Winner. University of the Year 2022

University of Mostar

Motto: The University is ONE!
Type: Public
Established: 1977

Rector: Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić
Academic staff: 1251
Administrative staff: 230
Students: 8348
Address: Trg hrvatskih velikana 1, Mostar, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Website: www.sum.ba

Higher education and educational institutions in Mostar and Herzegovina began to develop at the end of the 19th century. The roots of higher education in Mostar are related to the Franciscan Theological School, which launched its activity in 1895. It was the first school at the university level. The Teacher Training School began to work after the Second World War (1950), followed by the establishment of the Higher Engineering School (1959), Higher Agricultural School (1960), and departments of the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics, which became autonomous faculties in 1976.

From 1977 to 1992, both higher schools and faculties operated as a part of the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar, with the official Croatian-Serbian or Serbian-Croatian language. In 1992, the name was changed to the University of Mostar, and Croatian was introduced as the official language. Afterward, the University developed, as several new faculties and scientific-research centers/institutes were established.

On 7 April 1992, during the Homeland War, the teaching process was interrupted because the first grenades fell on the Student Center and the Faculty of Economics. The University ceased its work only from April to July 1992 due to the ongoing aggressor bombing of Mostar. After recovering from the consequences of the war, the University commenced strong development, and thus Mostar became the university city. In the academic year 2005/2006, the way of studying at the University of Mostar was changed and harmonized with Bologna Declaration recommendations completely.

Today, the University of Mostar (SUM) is a modern, leading University in Bosnia and Herzegovina, integrated into European Higher Education Area and European Research Area. It comprises 11 faculties and conducts 64 BSc, 70 MSc, and 12 PhD programs. The University of Mostar participates in two International Cross-Border Ph.D. programs and has one joint MSc program in cooperation with Matej Bel University in Slovakia. It is a member of 14 international university networks and has signed 119 cooperation bilateral agreements and 105 Erasmus+ KA1 (IIA) agreements.

SUM includes the Centre for Information Technologies, which works on the digitalization of the University. They created a Smart Campus system in the central campus of the University of Mostar, making SUM a Smart University/University of the Future.

SUM also includes the University Gallery, one of the most modern exhibition spaces in the country. Also, the University of Mostar includes the University Printing Press, which publishes University books and scientific journals.

The University places a significant focus on inclusion and reducing inequalities, especially through the Office for Students with Disabilities and Foundation SUM, which provide financial assistance to students who cannot afford to study.

By creating new ideas and technological solutions, through critical thinking and creativity, the University of Mostar is one of the key drivers of the economy and environmentally friendly sustainable development in its community.

The University of Mostar has many significant achievements, among them:

1. Implemented electronic identity and student e-index (the first university in Bosnia and Herzegovina to introduce that and take essential steps towards e-University).

2. First SMART CAMPUS in Bosnia and Herzegovina via NB-IoT (includes Leo Rover, Watermark 200SS sensor, Smart Kiosk, Weather Station, Smart Parking, Smart Watering, Smart Ramp). Students use the Smart Campus as a platform for developing and implementing ideas and smart solutions.

3. Student Competitions, such as Hackathon Code Challenge and Moot Court.

4. University Television (SUM TV), which is the only professional University TV studio in the region. Students have practical lessons there and their own regular educational TV shows, which are publicly available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SUM TV recorded educational content for schools nationwide.

5. Established in 2022, the SUM Foundation provides financial assistance and scholarships to students that cannot afford to study.

6. Office for Students with Disabilities - all students with disabilities are exempted from paying tuition fees and are provided with an assistant. All-access passages are adapted to students with disabilities, and buildings have Braille inscriptions.

7. Career Counseling Center helps students with their career paths, and Student Counseling Center offers the help of psychologists to students with different issues.

8. Student Clinic and Dental Clinic, where all medical services are free for students.

9. International study programs in partnership with prestigious foreign universities that significantly increased mobility.