University of Sarajevo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Sarajevo

Univerzitet u Sarajevu Sveučilište u Sarajevu Универзитет у Сарајеву
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	Prof. dr. Tarik Zaimović
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 public university located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the largest and oldest university in the country. Its history goes back to 1537, when it started as an Islamic school called a madrasa.

Today, the university has 20 main departments (faculties), three academies, and three theology departments. As of 2021, it had 23,127 students. This makes it one of the biggest universities in the Balkans. Since it officially opened in 1949, over 122,000 students have earned their first degrees. Also, 3,891 students have received master's degrees, and 2,284 have earned doctorate degrees in 45 different subjects. It is known as the most respected university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 1,000 teachers and researchers work there.

History of the University of Sarajevo

Early Beginnings: Ottoman Period (1500s)

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

Before the modern University of Sarajevo was created, the first higher education schools in Sarajevo began in the 1500s. These schools were started during the time of the Ottoman Turks. In 1537, Gazi Husrev Bey opened an Ottoman higher education institute, which was a madrasa.

Growth and Development: Austria-Hungary and First Yugoslavia (Early 1900s)

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

The university as we know it today, with its modern, non-religious approach, grew during the Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this time, many important schools and cultural places were built. For example, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established and is still active today.

The university continued to grow after World War I and even during World War II. New schools and institutes were added. This included the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry in 1940 and the Medical Faculty in 1944. The Medical Faculty reopened in 1946. The Faculty of Law and the Teacher Training College also opened. In 1948, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry was re-established.

Official Establishment and Post-WWII Expansion

Official Opening (1949–1955)

In 1949, the Engineering Faculty was opened. On December 2, 1949, the University of Sarajevo was officially established when its first leader (rector) was appointed. The first stage of setting up the university was finished with the opening of the Faculty of Humanities in 1950 and the Faculty of Economics in 1952.

University Growth (1955–1970)

The second stage of the university's growth happened between 1955 and 1969. During this time, the university became more recognized. New higher education institutions were opened. The university also started offering postgraduate studies, which are advanced studies after a first degree.

Expanding Influence (1970–1982)

From 1970 to 1982, even more higher education institutions were added to the university. The university also became more involved in international academic work. It helped set up new universities in Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla.

Challenges and Changes (1982–1992)

Between 1982 and 1992, some scientific research activities were moved away from the university. This caused problems because the connection between teaching and research became weaker. This led to a lower quality of education. Also, too many students were allowed to enroll, which made studies less effective.

Resilience During Conflict (1992–1995)

The period from 1992 to 1995 was very difficult. The university's buildings and equipment were badly damaged during the Bosnian War and the siege of Sarajevo. Despite these challenges, the university continued to operate. Teachers, staff, and students showed great dedication and courage. They kept the university running as a way to resist the war and support freedom and democracy.

Post-War Renewal (1996–Present)

Since 1996, the University of Sarajevo has been working on rebuilding and improving itself. This includes repairing damaged buildings and replacing equipment. They are also working on a new university campus. While much progress has been made, the university is still working to reach its full potential from before the war. Many academics who worked there before the war did not return. The quality of studies is slowly getting better, partly because of new education standards called the Bologna Process.

Many international groups, like the European University Association and the European Union, are helping the university with its renewal.

University Partnerships

The University of Sarajevo has partnerships with more than 120 universities. These partners are located in Europe, the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

Main Goals

The main goal of the university today is to improve the quality of its studies. It aims to be a modern university that meets European standards. It wants to be a respected representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the world stage. It also promotes the country's history, culture, science, and art, as well as those of Southeastern Europe.

How the University is Organized

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 further divided into 6 academic groups and other programs.

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

Other Important Members

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

Research Institutes

• 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

University Leaders (Rectors)

The Faculty of Law building, built in the 1850s

Famous People from the University

Many notable people have studied or taught at the University of Sarajevo.

Alumni (Former Students)

Alija Izetbegović

Faculty (Teachers and Staff)

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