Student Support Office – University of Sarajevo

The Student Support Office at the University of Sarajevo plays a central role in promoting inclusive higher education by ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility for all students, with particular attention to students with disabilities. The Office is committed to creating a supportive, safe, and accessible learning environment through an individualized approach to academic support and study planning and continuous development of support services. Its work integrates academic, psychological, legal, and technical support, contributing to both student wellbeing and the overall quality of education.

Key Services

The Student Support Office provides a wide range of services aimed at enabling full participation in academic and social aspects of university life:

• Assistance in choosing study programmes and academic pathways
• Support in improving access to education and study conditions
• Ensuring that students’ rights and individual needs are recognized and supported
• Psychological counselling and mental health support
• Providing information and guidance on available services and opportunities
• Continuous improvement of the study experience for students with disabilities
• Organization and delivery of training for academic and administrative staff
• Participation in research activities related to inclusion and student support
• Contribution to the development and improvement of legal and institutional frameworks related to education

Specialized Support Structure

The Office operates through several specialized departments that provide targeted support:

• Legal Support Department
• Psychological Counselling Department
• Department for Students with Disabilities
• Career Counselling Department
• Assistive Technology Department
• VolunteerService Department

Individualized Study Support

A key component of the Office’s work is the individualization of the study process, ensuring that each student receives support tailored to their specific needs. This includes:

• Extended exam duration and adapted assessment methods
• Flexible teaching and examination arrangements, including online participation where appropriate
• Support from teaching assistants
• Adjustments to attendance and participation requirements
• Additional consultations and academic support
• Adaptation of study materials (e.g. PDF, audio, large print, screen-reader compatible formats)
• Use of assistive technologies in teaching and learning
• Individualized study and examination plans
• Adjustments to teaching methods and pace of learning
• Possibility of temporary suspension of studies or extended administrative deadlines

Through these measures, the University of Sarajevo demonstrates its commitment to inclusive education by ensuring that inclusion is not merely a formal principle, but a practice actively embedded in everyday academic life, supporting student success, autonomy, and equal participation in higher education.