Rector’s note

The University of Banja Luka is the leading higher education and scientific institution in the Republic of Srpska, with the longest tradition in providing academic education. It is organized and governed in line with the principles of the Bologna declaration and the applicable legislation, adhering to all norms and standards related to higher education. The University has achieved a significant level of development and comprises 18 members, 17 of which offer study programmes across all three study cycles. There is a wide array of study programmes, which provide graduates with appropriate knowledge in relevant fields. Prospective students can choose from a broad selection of study programmes and promising career paths which they can successfully complete at our University. 

The University is staffed by qualified faculty members who successfully train future specialists across various disciplines. Through continuous improvement and innovation, the University actively contributes to the development of the European Higher Education Area, fostering research excellence and creating new employment opportunities. Additionally, the University is a member of international university associations, participating in the process of education and the exchange of scientific information.

Students are widely recognised as a key part of the University, and we see them as our future. They actively participate in decision-making at all levels within the University, representing their rights and interests through the Student Parliament and the individual student organisations at the respective University members.

In addition to the University's teaching staff, educators from other universities in the region and around the world contribute to the teaching process, which ensures high-quality education. The University takes part in exchange programmes for students, academic staff and administrative staff. Through these programmes, our students have the opportunity to attend part of their studies at other universities and meet colleagues from countries across the globe who come to study at our University.

Students of the University acquire broad formal education (both theoretical and practical) in the relevant areas, but also have the opportunity to adopt other, informal knowledge, depending on their personal interests. Our University offers students the opportunity to perfect their skills in information technologies, scientific research, entrepreneurship and rhetoric. They can also study several foreign languages. Students can also acquire general knowledge, borrow books from the University’s extensive collection, participate in various sports sections, cultural and art events etc. Our students are given the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge in companies within the Republic of Srpska, as well as in foreign companies and universities with which we have business-technical cooperation agreements.

The University, including all its staff and students, have responded appropriately to numerous challenges encountered over the past 50 years, and we are confident that challenges will arise in the future as well. We will strive to successfully accomplish all upcoming tasks and overcome any obstacles we face. Here, I would like to emphasise the prompt response and adjustment to the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. From the circumstances we faced during the pandemic, we retained all the positive elements: everyone embraced online teaching techniques, and we have continued to utilise the advantages of new technologies in teaching. 

Given its long-standing tradition, the high-quality general education offered by the University, and various ways to acquire additional competencies and informal education, our graduates are well-equipped to adapt to the changing demands of the labour market. All University staff, in collaboration with students, quickly adapt to changes, to meet the needs of modern and very sophisticated professions with the highest quality.

The Rector's team supports the students' programme activities, which are planned annually and contribute to improving the student standard and status, as well as the reputation of the University, provided their implementation is realistic and feasible in practice.

The University significantly impacts the civic, economic, social, and cultural development of the Republic of Srpska. Over the past 50 years, we have educated experts in nearly all fields. The academic citizens who graduated from our University members are successful and recognised in their professions, often leaders their areas, not only in the Republic of Srpska but also beyond its borders. This has secured us the unwavering support of institutions in the Republic of Srpska and a solid reputation within the regional and European academic community. The University holds great prestige in the Republic of Srpska and the region, serving as the first choice for obtaining higher education diplomas in all three study cycles.

The teaching staff and the students practise teamwork and insist on unity. Only through collective effort can we contribute to the development and maintenance of the academic level of our University, not only in this region but also within European and global contexts. Regardless of the challenges that higher education is facing today, the University will remain a representative and socially responsible higher education institution, ready to fulfil all its duties in the higher education system of the Republic of Srpska, ensuring its progress.

The surest way for the University to carry out its mission, as expected by society, is excellence of the University in all its functions. Excellence at the institutional level, within the University’s members, as well as the individual responsibilities of each member of the academic community, are the answer to all challenges we face. I would like to emphasise that we will continue to strongly encourage quality in all areas of the University's work in the future. The main criteria should be knowledge, success, professionalism, expertise, responsibility, competence, and European standards, when admitting the best into the ranks of the academic community.

We want the University of Banja Luka to remain a leading institution when it comes to the acquisition of knowledge and skills through inventions, innovations and sustainable economic development, and the driving force behind new ideas for introducing environmentally friendly solutions, and for preserving culture and national identity. We want the knowledge gained at the University to serve the development of society and its ethical values, and to bring benefits to every individual. Accordingly, we continue to foster future experts who will shape society in the years to come.

We will keep working incessantly and tirelessly to do everything in our power for the University to grow in every way. I wish all members of the academic community to successfully carry out the academic tasks undertaken, which, with additional effort and high motivation, will make the University of Banja Luka an even better place for studying and preparing students for future professions.

Our 50 years serve as a foundation for a future filled with knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence. We continue to build the University as a strong pillar of society, a meeting place for science and culture, with unwavering dedication to students, research, and progress. We can proudly look back on our achievements, but even more resolutely toward the future – ready for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Respectfully,                                                                               

Rector
of the University of Banja Luka
Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD