University of Sarajevo ranked among top 6.2% world universities 6.2% at Webometrics rankings list

The results achieved by the University of Sarajevo in the past year: new, reformed and innovative study programs, as well as the University of Sarajevo’s position at the global Webometrics ranking list were presented at a press conference held in the University of Sarajevo Rectorate on 24 October 2018. Along with Rector, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, the press conference was attended by the Vice-Rectors: Prof. Dr. Aida Hodžić, Maida Čohodar Husić, Dženana Husremović, Aleksandra Nikolić, Elvir Čizmić, Sanja Burić, and Dr. Elmedin Selmanović, University Tele-Informatics Center (UTIC) Director.
According to the latest Webometrics data, covering 27,000 universities around the world and relates to July 2018, the University of Sarajevo achieved the best rankings in its history, occupying 1676 position. This is the best ranking the University of Sarajevo has ever achieved on this scoring list. It should be noted that in January 2018, the University of Sarajevo was ranked at 2039 position, and afterwards 2367.
“We have never stood better on Webmetrics ranking and I'm glad that all those who unjustifiably criticized us in the past have been wrong. In this regard, as a Rector, I would like to say that we will continue to work in the following year in full capacity to make the University of Sarajevo a more successful, efficient and more transparent institution”, stressed Prof. Škrijelj, University of Sarajevo Rector. The adoption of the Law on Higher Education, its rapid implementation, the University reorganization in 2018, Rector Škrijelj emphasized that very serious results have been achieved in the past two years.
“We have introduced new study programs, which is the primary task of the University of Sarajevo, and made many steps in the field of infrastructure strengthening. We are in the stage when the revision of the implementation project for the construction and equipping of the University Library should start, and active preparations are being made for tender procedures for the execution of construction works. The building of the Academy of Performing Arts is in the final phase of the completion of construction works and we expect that it should be operational next year. Also, at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, the reconstruction of the university swimming pool is completed. Recently, a collective agreement has been signed in the areas of higher education, which is the most important step in resolving the status of UNSA staff in the last 15 years,” said Rector Škrijelj, adding that University of Sarajevo ended business 2017 year with surplus.
Prof. Dr. Maida Čohodar Husić, Vice-Rector for Quality at the University of Sarajevo, stated that the current positioning of the University of Sarajevo represents a significant progress resulting from the efforts made by the University of Sarajevo management with its academic and non-academic staff led by Rector Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, and synergy from all 30 organizational units.
Prof. Dr. Aida Hodžić, Vice-Rector for Teaching stated that in this academic year the University of Sarajevo has ten new cutting edge study programs, created in cooperation with the labor market. “From this academic year, for the first time at the University of Sarajevo we have study programs for two-year professional studies and study programs for specialist studies” said Vice-Rector Hodžić, and informed attendees that in 2018/2019 approx. 4,500 students enrolled in the first year of the first cycle of studies, professional studies and integrated studies at the University of Sarajevo, which is about 600 more than in the previous year.
Dr. Elmedin Selmanović, University Teleinformation Center director, presented the work of UTIC and numerous projects that are being implemented, which are of importance to the University of Sarajevo, Canton and BiH, such as the development of the University of Sarajevo Information System, development of information system for primary and secondary schools, maintenance of .ba domain etc
Rector Škrijelj appealed to state authorities to invest in science if they wish to have respected universities providing quality education. “Investment in science and higher education are so minute that numbers can’t express them. This is the pivotal moment for establishing the fund for support and promotion of science in B&H” said Rector Škrijelj.