One of Europe’s lesser-known study destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is nestled in the heart of the Balkans. This country offers a wealth of natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a fascinating history. The interest of students and parents is growing in Bosnia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina, rapidly. Especially after Ukraine closed due to war, students consider MBBS in Bosnia a safe substitute for studying abroad.
Though situated in Europe, Bosnia is not an EU member as yet, like Georgia. But the difference is that Bosnia appealed for EU membership in 2016. There is a likelihood that it will become a part of the EU soon. The country has decent infrastructure, facilities, education standards, and career opportunities. As an MBBS abroad destination, Bosnia is rising in focus, especially for Indian students.
MBBS in Bosnia for Indian students
The Bosnian medical degree is good as well as not very expensive. Students from across the globe can get admission. MBBS in Bosnia for Indian students comes as a substitute for Ukraine.There are some old, good Bosnian medical universities that offer the MD program in English.
Duration of MBBS in Bosnia
Like every other country in Europe, the duration of MBBS/MD in Bosnia is 6 years. The duration of MBBS/MD in all European universities is 6 years. This uniformity is due to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) prevailing in Europe.
Top Medical Universities in Bosnia
In Bosnia, you will find many medical universities, of which the following are the ones present in the WDOMS list:
| S. No | University Name | Location | University Type | Establishment Year | Medium of Instruction (as per WDOMS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Northwest University School of Medicine | Travnik | Private | 2014 | English |
| 2 | University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine | East Sarajevo | Public | 1993 | English |
| 3 | Sarajevo Medical school, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) | Sarajevo | Private | 2004 | English |
| 4 | University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine | Banja Luka | Public | 1975 | Serbian |
| 5 | University of Mostar Faculty of Medicine | Mostar | Public | 1977 | Bosnian |
| 6 | University of Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine | Sarajevo | Public | 1949 | Bosnian/English |
| 7 | University of Tuzla Faculty of Medicine | Tuzla | Public | 1958 | Bosnian |
| 8 | International University of Gorazde | Goražde | Private | 2014 | NA |
Best Medicine Universities in Bosnia
| University Name | Country | University Type | University Grade | Established Year | World Rank | ECFMG Approved | Intake | Duration | Fee | Medium of Instruction | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University Of East Sarajevo | Bosnia | Public | B | 1993 | 8349 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5.8 Yrs of MD, Incl. of internship | ₹36.36 Lacs | English | MBBS |
| American Northwest University | Bosnia | Private | C | 2014 | 1501 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5.8 Yrs of MD, Incl. of internship | ₹28.53 Lacs | English | MBBS |
So, there are a few universities in Bosnia that have English as the medium of instruction. You need to be cautious about which university you choose. Many fake agents promote those universities that have Bosnian or Serbian as the medium of instruction. These universities offer bigger margins to agents for admissions. Be careful when you start your admissions process.
Why study medicine in Bosnia?
There are quite a few reasons for an Indian student to choose MBBS in Bosnia in 2024 over other options:
- English-taught MD programs with good academic standards are recognised all over.
- The tuition fee is reasonable, and so is the living cost.
- Bosnia is soon to be an EU member, after which students will have many career options to choose from.
- The MBBS/MD program is 6 years old, so you are eligible to appear in NEXT.
- A safe, secure, and welcoming nation to study peacefully.
Fee Structure for MBBS in Bosnia 2024
By saying cost here, we are referring to the average MBBS in Bosnia tuition fee for 2024. So, if we take an average of the Bosnian English-taught medical universities, it will be around €3500 per year for 6 years.
Living Costs in Bosnia for Indian Students
When we say living cost, it does not include the money you pay as a hostel fee or rent (in case you choose to live privately). Bosnia is not a very expensive country to live in.
For all purposes, you may assume the amount you will spend monthly as living costs in Bosnia will not exceed €250. If you restrain yourself a little, you will manage to save €200. You may take a quick look at the costs of some essential items in Bosnia.
| Items | Cost (in €) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 litre) | 0.72 |
| Bread Loaf | 0.58 |
| Eggs (12) | 1.70 |
| Meal for 2 (average restaurant) | 20 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | 1.25 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | 25 |
| Basic Utilities/month (Rented accommodation) | 125 |
Hostel and Accommodation in Bosnia
All the better universities in Bosnia have hostels that are clean, comfortable, and affordable. On average, you will spend around €700 as a hostel fee for a year.
However, you may rent an apartment in Bosnia, and that will cost you around €190–€200 per month. This can easily be shared by 3 or more students, and it will also be reasonable enough.
Eligibility requirements for studying medicine in Bosnia
Keep in mind that most medical universities in Bosnia take entrance tests, except the American-Northwest University School of Medicine. Check the summarised eligibility criteria for MBBS in Bosnia in the following table:
| Class XII | 65% in PCB |
| Age | 17-25 Years |
| NEET | Compulsory Qualification |
| Other Entrance Tests | May be |
Medical PG Studies after MBBS in Bosnia
Medical License in India after MBBS Abroad
During MBBS study, a student realises the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness of securing an MD / MS Seat in a Govt. College. Let’s look at the success ratio to get a PG Seat in Govt Medical Colleges in India, which is 11% broadly; we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get a PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting Clinical speciality is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be challenging, or students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College in Crores!
| Total Applicants NEET PG 2023 | Specialty | Govt Med College | Pvt Med College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Success Ratio | Seats | ||
| 2.06 Lacs | ||||
| MD (Non Clinical) | 15K | 8.6% | 10K | |
| MS (Clinical) | 8K | 4.6% | 5K | |
| Total | 23K | 11.4% | 15K | |
Will early preparation and the right mentorship pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2024. This Exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The Exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.
The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, assessing their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 will be awarded a license to practice, and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice of speciality.
Why should Indian students consider studying MBBS in Bosnia?
Bosnia offers quality medical education at a reasonable cost, with globally recognized MD programs taught in English. The country’s impending EU membership provides additional career opportunities, making it an attractive destination for Indian students.
What is the duration of the MBBS program in Bosnia?
The MBBS (MD) program in Bosnia typically lasts six years, which includes pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical training as per the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
How much does it cost to study MBBS in Bosnia?
The average tuition fee for an MBBS program in Bosnia is around €3500 per year, with the total cost for six years approximately €21,000. Living costs are estimated at about €250 per month.
Which are the top medical universities in Bosnia?
Some of the top medical universities in Bosnia include:
University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine
American Northwest University School of Medicine
Sarajevo Medical School, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST)
University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine
University of Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine
Are there English-taught MBBS programs in Bosnia?
Yes, several universities in Bosnia offer English-taught MBBS programs. However, it is essential to verify the medium of instruction, as some universities primarily teach in Bosnian or Serbian.
What are the eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Bosnia?
The eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Bosnia include:
65% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class XII
Age between 17 and 25 years
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students
Some universities may require an entrance test
What are the living costs for students in Bosnia?
The living costs for students in Bosnia are moderate, averaging around €250 per month for essentials such as food, transportation, and utilities. Accommodation costs vary, with hostel fees around €700 per year and private rentals between €190-€200 per month.
Can Indian students practice medicine in India after completing MBBS in Bosnia?
Yes, Indian students can practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS in Bosnia by clearing the NEXT exam, as per the latest NMC guidelines.
What are the career prospects after completing MBBS in Bosnia?
Graduates can pursue medical practice in India by clearing the NEXT exam or pursue further studies and practice in countries like the USA, UK, and Germany. Bosnia’s impending EU membership also opens up additional career opportunities within the European Union.
Are there any challenges Indian students might face while studying in Bosnia?
Some challenges include adjusting to a new culture and language, as daily life outside the classroom is primarily conducted in Bosnian or Serbian. It’s crucial to choose universities with English-taught programs to avoid language barriers in education.
