International University of Sarajevo
| Motto | Be Among the Best, be IUS |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 2004 |
| Founder | Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo |
| Rector | Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı |
| Location | , |
| Campus | Urban |
| Language | English |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Website | www.ius.edu.ba |
The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) is a private university located in the metropolitan area of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the municipality of Ilidža.[1] The university was established by the Foundation for the Development of Education in 2004–2005.[2] IUS is regarded as the most prestigious private university in the country based on its rankings.[3]
IUS is open to students from all over the world, and the language of instruction and communication is English. It offers four year education according to Bologna system (model 4+1+3 with B.S. and B.A. diplomas). The university has almost 3000 students from 45 countries and faculty members from 12 countries performing academic and research activities in various disciplines of Science, Engineering, Medicine, Arts and Social Sciences. The first generation of 32 IUS graduates received their diplomas on 26 June 2009.[4] It offers many types of scholarships, especially for students from Bosnia and Herzegovina.[5]
Within the Double Diploma Program (DDP), International University of Sarajevo (IUS) has established partnerships with four distinguished Turkish universities: Istanbul University, Marmara University, Istanbul Technical University and University of Health Sciences. These institutions are not only renowned in the Turkish academic landscape but also hold esteemed positions on the global stage.
University Administration
The president of the board of trustees is Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kurtulmus. Rector is Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı.
Vision and Aspiration
IUS will serve as a leading higher education institution in the region that provides quality education, community service, as a multi-cultural hub of scholarly activity focused on educational innovation, and the creation and application of knowledge through research and projects.
Mission
IUS strives to be an institution of multi-cultural understanding, intellectual growth, and long-term regional and global cooperation, achieved through the enrichment of students by innovative programs, academic and administrative excellence, strategic partnerships with regional and local industries, and purposeful research to promote regional and global well-being.
Core Values
Accountability, Cooperation, Diversity Excellence, Honesty, Inclusiveness Integrity, Interdisciplinarity, Internationalization Openness, Reliability, Responsibility Quality, Solidarity, Transparency, Visibility.
History
International University of Sarajevo (IUS) was founded in 2003 as one of the largest educational initiatives in the Balkan region. For more than two decades, IUS has provided high-quality education to both local and international students across all three cycles of study, while being among the first higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt European standards in teaching and learning.
Today, IUS offers 21 bachelor programs, 21 master programs, and 10 doctoral programs within six faculties, spanning a wide range of fields—from engineering and medical sciences to arts and social sciences, education, law, business administration, and humanities. With nearly 3,000 students from over 45 countries, the university continues to grow as a dynamic, multicultural academic community.
Beyond teaching, IUS is committed to fostering student achievement, strengthening its presence in the international academic arena, and building long-term cooperation with partner universities through projects and joint initiatives. The university supports academic and administrative excellence by attracting and retaining highly qualified staff and enabling their active engagement in innovative research and continuous improvement of services for students and the wider community.
From its beginnings with 14 employees and 68 students, IUS has expanded into a vibrant university campus and now employs almost 300 full-time academic and administrative staff from more than 12 countries. This growth is reflected in a modern campus environment featuring contemporary university facilities, a library, two student dormitories, a research center, and continuous capacity development that contributes to new opportunities and broader social progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Organization
The university comprises the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Faculty of Law (FLW), Faculty of Education (FEDU) and Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). English Language School (ELS) is also part of IUS and provides intensive English Language instruction.[6]
The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science (FENS) offers the B.Sc. degrees in:
- Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE),
- Computer Science and Engineering (CSE),
- Software Engineering (SE),
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE),
- Mechanical Engineering (ME),
- Architecture (ARCH),
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering (AIDE).
The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) offers the B.A. degrees in:
- Management (MAN),
- Economics (ECON),
- Political Science and International Relations (PSIR),
- International Business and Finance (IBF).
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offers the B.A. degrees in:
- Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD),
- English Language & Literature (ELIT),
- Psychology (PSY),
- Media and Communication (MAC),
FASS publishes an online semiannual refereed journal "Epiphany" that has been added to the Directory of Open Access Journals.
