In a festive and special atmosphere, the University of Banja Luka celebrated 51 years of existence and work with a formal academy held on 7 November 2026 at the „Banski Dvor” Cultural Centre.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to review achievements to date, present development plans, and recognize individuals and institutions whose contributions have helped advance the University and enhance its reputation.

Acting Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Ranko Škrbić, PhD, noted that the University was currently undergoing a period of significant infrastructure investment, study program development, and improvements in the quality of education.

He stated that the University currently had around 15,000 students, with more than 2,300 new students enrolled this year, confirming the confidence young people placed in this higher education institution.

“We are striving to bring our faculties to the highest possible level and ensure that their programs meet the standards required to be comparable with those of similar universities in Europe and around the world,” Rector Škrbić said.

Speaking about future plans, the Rector emphasised that the priorities included accelerating the University's development, strengthening international cooperation, and increasing its visibility in global university rankings.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Savo Minić congratulated the University on its 51st anniversary, noting that over the past four-year term, the Government had invested more than BAM 19.5 million in its development, students, and student programmes. He also announced further significant investments amounting to approximately BAM 40 million.

He stressed that the development of new study programmes, strengthening international cooperation, and improving student standards were among the priorities, as educated young people were the foundation for the future development of the Republic of Srpska.

“Our academic and research staff can ensure that students' degrees are eligible for recognition and are recognised around the world,” Minić said, noting that he himself had studied at the University of Banja Luka.

Awards and Recognitions Presented

As part of the formal academy, awards were presented to individuals and institutions whose work and support had contributed to the University's development and reputation.

The University Charter was awarded to Radio Television of the Republic of Srpska, the Academic Network of Serbia, and Prof. Boško Nikolić, PhD, Head of the Computing Centre at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade. The Charter was also awarded posthumously to Prof. Radoslav Dekić, PhD.

On the occasion of its 51st anniversary, the University also awarded two honorary doctorates: to Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, who received his honorary doctorate during his recent visit to the University of Banja Luka, and to Prof. Devendra Kumar Agrawal, who is to receive this distinction during his visit to the University later this month.

The University of Banja Luka recognizes and values the scientific and artistic work of its academic staff, who were also awarded monetary prizes this year for their achievements. Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Prof. Mladen Miljanović, PhD, highlighted the importance of the University's support for the development of science and the arts.

A special part of the ceremony was the presentation of gold badges bearing the image of Nikola Tesla to the University's best-performing students. The title of the “best of the best” student went to Kristina Marić, who graduated from the Romance Studies Program at the Faculty of Philology with a GPA of 10.00.

Marić noted that her years of study had meant much more to her than acquiring academic knowledge, as they had been marked by personal growth, new experiences, international exchanges, and numerous opportunities for learning and professional development.

“This recognition confirms to me that hard work, dedication, and perseverance pay off, while also encouraging me to continue learning, progressing, and setting new goals for myself,” Marić said.

This year's ceremony also saw the promotion of Prof. Snežana Popović Pejičić, PhD, to the title of Professor Emerita, in recognition of her long-standing academic and scientific work.

Artistic Program

The artistic program featured the Mixed Choir of the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka, conducted by Prof. Branka Radošević Mitrović, M.A., as well as accordion soloist Radovan Ivanović.

Numerous Guests Attend the Ceremony

The formal academy was attended by President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Nenad Stevandić; Representative of the President of the Republic Marko Romić, M.A.; Vice-President of the Republic of Srpska Davor Pranjić; Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Srpska Borivoje Golubović; assistant ministers; members of the diplomatic corps; President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska Prof. Dragoljub Mirjanić, PhD, accompanied by members of the Academy; Chair of the University's Steering Board Prof. Biljana Antunović, PhD, and members of the Board; rectors and vice-rectors of partner universities; deans and vice-deans of partner faculties; directors of public enterprises; deans; students; and numerous other guests from public and cultural life.

More photographs from the ceremony are available here.

Photo: D. Desnica