University of Banja Luka
📋 Key Facts
| Founded | 1975 |
| Students | ~11,000 |
| Academic staff | ~800 FTE |
| Non-academic staff | ~670 FTE |
| Faculties | 17 |
| English-taught | Yes |
The University of Banja Luka is the leading higher education institution in the Republic of Srpska and the second largest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 1975, UNIBL has developed into a comprehensive institution integrating diverse academic heritage with a modern approach. Today it comprises 16 faculties, the Academy of Arts and the Institute of Genetic Resources.
🏛️ Faculties
- Academy of Arts
- Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Faculty of Mining
- Faculty of Technology
- Faculty of Security Science
- Faculty of Political Science
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Philology
- Faculty of Forestry
- Institute of Genetic Resources
🌆 About Banja Luka
Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its dynamic and culturally rich atmosphere, it is celebrated for green spaces, vibrant energy, and a welcoming community. Nestled along the Vrbas River and surrounded by lush forests, it offers an inspiring environment.
📍 Contact Information
| Address | Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, B&H |
| Website (EN) | unibl.org (EN) |
| Website (SR) | unibl.org (SR) |
🏠 Accommodation
Many hotels and apartments available on Booking and Airbnb. University is 5-10 minutes by taxi from the city centre.
Student Dormitories
Student Center “Nikola Tesla” provides accommodation and food. Four pavilions, two at the Main Campus. Monthly fee: 150 EUR. Double or triple rooms with bathroom, wardrobes, desks. Nearby canteen: breakfast 3.5 EUR, lunch 6 EUR, dinner 5 EUR.
Hotels
- Hotel Tanja — next to UNIBL Campus (rezervacije@hotel-tanja.com)
- Courtyard by Marriott — city centre (+1-800-321-2211)
- Hotel Bosna — city centre (info@hotelbosna.com)
- Hotel Integra — city centre (banjaluka@hotelintegra.ba)
- Hotel Vidović — city centre (info@hotelvidovic.com)
- Hotel Zepter Palas — city centre
📅 Nomination & Academic Calendar
Nomination Deadlines
| Winter semester | 1 May — send to erasmus@unibl.org |
| Summer semester | 1 November — send to erasmus@unibl.org |
Nominations must be sent from the official email of the home university’s International Office. Required info: student name, passport, CV, contact details, field of study, and academic year/semester.
Academic Calendar
- Winter semester: Lectures 1st Monday of October – mid January; Exams mid January – mid February
- Summer semester: Lectures mid February – beginning of June; Exams beginning of June – beginning of July
Students should arrive 1–2 weeks before the semester starts.
🗣️ Language Requirements
B1 level in Serbian or English is recommended for students (language certificates are not required for language/literature students). B2 level in Serbian or English is recommended for staff.
A free Serbian Language Course is available at the Faculty of Philology (twice weekly, 90-minute sessions).
🎓 ECTS & Grading System
1 ECTS = 30 hours of student engagement. Minimum 30 ECTS per semester; minimum 3 ECTS per month for incoming students.
| 10 | Excellent — Outstanding (91–100 points) |
| 9 | Excellent (81–90 points) |
| 8 | Very Good (71–80 points) |
| 7 | Good (61–70 points) |
| 6 | Satisfactory (51–60 points) |
| 5 | Fail (0–50 points) |
📚 Mobility Opportunities
Erasmus+ information: unibl.org (incoming)
♿ Support for Students with Disabilities
UNIBL has a Support Center for Students with Disabilities, fully accessible architecturally and digitally.
- Adapted learning materials and literature
- Assistive technologies, equipment, and software
- Materials in accessible formats (digital, Braille, alternative)
- Recording of learning activities for personal use
- Adapted assessment methods
- Technical and spatial accessibility
- Free language courses for international students
- Free psychological counselling
Most buildings are architecturally accessible: elevators, ramps, accessible classrooms, toilets, and parking.
✈️ How to Get to Banja Luka
Main airport: Banja Luka International Airport. Other options: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zagreb, Belgrade airports with good bus connections. Shuttles from airport to city center: ~5 EUR.
🛂 Visa & Temporary Residence
EU citizens do not require a visa, but must register for temporary residence.
Health insurance is mandatory for all students. EU citizens can access healthcare under bilateral social insurance agreements.
Contact the Erasmus office at erasmus@unibl.org for assistance with required documentation.
🎭 Cultural Activities
The Student Cultural Center is fully accessible for visitors and provides opportunities to participate in various cultural and artistic events.
The student dormitory (Student Center “Nikola Tesla”) provides accommodation facilities specifically designed for students with disabilities and ensures full architectural accessibility. It also houses a reading room, internet room, TV room, and laundry room. Students engage in literary, musical, drama and other free activities at the Student Club, and sports courts are available.
Additional information on the city, university and surroundings is provided on the UNIBL website.
🗣️ Serbian Language Course
The Center for Serbian as a Foreign Language at the Faculty of Philology organizes a free one-semester course for exchange students and lecturers.
🏥 Health Insurance
All students must have valid health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay (from the date of arrival until departure). If using foreign health insurance, the proof of insurance document must be translated.
Students are advised to ensure their insurance covers medical treatments, emergency care, and any health-related issues that may arise while abroad.
Incoming staff should have travel insurance covering the whole period of the mobility, including travel days.