Studying in Sarajevo: housing, registration and getting to campus
Where the universities are, finding a flat, the White Card, the residence permit and free student travel.
The University of Sarajevo has about 22,000 students and no student dorms of its own, so most international students rent a flat (UNSA International Relations Office). This guide covers where the universities are, what to check before you rent, and the two registrations every foreign student needs in the first weeks.
Where the universities are
| University | Address |
|---|---|
| International University of Sarajevo (IUS) | Hrasnička cesta 15, 71210 Ilidža |
| International Burch University | Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidža |
| Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) | Hrasnička cesta 3a |
| University of Sarajevo (UNSA) | Faculties at many addresses, most in the city centre |
Check your faculty’s exact address before choosing a flat.
Finding a flat
The University of Sarajevo points incoming students to OLX.ba, Airbnb, Booking.com, ESN Sarajevo and a Facebook group. Its own estimate of a student budget is 880–1,180 KM a month, including 400–500 KM for a room in a shared flat, 150–200 KM for bills and internet and 200–300 KM for food (UNSA, student budget).
Before you sign, ask:
- Whether bills, internet and cleaning are included, and how they are charged
- The deposit and when it is returned
- Whether the contract matches the academic year or the semester
- Whether the landlord will sign the accommodation statement you need for the White Card and the residence permit (see below)
The White Card: within 48 hours
Every foreigner must register an address within 48 hours of entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. The clock starts at the border, not when you move in. Hotels register their guests themselves; if you rent a flat, you register at the Foreigners’ Affairs Office, Field Centre Sarajevo.
- Fee: 10 KM, paid by bank slip at a post office or bank (11 KM with the post office charge)
- Bring: copies of your passport data page and entry stamp, your landlord’s ID and CIPS document, a signed accommodation statement from the landlord, and the stamped payment slip
The residence permit: within 60 days
Students staying longer apply for temporary residence at the same office within 60 days of arrival.
- Fee: 150 KM
- Proof of money: at least 400 KM for each month of the stay, so 4,000 KM for ten months, as a bank statement, scholarship certificate or guarantee
- Also needed: enrolment certificate, medical certificate (under 3 months old), original health insurance, criminal record certificate from home (under 6 months old, with a court translation), proof of accommodation and a passport valid at least 3 months beyond the permit
Source for both registrations: UNSA Centre for International Students, April 2026. This is a student guide; check the current rules with the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs before you go.
Getting around
Pupils and students with a valid student card travel free on Sarajevo’s trams, trolleybuses and buses during the academic year (Euronews BA, 1 July 2025). Without one, a ride costs 2.20 KM. Tram lines 3 and 11 run from Ilidža to Baščaršija.
Student stays at River Walk
River Walk is in Ilidža at Butmirska cesta 16A/16B. Every apartment has a kitchen, a washing machine, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and groups can share by bedroom. Send your university, dates and how many of you are sharing on the student stays page, and reception replies with a written quote: the apartment, the monthly cost, bills, the deposit and cancellation terms.
Questions
Does the University of Sarajevo have student dorms?
No. It has no dorms of its own, and most international students rent flats.
What is the White Card?
It is the registration of your address with the Foreigners’ Affairs Office. You must do it within 48 hours of entering the country. The fee is 10 KM.
How much does a student residence permit cost?
The fee is 150 KM, and you must show at least 400 KM for each month of your stay.
Is public transport free for students in Sarajevo?
Yes, for pupils and students with a valid student card, during the academic year.
How much is a student apartment at River Walk?
Prices depend on the apartment, dates and how many people share. Ask for a written quote on the student stays page.
