India has a number of medical colleges, but there are hardly enough seats for all the aspirants. So, the students incline towards foreign countries for their MBBS degree. Due to business or other reasons, some countries get wider attention from consultants while others are left out. Many people are not familiar that Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a favorable country for Indian medical students. However, the real question that arises here is – Is MBBS in Bosnia worth it for Indian students in 2025?
Here, you will find all the information you need to know about MBBS in Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of academic standards as well as the price and recognition of the degree to ensure you make the right choice.
About Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is situated in South Eastern Europe in the Balkan Peninsula, with its neighbors being Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is famous for its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and its gradual development into a more and more advanced environment. To some extent, it is still not very popular in the international education area, but is rapidly gaining ground in terms of medical education due to:
- Affordable living and tuition costs
- European-quality education with strong focus on practical skills
- Friendly visa policies for Indian students
- Increasing international student base
Bosnia has adopted the Bologna Process, an education system that is applied throughout Europe for quality assurance, compatibility, and reformation of different educational systems in Europe’s universities. The study program in Bosnia also follows the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) curriculum..
Overview of MBBS in Bosnia
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Name | MD (Equivalent to MBBS in India) |
| Course Duration | 6 years (including internship) |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Intake Months | October |
| NEET Requirement | Mandatory for Indian students |
| Tuition Fees | €3,500 – €6,000/year |
| Living Cost | €150 – €250/month |
| Top Cities | Sarajevo, Foca, Banja Luka, Mostar |
| Recognized by | NMC (India), WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER |
Benefits of Studying MBBS in Bosnia
Now I would like to discuss the reasons that are making Bosnia a more attractive country to study MBBS for the following reasons:
1. Globally Recognized Medical Degrees
The Bosnian universities are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and approved by other authorities, like:
- NMC (previously MCI)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- ECFMG (USA)
- FAIMER
This enables the Indian students to sit for their NEXT (FMGE), USMLE, PLAB, and other standard international licensing examinations.
2. English-Taught MBBS Programs
Many universities in Bosnia today offer purely six-year MBBS programs in the English language to students. This makes it convenient for Indian students studying there, because they can do it without mastering the Bosnian and Serbian languages.
3. Low Tuition and Cost of Living
- Annual tuition fees: €3,500 to €6,000
- Living cost (including accommodation and food): €150–€250/month
The cost of MBBS in private medical colleges in India may range from INR 60 to 90 lakhs, whereas in Bosnia, a comprehensive MBBS program comes under INR 45 lakhs.
4. European Curriculum & Quality
Bosnia follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the Bologna Process, that makes sure that:
- Practical, research-based learning is provided in classrooms
- Transparent grading
- Transferability to other European universities
Bosnia offers a standardized education which is widely recognized and suitable to practice in India or any other country of the world.
5. Safety and Cultural Acceptance
Bosnia is a safe country and is welcoming for students. People are very friendly, and Indians do not have to worry about adapting to the culture. There is also abundant availability of food grain and pulses to cook Indian-style foods.
6. Strong Clinical Exposure
Practical training of students in the universities in Bosnia is done with the help of the state hospitals or clinics that are found throughout the country. The University of East Sarajevo has its own hospital as well. Clinical training commences from the third year, which ensures that the students get good exposure before they come out of the college.
7. Visa-Friendly Destination
With proper documentation, we have received a 100% success rate for visa applications filed by medical aspirants. So, there is no risk of not getting the visa. The visa approval and printing takes between 4-6 weeks and is quite a smooth process.
Top Medical Universities in Bosnia
1. University of East Sarajevo – Faculty of Medicine
- Location: Foca
- Establishment: 1992
- Language: English
- Tuition: €3,500/year
- Duration: 6 Years
- Accreditation: NMC, WHO, FAIMER
Why Choose It?
- Well well-respected public university with experienced faculty
- Own hospital adjoining the university for clinicals and internships
- Many Indian students are already studying.
2. University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Medicine
- Location: Sarajevo
- Establishment: 1946
- Language: English
- Tuition: €6,000 per year
- Duration: 6 Years
- Accreditation: NMC, WHO, FAIMER
Why Choose It?
- A reputed and the oldest university in Bosnia
- Good faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and well-connected with various clinical facilities
- Home to many international students
3. University of Mostar – Faculty of Medicine
- Location: Mostar
- Tuition: €10,000 per year
- Medium: English
- Recognition: WHO, FAIMER
Why Consider?
- Offers MBBS in English
- Modern academic environment
Detailed Fee Structure
| Expense Type | Cost (Per Year) |
| Tuition Fees | €3,500 – €10,000 |
| Hostel/Accommodation | €1,500 |
| Food & Miscellaneous | €1,500 |
| Health Insurance | €150 – €200 |
| Visa & Travel | €500 – €700 |
| Estimated Total for 6 Years | €36,000 – €50,000 (₹32–₹45 lakhs) |
This is much lower than medical education in India or the US/UK.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian students must meet the following:
- Minimum 50% in PCB in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST)
- NEET qualified in any of the last 3 years
- Valid passport
- Good command of English
- No criminal record
Admission Process
The procedures of admission to the MBBS course in Bosnia are not very complicated if certain procedures are followed correctly.
- Select University & Apply
- Submit academic documents and a passport
- Receive Admission Letter
- Within a few days after the entrance exam
- Pay Tuition Fees
- You need to pay a part of tuition fee to secure your seat
- Apply for a Visa
- Bosnia visa requires the applicant to attend an interview at the embassy.
- Fly to Bosnia & Join Classes
Documents Needed:
- 10th & 12th mark sheets
- NEET scorecard
- Passport (valid for 18+ months)
- Medical certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
Career Scope After MBBS in Bosnia
1. Return to India
- Appear for the NEXT or FMGE exam
- Complete a 1-year internship in India
- Register with the State Medical Council and practice as doctor or pursue PG
2. PG or Practice in Europe
- The ECTS system is quite useful in preparing programs for moving to Germany, Italy, or any other EU country.
- Choice between an MD/MS course OR to join a job in private or public sector hospitals
3. Appear for Global Exams
- You can also prepare for USMLE (USA), GMAT/PLAB (UK), & AMC (Australia)
- Graduates are allowed to apply for postgraduate, research, or practice certificates anywhere in the world.
Pros and Cons of MBBS in Bosnia
Pros:
- Low tuition & cost of living
- European curriculum & exposure
- Safe and welcoming for Indian students
- English-taught programs
- Recognized by NMC, WHO, etc.
Cons:
- Limited number of English-medium medical colleges
- Availability of Indian food is not abundant
- The visa process can be longer than in some other countries
So, Is MBBS in Bosnia Worth It for Indian Students?
Yes, if:
- You are looking for an affordable and accredited program in European universities to pursue your first medical degree
- You want high-quality education with a strong focus on skill development
- You can always learn to adjust to the new culture as well as the new acronyms that come with it.
- After MBBS, you are planning to settle in Europe or prepare for USMLE, USMLE etc.
There are many benefits for Indian students in terms of cost, quality of education, and safety if they choose the MBBS program in Bosnia.
Final Verdict: A Smart Yet Underrated MBBS Destination
Studying medicine in Bosnia is beneficial for students who have big dreams but not the budget to achieve them. The increasing popularity of English as a medium of instruction, offering more programs in the English language, and the safe living environment have made Bosnia popular for medical education.
The focus on quality education, acknowledgement all over the world, and comparatively low prices will remain relevant in 2025 for those who will choose carefully and ahead of time.