The Faculty of Law offers the B.A. degrees in:
The Faculty of Education offers the B.A. degrees in:
- Double Diploma Program Between IUS and ITU (Istanbul Technical University) offers six areas of study: Architecture, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Economics, Electronics and Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering;
- Double Diploma Program Between IUS and IU (Istanbul University) offers seven areas of study: Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, Computer Engineering, Economics, English Language and Literature, Law, Management-Business and Political Science and International Relations;
- Double Diploma Program Between IUS and MU (Marmara University) offers six areas of study: Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, English Language Teaching, Law, Management-Business and Psychology;
- Double Diploma Program Between IUS and SBU (University of Health Sciences) offers two areas of study: Medicine and Dental Medicine.
IUS offers master and doctorate programs in;
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Cultural Studies
- Mechatronics and Systems Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- English Language and Literature
- Psychology
- Genetics and Bioengineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- and many other fields
IUS gave its first doctoral graduates in 2012 from Economics and International Relations programs.[7]
IUS English Language School (ELS) provides high-quality intensive English Language instruction to those students who are admitted to the International University of Sarajevo without the required language skills.
Students will gain various study skills essential for successful participation in the academic activities of their faculties.
The Research and Development Center (RDC) at the International University of Sarajevo serves as a strategic hub for advancing innovation, interdisciplinary research, and academic excellence. Established to strengthen the university's scientific capacity, the RDC supports faculties and students in developing high-impact research projects, fostering collaborations with industry and international partners, and promoting a culture of creativity and technological progress.
Through its laboratories, and strong focus on applied engineering, the RDC plays a vital role in shaping students into good future engineers—providing them with the skills and practical experience needed for successful careers and meaningful contributions to the society.
At the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), students learn through hands-on work in modern laboratories designed to support both teaching and research. Across faculties, labs provide practical training with up-to-date equipment and real project-based tasks—helping students connect theory with practice from the early stages of their studies. Many laboratory activities are supported through the university's Research and Development Center (RDC), creating additional opportunities for experimentation, innovation, and student involvement in research initiatives.
IUS offers more than 25 student clubs and associations, with variety of activities for students.
Clubs range from Archery, Boardgames, Jiu-jitsu to Poetry.
Our campus offers modern facilities such as a library, gym, sport fields, restaurant and relaxation areas. The vibrant city of Sarajevo provides students with the chance to unwind and experience different cultures. From international festivals to social responsibility projects and a wide range of events, students enjoy a rich academic and social life.
It is a secured campus with 24/7 surveillance system, 24/7 Campus patrol and carded entrance to the Campus.
IUS Campus has the following places and buildings:
- IUS A building
- IUS B building
- IUS Research and Development Center
- IUS Parking
- IUS Cafe
- IUS Sedef Bosnia Canteen
- IUS Masjid
- IUS Stadium
- IUS Playground
- Mehmet Çakır Female Dormitory
- Plavi Leptir Male Dormitory
The Library of the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) aims to be a center of research and main resource for the academic curricula. The main goal of the IUS Library is to meet, support and facilitate scholarly needs and intellectual activities of the IUS academic community. It is committed to provide available resources, such as textbooks, reference books and academic journals as well as access to e-resources and the best information services in a comfortable study environment.
The IUS Library occupies a total area of 500 square meters. There are 162 seats divided as follows:
- Main Reading Room – 70 seats
- Group Study Room – 32 seats
- Thesis Room – 8 seats
- PhD Study Room – 13 seat
- ELS Reading Room – 14 seats
- Computer Room – 34 seats and 10 PCs
In June 2009, International University of Sarajevo opened its first Campus dormitory building that can accommodate 220 male students. In 2010, dormitory for female students was opened as well. There are rooms with two and five-beds. Each room has its own bathroom and most of them have their own study space.
Wireless Internet connection is provided for the students at the whole Campus area. Students can also rent apartments in the city if they wish to do so. The university administration can advise students about accommodation.
References
- ^ "About The University". International University of Sarajevo - IUS. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ "Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo |". www.sedef.ba. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ B.H. (29 July 2025). "Univerzitet u Sarajevu među 3,5 posto najboljih univerziteta u svijetu prema Webometrics rangiranju" (in Bosnian). Klix.ba. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ "International University of Sarajevo - IUS". www.ius.edu.ba. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "International Student Application and Tuition Fees | International Relations Office". Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Academic Units". 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Graduation ceremony for Class 2012". 15 June 2012.