The University of Sarajevo (UNSA), a member of the EUPeace Alliance, hosted its 16th Study Expo (Scholarship Fair) on 7 October 2026, bringing together more than 50 universities, embassies, international organisations and foundations at the University Rectorate.
The annual event provided students, prospective students, academic and administrative staff, and other interested visitors with an opportunity to explore scholarships, international mobility programmes, study opportunities and professional development abroad. Through direct conversations with institutional representatives, visitors could learn about available programmes, application procedures and the practical aspects of studying and working in an international environment.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by Camélia Aissat, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action at the Embassy of France; Adam Lorenz, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Czech Republic; and Professor Dr Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo.
In his address, Rector Zaimović emphasised the University’s responsibility to help students discover and pursue opportunities that contribute to their academic and personal development. He highlighted the importance of international mobility in developing new skills, experiencing different approaches to learning and building connections across cultures.
The Rector also noted that, in 2025, the University of Sarajevo accounted for 50% of the total Erasmus+ mobility funding allocated to Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting its active involvement in international academic cooperation.
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Bringing EUPeace Opportunities Closer to Students and Staff
EUPeace – European University for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies was among the initiatives presented at this year’s Study Expo, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the Alliance and learn how they can become involved in its activities. As a member of EUPeace, the University of Sarajevo used the event to demonstrate how students can benefit from being part of a European university alliance, not only through international mobility but also through joint educational programmes, collaborative learning and student-led initiatives.
Students were introduced to a range of opportunities available through EUPeace, including mobility programmes, the Virtual European Exchange Programme (VEEP), the European Track, EUPeace Courseware and Student Challenges.
Particular attention was given to the different ways students can engage with the Alliance:
- Mobility opportunities allow students to gain international academic experience, explore different learning environments and develop intercultural competences through exchanges and other activities at EUPeace partner universities.
- The Virtual European Exchange Programme (VEEP) provides opportunities for students to participate in international learning experiences and engage with peers and academic staff from partner universities without necessarily travelling abroad.
- The European Track offers a framework for developing a European dimension within students’ education, connecting learning experiences across institutions and encouraging interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives.
- EUPeace Courseware enables students to explore educational opportunities and courses developed or offered within the Alliance, broadening access to international and interdisciplinary learning.
- EUPeace Student Challenges encourage students from partner universities to work together on concrete societal issues, develop innovative solutions and turn their ideas into collaborative projects addressing challenges related to peace, justice and inclusive societies.
The presentation particularly highlighted that participation in EUPeace does not depend exclusively on physical mobility. Through virtual learning, joint courses, collaborative projects and student initiatives, students can become part of an international academic community while continuing their studies at their home university.
The Student Challenges were presented as an example of how students can move beyond participating in educational activities to actively shaping the Alliance. By developing joint projects with peers from other EUPeace universities, students have the opportunity to contribute their own perspectives and ideas to addressing societal challenges.
Beyond presenting individual opportunities, the EUPeace stand served as a space for direct dialogue with students about their interests, expectations and potential involvement in the Alliance. The aim was to make EUPeace more visible and accessible to the student community at the University of Sarajevo and to encourage students to recognise themselves as active participants in its development.
The Expo also highlighted the importance of connecting international education with broader societal engagement. Through EUPeace, students can develop academic and professional competences while contributing to collaborative initiatives that promote mutual understanding, inclusion and cooperation across Europe.
By placing students at the centre of its EUPeace presentation, the University of Sarajevo reinforced an important message: European university alliances are not only platforms for institutional cooperation, but communities in which students can learn, connect, collaborate and actively contribute to shaping the future of European higher education.
Connecting Universities Across Borders
The 16th UNSA Study Expo brought together representatives of universities and institutions from numerous European countries and beyond. Alongside physical exhibition stands, online meetings enabled students and staff to connect with partner universities whose representatives could not attend in person.
This hybrid approach expanded access to information about international opportunities, particularly for students and staff interested in Erasmus+ mobility during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The event also demonstrated the importance of direct communication between universities and prospective mobility participants. Visitors were able to discuss study programmes, course selection, application requirements, scholarships, accommodation and everyday life in host countries with representatives of the institutions offering these opportunities.
For the University of Sarajevo, the Study Expo remains an important platform for strengthening international partnerships and encouraging greater participation in academic mobility and European cooperation.
Through initiatives such as EUPeace, these connections extend beyond individual exchanges, creating opportunities for long-term collaboration in education, research and societal engagement.
The 16th UNSA Study Expo was organised with the support of the Embassies of the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Spain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the French Institute and Campus France.
Learn more:
- University of Sarajevo Study Expo: https://international.unsa.ba/unsa-study-expo/
- EUPeace at the University of Sarajevo: https://www.unsa.ba/en/eupeace
