College education for 20 talented students in BiH

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

May - August 2026

Executive Summary:

The May-August period brought the close of the academic semester, a busy exam season, and a significant milestone: the reopening of Bosana's scholarship application process after a short hiatus. With 144 applications received, the Selection Committee is currently reviewing applications, and new scholarship recipients are expected to be announced by the end of September. The period also included one of Bosana's most cherished traditions, the annual team building gathering, this year held in Bihac, organized by scholarship recipients Almedina and Belmin. As we head into a new academic year, the entire Bosana team is energized by what lies ahead.

Scholarship Program Update:

June and July is reserved for final exams and our scholarship recipients are generally busy while trying to prepare for the exams and finalize their volunteer hours. Once the exams are over it is time for either summer exchange programs, seasonal work or just rest.

First week of August was reserved for Bosana Team Building, which was organized in Bihac by our local scholarship recipients, Almedina and Belmin. They have welcomed their colleagues from all over BiH.

Bosana has opened scholarship applications in the first two weeks of August, and we have received 144 applications. The scholarship is intended for full-time undergraduate students from Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2026/2027 academic year. In the second part of August and beginning of September, Scholarship Selection Committee is reviewing applications, the team will interview students with highest scores in the second week of September. We are hoping to finalize the entire process by the end of September and to announce new scholarship recipients. We are so very glad to receive new students after a short break.

Here’s a look at the achievements of our students, highlighting their dedication to academia and Bosana: 

• Mevlida, earned her degree in Medical Diagnostics from the University of Tuzla.
• Alma, earned her bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo.
• Elmir graduated from Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo. Elmir was also accepted in master’s program in Stockholm with full tuition waived.
• Vildana, last year's Bosana Best Student Award recipient, graduated from the Faculty of Medicine this year and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree.
• Amina earned her Bachelor of Music Arts degree with a specialization in Piano in July and will perform her own solo piano recital in Tuzla this Friday.
• Nejira, a pharmacy student at the University Dzemal Bijedic in Mostar, received the Dean’s Award, after passing all third-year exams with an outstanding GPA 9.00
• Lejla (Bosana alumna) and Azra (current scholarship recipient) have been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Women for Impact 2026 program, organised by ERKON with funding and support from EIT Urban Mobility. The program is designed to empower women to become community leaders and develop sustainable local initiatives. It includes a five-day residential component in Lovran, Croatia, from September 14 to 18, 2026.

 Bosana Team Building 2026 — Bihac

Nineteen students and several members of the Bosana staff travelled to Bihac for this year's annual team building gathering. Given the distance to the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a long journey for many participants, the first day was kept relaxed, with informal workshops by the river on the outskirts of town, surrounded by nature.

The second and main day was centered on rafting the river Una, an adventure that was met with enthusiasm by the entire group. In the evening, students came together to prepare and share a meal, and the conversation that followed was just as nourishing as the food. Students exchanged stories about their academic journeys, shared insights about different fields of study, and discussed opportunities for professional development. Every student arrives at Bosana with a different path behind them, and these conversations have a meaningful impact, helping students reflect on their own journey, learn from one another, and perhaps clarify their next steps.

On the final day, the group visited the city of Bihac for coffee and lunch, a few last hours together before everyone departed to their respective cities across BiH.These gatherings are always deeply rewarding, for the Bosana team, who rarely gets the opportunity to connect with students outside of virtual communication, and equally for the students themselves, who get to meet peers they otherwise only know through a screen. It is a time to have fun, build genuine friendships, and recharge before the demands of the new academic year begin.

Students for Humanity update:

"Students for Humanity" is a collaborative fund established by Bosana Foundation scholarship recipients. Each student contributes 2 KM per month, with Bosana matching every contribution. The initiative draws participation from both current and former students, significantly amplifying the reach and impact of this community-driven effort.

In the past few months, the fund supported two individuals in need.

The first case was brought forward by a Bosana alumna, who identified a fellow student at her university struggling to cover essential semester expenses, including tuition, books, and course materials. Her recommendation led to timely support that allowed the student to continue her studies without interruption.

The second case involved a current Bosana scholarship recipient who is graduating and transitioning to a Master's program abroad. While he was awarded full tuition coverage by the receiving university, the initial housing costs in a new country presented a significant financial burden. The Students for Humanity fund provided bridging support to ease this transition while he secures a scholarship and part-time employment to cover ongoing living expenses.

Both cases reflect the spirit at the heart of this initiative, students who have received support recognizing the need around them and choosing to give back.