The Faculty of Medicine (Medicinski fakultet) at the University of Zenica (UNZE) is a young and dynamic institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is widely recognized for its high-quality programs in General Medicine and Nursing, making it a growing destination for international students looking for affordable, English-medium medical education in Europe.
Established: The University of Zenica was founded in 1961, but the Medical Faculty is a more recent addition, established in the 2000s.
Accreditation: The University of Zenica is institutionally accredited by the Agency for the Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance of BiH. The Faculty is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Programs:
General Medicine: Integrated 6-year study program ($4+1+3$ concept not applicable here; it is a continuous 360 ECTS program).
Health Care (Nursing): 4-year Bachelor’s program.
Language of Instruction: * Local Students: Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian.
International Students: The university offers a dedicated English-medium program for foreign students.
Location: The faculty is located at Travnička cesta 1, Zenica, which is part of the urban university campus.
Facilities: * Training Center: The Faculty features a state-of-the-art training center equipped with mannequins, models, and simulators, funded partly through EU Tempus projects.
Modern Infrastructure: Includes multimedia auditoriums, specialized laboratories for anatomy and histology, and a comprehensive medical library.
Environment: Zenica is an industrial and academic hub, offering a compact campus where most facilities are within walking distance.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Primary Teaching Site: The Zenica Cantonal Hospital (Kantonalna bolnica Zenica) is the main clinical base for the faculty.
Clinical Training: Students begin their clinical rotations in the third year, gaining hands-on experience in one of the largest medical centers in the region.
Specialties: The hospital provides comprehensive care across all major fields, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.
State University Affordability
International Students (MD Program): Approximately USD 5,000 – 5,500 per year for the English-taught medical degree.
Local/Regional Students: Significantly lower fees (approx. $600 – $1,500) depending on residency status and government subsidies.
Application Fee: Approx. USD 100 – 200.
Note: Tuition is often paid in two installments (at the start of each semester).
The City: Zenica is the fourth largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as an industrial center with a rich history.
Climate: Temperate continental with snowy winters and warm summers.
Cost of Living: One of the most affordable cities in Europe. A total monthly budget of USD 400 – 550 (including rent) is usually sufficient for a student.
Safety: Very safe for international students; the community is friendly and increasingly multicultural.
Accommodation:
University Dormitories: Located near the campus. Costs are roughly USD 600 – 800 per year.
Private Housing: Many international students rent private apartments in the city center. Average rent is USD 150 – 250 per month.
Mess/Dining:
Student Canteen: Offers subsidized meals (approx. $2 – $4 per meal).
Self-Catering: Local supermarkets and "Bazaar" markets are very affordable. Total monthly food costs are estimated at USD 150 – 200.
NRI Seats: There is no specific NRI quota. All international applicants are treated under the "Foreign Students" category.
Admission Requirements:
High School: Completion of 10+2 with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (minimum 50% aggregate).
Entrance Exam: Usually involves an assessment in Biology and Chemistry.
NEET (For Indians): Mandatory qualification is required if you plan to practice in India later.
Visa: The university provides an invitation letter for the "D" Category (Long-term) Visa.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus