Gathering Held: Support for Mental Health in Higher Education: Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities

Sarajevo, 15 December  2025 – A gathering titled Support for Mental Health in Higher Education: Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities was held at the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo, organized by the Office for Student Support at the University of Sarajevo (UPS!UNSA). The event was part of the Festive December Days of the University of Sarajevo.

The gathering brought together numerous participants – students, therapists working with students to protect and improve mental health, supervisors supporting therapists in their work with students, teaching staff, representatives of partner institutions and non-governmental organizations, representatives from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Canton Sarajevo, representatives of the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo, and representatives of the Office for Student Support at the University of Sarajevo. The discussion focused on identifying key needs and challenges faced by students regarding mental health, recognizing obstacles in developing systemic support mechanisms, and exploring possibilities and strategies for enhancing support within the higher education environment.

Participants shared experiences regarding previous approaches, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and ongoing professional support for students through available services. A special focus was placed on destigmatizing mental health and the need to raise awareness about accessible support resources, as well as on the role of institutions and organizations in empowering the student community.

The gathering confirmed the need for further collaboration, exchange of best practices, and development of policies that will further promote, protect, and improve mental health in higher education, thereby affirming the University of Sarajevo as a space that actively promotes student well-being and encourages open dialogue on important social issues.