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Scholarships and Student Jobs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Money for foreign bachelor's students in Bosnia and Herzegovina comes mostly from the universities themselves. Public grants are aimed at citizens, and the rules on work are strict. This guide sets out what we could confirm in official sources.

Public grants are for citizens

Eurydice describes merit-based public grants for full-time students at public universities, with monthly amounts of 100 to 800 KM for ten months a year. They require citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a minimum grade and other criteria, and local governments award further grants. Part-time students cannot apply. Eurydice says nothing about grants for incoming foreign degree students, and we found no government scholarship open to all international students.

Budget places at public universities are a form of support too, because the state pays the tuition. They are meant for citizens who rank high enough. See how much it costs to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

University scholarships

Private universities are the main source for foreign students. The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) lists these undergraduate options for 2026/27:

IUS states that undergraduate scholarships are guaranteed for five years regardless of academic performance, that a 100% scholarship holder must keep a CGPA of at least 3.00 or the scholarship drops to 75%, and that scholarships must be applied for before the academic year starts. It also gives a 5% discount for full payment before the fall semester. The percentages of some awards are not stated, so ask the admissions office. Other private universities may have similar schemes; check their fee pages.

Exchange grants

Erasmus+ and CEEPUS are exchange programmes for students already enrolled at a partner university. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of CEEPUS, which Eurydice says enabled 120 incoming mobilities in 2023. These are not degree scholarships. Eurydice also mentions the Scholarships for Western Balkans database, which is mainly for students going abroad. See scholarships and financial aid in Europe.

Working while you study

The Law on Aliens requires a work permit for paid work, issued at the employer's request by the competent employment authority, with a few exceptions. The Service for Foreigners' Affairs adds that you may not work without one and may work only in the job the permit covers. The law has a special rule for students: foreigners with temporary residence for education in student status may do temporary jobs through authorised intermediaries, without an employment relationship, and without a work permit. The law refers to the regulations governing such intermediaries, so ask the university or the employment office which agencies are authorised.

Article 77 of the law also lets foreigners with a visa or temporary residence work without a permit for up to 90 days in a year in listed roles, such as managers, visiting lecturers and artists. The categories we read there do not mention ordinary student jobs, so do not assume that exemption covers you.

Internships

Temporary residence for an unpaid internship is a separate basis. The law asks for a training contract with a legal entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and proof that you are studying or graduated within the last two years. Check with the Service whether an internship needs a separate residence basis in your case.

Pay, tax and insurance

We could not confirm from an official source how income from student work is taxed, or the level of the minimum wage, so we give no figures. Ask the intermediary or employer for the net amount in writing before you start. Your residence permit also depends on health insurance and proof of means; see student visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina and health insurance for students in Europe.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.