University of Banja Luka
The University of Banja Luka (UNIBL) is the largest and oldest university in the Republic of Srpska. Founded in 1975, it offers close to 150 study programmes across 17 faculties, serving approximately 11,000 students. The university provides excellent support for international exchange students including free Serbian language courses and a buddy programme.
University Overview
| Founded | 1975 |
| Number of Students | Approximately 11,000 |
| Academic Staff | Approximately 800 FTE |
| Administrative Staff | Approximately 670 FTE |
| Number of Faculties | 17 |
| Study Programmes | Close to 150 (BA, MA, PhD) |
| English-taught Programmes | Yes – 4 programmes at Faculty of Medicine + MBA at Faculty of Economics |
| Erasmus Code | BA BANJA02 |
| Website | www.unibl.org |
Contact Information
Vice-Rector for International Cooperation
Name: Prof. Dr. Kristina PanteliÄ BabiÄ
Email: prorektor.ms@unibl.org
Office for International Cooperation
Address: Bulevar vojvode Petra BojoviÄa 1A, 78000 Banja Luka (2nd floor, office 6)
Email: erasmus@unibl.org
Phone: +387 51 266 170
Coordination Staff:
- ÄorÄe Kenjalo – djordje.kenjalo@unibl.org
- Jelena RožiÄ – jelena.rozic@unibl.org
- Milica ÄurÄeviÄ – milica.djurdjevic@unibl.org
- Aleksandra VuÄanoviÄ Graorac – aleksandra.vucanovic@unibl.org
Academic Calendar
| Semester | Lectures | Examinations | Nomination Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester | 1st Monday in October – mid-January | Mid-January – mid-February | 1st May |
| Summer Semester | Mid-February – beginning of June | Beginning of June – beginning of July | 1st November |
Nomination Process for Students
Required Documents
- Learning Agreement Proposal
- Copy of passport
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact information (email, phone)
Acceptance Process
After nomination, you will receive an acceptance letter containing:
- Information about visa requirements (if applicable)
- Temporary residence procedure details
- Accommodation application information
Accommodation
Student Center “Nikola Tesla”
Monthly fee: 150 EUR
Application deadlines:
- Winter semester: 1st June
- Summer semester: 1st December
Submit the completed accommodation form after receiving your nomination confirmation.
Meal Services
Meal cards available for the university canteen.
Cost: Up to 5 EUR for full meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Private Accommodation
Typical rent: 250-350 EUR/month for 50 m² apartments
Platforms: Booking.com, Airbnb, Olx.ba
Language Requirements
| Recommended Level | B1 in Serbian or English |
| Certificates | Not mandatory – all forms accepted |
| Instruction Language | Serbian (some programmes in English) |
Free Serbian Language Course: Offered at the Faculty of Philology, twice per week (90-minute sessions). Contact: Prof. Dr. Mijana KuburiÄ Macura – mijana.kuburic-macura@flf.unibl.org
Support for Students with Special Needs
Center for Assistance to Students with Special Needs
Located within the Office of Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Quality.
Contact: Bojana TrbiÄ – bojana.trbic@unibl.org
The center provides all necessary support for students with special needs.
Buddy Programme
Available at the Faculty of Philology for incoming exchange students. Local students help with orientation, language practice, and cultural integration.
Health Insurance
Requirement: Health insurance is mandatory during the entire mobility period.
Students from countries with healthcare agreements with Bosnia and Herzegovina can use local healthcare services according to the agreement.
Insurance documents must be available for visa and temporary residence procedures.
Visa and Temporary Residence
EU Citizens
No visa required for short stays.
Must register for temporary residence upon arrival.
Non-EU Citizens
Check specific visa requirements for your country.
The acceptance letter will contain information about visa procedures.
Life in Banja Luka
About the City
Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the largest in the Republic of Srpska. It’s known for its green parks, the Vrbas River, vibrant cafĆ© culture, and welcoming atmosphere. The city offers affordable living costs and a relaxed lifestyle.
Getting There
Main airport: Banja Luka International Airport
Airport shuttle: 5 EUR to city center
Alternative airports: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zagreb, Belgrade
Public transport: Primarily buses; bike and scooter rentals available via apps
Student Life
The Student Culture Centre offers free monthly cultural programmes for university students.
ECTS and Grading System
ECTS requirement: Minimum 3 ECTS per month (30 ECTS per semester)
Hours per ECTS: 30 hours of total student engagement
Transcript: Available in Serbian and English
| Grade | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 91-100% | Excellent – Outstanding |
| 9 | 81-90% | Excellent |
| 8 | 71-80% | Very Good |
| 7 | 61-70% | Good |
| 6 | 51-60% | Satisfactory (Pass) |
| 5 | 0-50% | Fail |