The International University of Goražde (IUG), specifically its Faculty of Health Sciences, is a private institution that has recently faced significant controversy and legal challenges.
CRITICAL WARNING (2025/2026): As of late 2024 and 2025, the International University of Goražde is at the center of a major international scandal involving "fake diplomas" and organized crime investigations in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy. Many sources and official bodies now state that the university is not an accredited institution and degrees issued by it may not be valid for professional practice. Prospective students are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and verify the current legal status with the Ministry of Education of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton before applying.
Established: 2014.
Status: Private University.
Language of Instruction: English, Bosnian, and Turkish.
Faculty of Health Sciences: Offers programs in General Medicine (MD), Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy.
Current Situation: Multiple reports from 2024 and 2025 indicate that the university's management has been investigated for money laundering and document forgery. Reports suggest that some medical and dental diplomas were issued to students who never actually attended classes or clinical rotations.
Location: Seada Sofovića Sofe 27, Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Environment: The university is located in the small city of Goražde on the Drina River.
Facilities: The faculty historically claimed to have laboratories for health sciences and multimedia classrooms; however, recent investigative reports have cast doubt on the functional state of these facilities and the adequacy of the permanent academic staff.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Claimed Partners: The university previously claimed partnerships with hospitals in Germany and Austria for nursing students and local clinics for medical students.
Controversy: Investigations in Italy (where the university operated through a branch called Jean Monnet) found that students were often unable to register with professional associations because their clinical internships and diplomas were not recognized by the relevant health ministries.
State University Affordability
Note: Due to the current legal situation, these fees are highly unreliable and should be verified with official government sources.
General Medicine (MD): Historically reported at approximately €3,000 – €4,000 per year.
Nursing/Physiotherapy: Approximately €2,000 – €2,500 per year.
Scholarships: The university advertised merit scholarships of up to $1,200/year, though the availability of these funds is currently questionable.
Vibe: A small, quiet town known as the "City of Heroes" for its history during the Bosnian War. It offers a very slow pace of life.
Geography: Beautifully situated on the Drina River, offering outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
Safety: Generally very safe, but the lack of a large international student community and the current university scandal have isolated the campus.
Accommodation: There is no large dedicated on-campus dormitory. Students typically rent private apartments in Goražde.
Cost of Living: Goražde is one of the most affordable cities in Bosnia. Rent for a small apartment is roughly €150 – €250 per month.
Dining: Students generally self-cater. The town has local markets and affordable small diners, but it lacks the extensive student infrastructure found in larger cities like Sarajevo or Tuzla.
NRI Seats: There is no specific NRI quota.
NEET (For Indians): If an Indian student were to attend a non-accredited or blacklisted university, their degree would not be recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), and they would be ineligible to sit for the FMGE/NExT.
Recognition: As of late 2025, the university's listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) is under scrutiny. If the accreditation is officially revoked by the state, graduates will lose eligibility for USMLE and other global licensing exams.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus