FACULTY OF MEDICINE FOČA
UNIVERSITY OF EAST SARAJEVO
web: www.studiesinenglish.mef.ues.rs.ba
e-mail: studiesinenglishmf@gmail.com
phone: +387 58 210 420 ext.110
FACULTY OF MEDICINE FOČA
Address: 5 Studentska Street, 73300 Foča, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone/fax: +387 58 210 420, +387 58 210 007
Student Affairs Office: +387 58 216 200
e-mail: office-mf@ues.rs.ba
website: www.mef.ues.rs.ba
Dean:
Full Prof. Dejan Bokonjić, MD, PhD
Vice Deans:
Assoc. Prof. Irena Mladenović MD, PhD, Vice Dean for Teaching Process
Assoc. Prof. Srđan Mašić, Vice Dean for Scientific Research and Entrepreneurship
Asst. Prof. Ognjenka Janjić-Pavlović, Vice Dean for Teaching Process in Foreign Language
Dear prospective students,
Choosing to continue your education in an academic study program is certainly one of the most significant decisions in your life. This decision will place you among the elite of society, regardless of the profession you choose to pursue in the future.
If you wish to pursue medicine in the broadest sense of the word, keep in mind that the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, with its four study programs, is undoubtedly the most prestigious higher education institution in the region, dedicated to educating future healthcare professionals.
The Medicine study program is the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to successfully pass accreditation, placing it among the ranks of recognizable higher education institutions of this type.
I would like to emphasize that the Faculty of Medicine Foča, with all its academic and scientific potential, is fully committed to the acquisition of your new knowledge. And today, knowledge, regardless of the difficulties and uncertainties of our societal moment, is the greatest capital and value. Our mission is education based on excellence, through the teaching process with outstanding professors and scientific research that is integrated into the educational process.
The Faculty of Medicine is a scientific and educational institution with a long-standing tradition. It was founded in 1946 in Sarajevo and revitalized on October 15, 1993, in Foča.
At the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, teaching in the first cycle of studies/integrated academic studies is organized in five study programs:
- Medicine
- Dentistry / Dentistry in English
- Nursing
- Special Education and Rehabilitation (Defectology)
- Medicine in English
If you choose to study at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, rest assured that in these four study programs, you will acquire the highest quality knowledge and master the most important skills in the field you choose, opening doors to your desired profession.
Our motto has always been and remains: striving for excellence. To stand shoulder to shoulder with the best. Our present and future are certain. The Faculty of Medicine Foča is making great strides into its new, brighter, and better tomorrow.
Dejan Bokonjić, MD, PhD
Dean
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Faculty of Medicine Foča is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in research and education of highly skilled personnel in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, special education and rehabilitation, as well as specialists in various areas who would contribute with their knowledge to the promotion and spread of healthcare culture, healthcare protection, and the modernization of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the entire region in the field of biomedical sciences. Educating personnel in the field of biomedicine involves scientific, humanistic, and ethical dimensions, with the constant aim of improving human health through the advancement of the profession, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in the community.
The Faculty of Medicine provides students with exceptional quality and relevant teaching programs and educates highly qualified personnel.
Basic information about study programs
Study program: Medicine in English
- Title: Doctor of Medicine – 360 ECTS
- Duration: 6 years
Study program: Medicine
- Title: Doctor of Medicine – 360 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
- Duration: 6 years
Study program: Dentistry / Dentistry in English
- Title: Doctor of Dentistry – 360 ECTS
- Duration: 6 years
Study program: Nursing
- Titles:
- Bachelor of Nursing – 240 ECTS
- Bachelor of Anesthesiology – 240 ECTS
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technologist – 240 ECTS
- Bachelor of Dental Nursing – 240 ECTS
- Duration: 4 years
Study program: Special Education and Rehabilitation
- Titles:
- Bachelor of Speech Therapy – 240 ECTS – speech therapy and surdoaudiology
- Bachelor of Special Education and Rehabilitation – 240 ECTS – developmental disorders
- Duration: 4 years
CURRICULUM FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF STUDIES
Note: The curricula for all years of study in all study programs of the Faculty of Medicine Foča can be found on the Faculty’s website.
Study program Medicine in English
*L=Lectures; **E=Exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕСTS = European Credit Transfer System
*L=lectures; E=exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕСTS = European Credit Transfer System
Study program Dentistry
*L=lectures; E=exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕСTS= European Credit Transfer System
*L=lectures; E=exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕСTS= European Credit Transfer System
*L=lectures; E=exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕCTS= European Credit Transfer System
*L=lectures; E=exercises; ISW= independent student work; ЕCTS= European Credit Transfer System
ADMISSION PROCEDURE
Information about the admission procedure at the University of East Sarajevo is published in public media as well as on the website of the Faculty.
Admission policy at the Faculty of Medicine Foča
All citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as foreign nationals, can apply for admission to the Faculty of Medicine Foča. The requirements for enrollment in the first year of the first cycle of studies is the completion of a four-year secondary education in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a minimum average grade of 3.0 (except for the study programs Nursing and Special Education and Rehabilitation) or an equivalent education abroad. The admission procedure is conducted by a Commission appointed by the Dean of the Faculty.
The number of students to be enrolled in the first year is approved by the Government of the Republic of Srpska, based on the proposal from the University.
Documents required for taking the Entrance exam*
- Application form for enrollment (available at the Students’ Affairs Office of the Faculty)
- Original certificates of completed secondary school grades**
- Original diploma of completed graduation or final exam**
- Birth Certificate**
- Citizenship Certificate**
- Identity card or passport (for inspection)
- Medical certificate issued by the Faculty of Medicine Foča
Along with the documents, it is also necessary to attach:
- Confirmation of payment for the entrance exam fees
- Confirmation of payment for the Information Guide
- Confirmation of payment for the medical certificate.
All information necessary for making payments will be promptly displayed on the notice board and the website.
* The admission requirements, along with the necessary documentation and the exact dates for document submission and entrance exam, will be published in the Public Competition in the media, as well as on the websites of the University of East Sarajevo and the Faculty of Medicine Foča.
** Original or original for inspection upon submission of a certified copy of the document.
Foreign students
The required documentation for foreign students is the same as for those from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the exception of the nostrification of the high school diploma obtained outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina (except for diplomas obtained in the Republic of Serbia).
The number of students to be enrolled depends on the enrollment plan of the University of East Sarajevo. The tuition fees for foreign students are determined by the relevant authority of the University.
Foreign students should be familiar with one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as all classes are conducted in these languages. Since the academic year 2020/21, the Faculty of Medicine Foča has introduced medical studies in English. More information about this program can be found on the website of the Faculty.
Entrance exam
The entrance exam is conducted in the form of a written test, and the number and type of questions depend on the study program the student chooses, according to the proposed model.
Study programs Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology Test – 25 questions
- Chemistry Test – 25 questions
Study program Nursing
- Test in the field of health care – 25 questions
- Biology Test – 25 questions
Study program: Special Education and Rehabilitation
- Biology Test – 25 questions
- Psychology Test – 15 questions
- Sociology Test- 10 questions
Candidates must correctly answer at least 50% of the questions on each test. The ranking list is formed based on the total points scored by candidates, which is derived from their performance in high school and the results of the entrance exam. A candidate can earn a maximum of 100 points, with 50 points awarded for high school performance and 50 points based on the results of the entrance exam. The results of the entrance exam are published on the Notice Board and the website of the Faculty.
Enrollment material
(student grade book and all the forms available at the Students’ Affairs Office):
- Student Grade Book (index)
- Enrollment Form
- The Form SV-20
- Payment of the semester
- Payment of self-financing costs (for self-financed students)
- Payment of student membership fees and costs associated with specific study requirements
- Student insurance
- 3 photographs (2 photographs 50х60 mm and 1 photograph in ID card format)
- Proof of regulated health insurance or a certified health ID card (Students who are citizens of Serbia must submit the appropriate documentation from the Health Insurance Fund where they are insured to obtain health insurance based on the Agreement on Special Parallel Relations); There are several insurance companies in Foča that provide similar health insurance conditions.
Status of enrolled students
After becoming first-year students of the Faculty of Medicine, students can have the following status:
- Regular students whose education is financed from the budget of the Republic of Srpska.
- Regular students who self-finance their education. The tuition fee is determined by the Management Board of the University of East Sarajevo.
- Part-time student (there will be no enrollment for part-time studies in the 2024/25 academic year).
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The Faculty is located in a building with approximately 5000 m² and is equipped with all the necessary facilities for conducting a modern teaching process.
The Faculty has three amphitheaters and twelve classrooms. All lecture halls and classrooms are equipped with computers, video projectors, and other equipment for following live lectures or via video link. Within the Faculty, there is a central research laboratory, laboratories for histology, pathology, chemistry, and biochemistry, a dissection anatomy hall, a clinical skills laboratory with a video system that allows exercises to be monitored from a remote location, a preclinical department, the dean’s office, student organization, administration, etc.
The Faculty has its own library, reading room, and four computer centers with constant internet access. Wireless internet access is also available within the Faculty building. The library of the Faculty of Medicine has a collection of over 10,000 library units, access to online scientific databases in the field of biomedical sciences, and computers through which students can access electronic journal databases. The city library and city reading room are also available to students.
Students receive notifications through the electronic noticeboard in the Faculty’s hall, as well as via the Faculty website. The Faculty building is equipped with a video surveillance system.
Teaching Base and Centers
Within the Faculty of Medicine, there is also the Center for Biomedical Sciences, which has three laboratories: a laboratory for cell biology and immunology, a laboratory for molecular genetics, and a laboratory for clinical pharmacology. Research is conducted in the laboratory within the framework of doctoral studies and scientific research projects.
The Specialist Centre for Dentistry is a sub-organizational unit and a teaching base of the Faculty in the Study Program Dentistry. For the purpose of practical teaching in the Specialist Centre, preclinical and clinical rooms, as well as a dental laboratory, are equipped. In addition, the Centre’s activities focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cavity injuries and diseases.
For the education of students in the study program Special Education and Rehabilitation, a Centre for Early Childhood Development is equipped. The Centre comprises clinics and a sensory room designed for developing the skills and abilities of individuals with developmental difficulties.
The University Hospital Foča is a part of the healthcare system of the Republic of Srpska, providing secondary and tertiary healthcare services. The hospital treats approximately 10,000 patients annually. It also serves as a teaching base for the Faculty for practical instruction in all study programs.
Furthermore, to facilitate a higher quality teaching process, the Faculty of Medicine has signed
cooperation agreements with: Elementary School “Sveti Sava”, Foča; Elementary School “Veselin Masleša”, Foča; Srednjoškolski centar, Foča; Centre for Social Work, Foča; Association for Assistance to Children and Youth with Special Needs “Tračak Nade”, Foča; Health Centre, Foča; Centre for Early Growth and Development, Foča; Institute for the Care of Girls and Young Women with Developmental Disabilities, Višegrad; Psychiatric Hospital, Sokolac; Home for the Elderly “Sunce”, Rogatica; Health Tourism Centre “Banja Vrućica”; Centre for Rehabilitation and Habilitation for Down Syndrome, Banja Luka; Institute for Infectious and Tropical Diseases of the Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Belgrade; Institute for Nuclear Medicine and Metabolic Diseases “Čigota”; Resource Centre for Education and Training “1. Jun”, Podgorica, as well as many other healthcare institutions throughout the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the region.
Student union of the Faculty of Medicine Foča
The Student Union of the Faculty of Medicine Foča was established in 1999. The Union has its own offices in the building of the Faculty of Medicine for conducting its activities.
The Union consists of numerous clubs that operate within specific areas. Each club has a president, one or two vice presidents, and at least five members from all years of study.
At the Union assembly, representatives of the clubs, as well as representatives from each study year, submit reports on their work, discuss plans for future activities, and address student issues and problems.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Some information about Foča
Foča is today a municipality with around 20,000 inhabitants. In the post-war period, Foča has developed into a significant educational and health center. Currently, two higher education institutions operate in Foča: the Orthodox Theological Faculty “Sveti Vasilije Ostroški” and the Faculty of Medicine, as well as the Secondary Theological School “Sveti Petar Dabrobosanski” and Srednjoškolski Centar.
Cultural institutions in the city include the Central Library, the Center for Culture and Information, the Museum, the Archive, the City Theatre, and various active cultural societies and associations. As an informational bulletin in the municipality, Radio Foča operates. Sports in the Foča municipality are represented through the activities of several clubs, and among the sports facilities in the city are the city stadium, sports hall, tennis courts, and outdoor fields for small football and basketball.
In terms of economic development, the municipality of Foča has the greatest potential in tourism and hydropower. The National Park “Sutjeska,” featuring the unique Perućica primeval forest, offers excellent opportunities for tourism development. A special tourist attraction is rafting on the Tara and Drina rivers, which attracts several thousand tourists each season.
With its traditional hospitality and natural rarities, Foča lives up to its name as a desired destination, as reflected in the meaning of its original name.
How to get to Foča?
Foča is located in the southeast of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 80 km from Sarajevo, 160 km from Podgorica, and 340 km from Belgrade.
- Arrival from Sarajevo: The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus or car.
- Arrival from Podgorica: The journey takes about 3 hours by bus or car.
- Arrival from Belgrade: The journey takes about 7 hours by bus or 5 hours by car.
For more information, you can check the maps available on our website.
Student accommodation
Student dormitory
For the accommodation of students from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Theology in Foča, a newly constructed student dormitory with 340 places has been opened. The student dormitory is the most modern facility in the Republic of Srpska that provides dining and accommodation services for students.
The competition for a place in the Public Institution Student Dormitory Foča is announced before the start of the academic year. All regular students who are enrolling in the faculty for the first time have the right to apply.
Accommodation in the dormitory begins on October 1st.
Prices in the student dormitory:
- Accommodation and three meals a day (for students from Bosnia and Herzegovina and countries with which an agreement has been signed) amount to 110.00 BAM per month.
- Meals in the student dormitory for students who are not accommodated in the dormitory (excluding students enrolled in study programs in English) amount to 220.00 BAM per month.
- Accommodation is organized in double rooms with internet connection.
- The rooms have their own bathrooms.
- Dining is organized in the modernly equipped restaurant of the student dormitory.
Note: Prices may be adjusted in accordance with the current price list of the Student Dormitory Foča.
Contact:
Student Dormitory Foča
Address: Svetosavska bb
Phone/fax: +387 58 490-778
Other accommodation options for students
Students enrolling in our Faculty have multiple options for accommodation during their studies.
For those seeking private accommodation, students are responsible for finding suitable housing themselves. This can be done independently or with the assistance of their recruitment agencies that have signed agreements with the Faculty. These agencies provide guidance and support in securing housing that meets students’ preferences and needs.
Additionally, students coming through one of the two partner agencies from India have the opportunity to stay in a dedicated student hostel. This hostel is tailored specifically for Indian students, offering not only comfortable living arrangements but also traditional Indian cuisine, ensuring a sense of home away from home.
For further details or assistance regarding accommodation, students are encouraged to contact the Faculty or their recruitment agency representative.
Currency and money transactions
The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM) (1 EUR = 1.95 BAM). Students can open a current account at all banks in Foča. All banks have ATMs that operate 24 hours a day.
Local and intercity transportation in Foča
Students can use the local public transport. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the city centre to the Faculty.
The city is connected to all major cities in the region through daily regular bus lines.
Leisure activities
Within the Student Union of the Faculty of Medicine, several clubs are actively involved.
The city has several sports fields and halls, fitness clubs, a sports hall, well-maintained promenades, a cinema, a theatre, a museum, numerous restaurants and cafes, shopping centres, and many other facilities.
For more information, you can visit the website of the Faculty and the Student Union.
Visa requirements for students requiring a D visa
Students coming from countries requiring a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina must obtain a D Visa (long-term visa) to establish legal residency during their studies. The process for obtaining a D Visa involves the following steps:
- Invitation Letter Preparation and Verification
After successfully passing the entrance exam and fulfilling all enrollment requirements, the Faculty prepares an official Invitation Letter. This letter is sent for verification to the Field Office of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs.
- Receiving the Verified Invitation Letter
Once the Invitation Letter is verified, it is sent to the student or the recruitment agency assisting the student.
- Submitting a Visa Application
Students must apply for the D Visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina responsible for their home country or the nearest diplomatic mission.
- Entering Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Once the D Visa is granted, students can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and begin their studies. Upon arrival, they must complete the necessary steps to finalize their residency status.
For assistance with the visa application process, students are encouraged to contact the Faculty, their recruitment agency or Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina responsible for their home country.
Administrative formalities regarding residency in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Based on the received instructions, the following procedure applies for the approval of temporary residence:
- Upon entering Bosnia and Herzegovina, a foreigner (student or pupil) is required to request entry registration from members of the Border Police (stamping the entry stamp in the passport);
- Upon arrival at the place of residence, the foreigner must register at the local police station, where they will be issued a residence registration form (Form K-13, which can be purchased at a bookstore and must be completed and submitted to the duty police officer at the Police Station Foča);
- After completing the registration and receiving Form K-13, the student/pupil submits a request for approval of temporary residence at the Field Centre in East Sarajevo, along with the following documents:
- A payment of 150.00 BAM for the state administrative fee (to be paid at the post office or bank).
- A certified copy of the passport valid for at least three months longer than the requested period for temporary residence, including the entry stamp and long-term residence visa (Visa D) or a sticker from a previously approved temporary residence.
- A certified copy of the residence registration confirmation if the request is submitted within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Proof of enrollment at a higher education institution for the current academic year (a confirmation issued by the faculty).
- Proof of participation in a student exchange or youth mobility programs, if enrolling in higher education on that basis.
- Evidence of secured funds for living expenses for the current academic year amounting to 400.00 BAM per month or a written statement from a Bosnian citizen or a foreigner with approved temporary or permanent residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirming financial support during the intended stay, along with proof of a stable income source or other financing.
- A medical certificate issued no more than three months prior to the date of application, indicating that the applicant does not suffer from any diseases posing a threat to public health in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Proof of secured accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Proof of secured health insurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- A certificate issued by the relevant authority in the country of origin, confirming that there are no criminal proceedings against the foreigner and that they have not been convicted of any criminal offense, which should not be older than six months from the date of application submission.
- Proof of good conduct and absence of criminal proceedings issued by the competent authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not older than six months prior to the date of application, if the foreigner is applying for an extension of temporary residence.
Note: When applying for an extension of temporary residence on this basis, the foreigner is obliged, at the request of the Service, to provide evidence of passed exams during their studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Documentation submitted with applications in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Foreigners must be provided in original copies or officially certified copies. Documentation in a foreign language must be translated by a certified court translator into one of the languages in official use in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The stated documents must be submitted in two copies, one of which must be the original or a certified copy.
The provided information on temporary residence approval is subject to change, and all details about the necessary documents for temporary residence approval can also be found on the official website of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: http://sps.gov.ba/dokumenti/dokumentacija/PB-2.3.pdf. For additional information on this matter, please contact the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs – Field Centre East Sarajevo: TCIstocnoSarajevo@sps.gov.ba
Health insurance: Insurance policy, medical services
Every student must have health insurance. Health care for students is organized at the Health Centre in Foča.
Students from the Republic of Srpska are required to register with a family medicine doctor at the Health Centre in Foča.
Citizens of Serbia, based on the Agreement on Special Parallel Relations, must submit the relevant documentation from the Health Insurance Fund with which they are insured in order to access health insurance.
There are several insurance companies in Foča that offer similar health insurance conditions.
Important telephone numbers
- Civil Protection: 121
- Police: 122
- Firefighters: 123
- Emergency Medical Service: 124
- Traffic Service: 128