. This happened when its first leader, called a rector, was chosen. The university's first stage of growth finished with new departments for humanities (1950) and economics (1952).

Expanding and Learning (1955-1970)

From 1955 to 1969, the university became more well-known. More higher education schools opened. This helped meet the country's need for educated people. A big step was also starting advanced studies for students who had already finished their first degrees.

Reaching Out (1970-1982)

Between 1970 and 1982, even more departments opened. The university also became more involved in international learning. It helped create new universities in other cities like Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla.

Challenges and Changes (1982-1992)

From 1982 to 1992, some research activities moved away from the university. This made it harder for teaching and research to work together. It also meant the quality of education and technology at the university didn't improve as much. Too many students were allowed to join, which made studies less effective.

War Years (1992-1995)

From 1992 to 1995, the university's buildings and equipment were badly damaged. This was due to the Bosnian War and the siege of Sarajevo. Even with these very hard times, the university kept going. Teachers, staff, and students showed great dedication and courage. They worked hard to keep learning alive. This showed how people can resist challenges and support freedom and peace.

Rebuilding and Future (1996-Present)

Since 1996, the University of Sarajevo has been rebuilding. They are fixing damaged buildings and replacing equipment. Student homes are also being repaired. Good progress has been made, and conditions for studying are better in some areas. However, the university is still working to reach its full potential from before the war. The war also caused some teachers to leave. The quality of studies is slowly getting better, partly because of new learning methods. But there are still too many students in some areas.

Many international groups are helping the university rebuild. These include the European University Association and the European Union.

Working with Others

The University of Sarajevo works with over 120 other universities. These partners are in Europe, the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

What the University Aims For

The main goal of the university today is to make studies even better. They want to be a modern European university. They aim to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina well around the world. They also want to share the country's history, culture, science, and art with others. This includes the values of Southeastern Europe.

What You Can Study

School of Economics and Business

Faculty of Natural sciences and Mathematics

Faculty of Humanities

Academy of Fine Arts

The University of Sarajevo has 32 main departments, academies, and colleges. These are grouped into 6 academic areas. There are also many other programs you can choose from.

Main Schools and Faculties

• School of Economics and Business
• Academy of Fine Arts
• Academy of Performing Arts
• Faculty of Architecture
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Criminal Science
• Faculty of Political Science
• Faculty of Sport and Physical Education
• Faculty of Traffic Engineering and Communications
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Civil engineering
• Faculty of Mechanical engineering
• Medical Faculty
• Music Academy
• College of Teacher education
• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science and Technology
• Faculty of Natural sciences and Mathematics
• Faculty of Dental medicine
• Faculty of Forestry
• Faculty of Veterinary medicine
• Faculty of Health Studies

Special Members

• Faculty of Islamic studies
• Faculty of Catholic Theology
• Faculty of Public Administration

Research Centers

• Institute of History
• Institute for Researching Crimes against Humanity and International Law
• Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
• Oriental Institute
• Students Center Sarajevo
• Institute for Social Research

Leaders of the University

The Faculty of Law building, built in the 1850s

Here is a list of the rectors, or leaders, of the University of Sarajevo:

Famous People from the University

Students Who Made a Mark

Alija Izetbegović

Many well-known people have studied at the University of Sarajevo. Here are some of them:

Teachers and Professors

Many important people have also taught at the University of Sarajevo:

See Also

In Spanish: Universidad de Sarajevo para niños

• List of Islamic educational institutions
• Balkan Universities Network
• List of universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Lists of universities and colleges
• List of split up universities