Engineering and IT guide 2026
Engineering, IT and computer science degrees in English
Every English-taught engineering, IT, architecture, data science and game programme in Bosnia, with fees, careers and our advice.
Five state-accredited universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina teach engineering, IT, architecture, data science or game development fully in English, with tuition from €1,534 to €10,000 a year.
- Universities: IUS, Burch, SSST, University of Sarajevo, University of East Sarajevo
- English-taught bachelor programmes: 17 in engineering, IT and design
- Lowest tuition: €1,534 a year (Data Science and AI)
- Typical private tuition: €5,100 to 8,000 a year
- Degree length: 3 or 4 years, 180 or 240 ECTS
- Main city: Sarajevo, with campuses in Ilidža and the centre
- Living costs: approx. €450 to 750 a month
- Academic year: starts in September or October
Last updated: 20 October 2026 · Study in Bosnia editorial team
Can you study engineering in Bosnia in English?
Yes. You can study engineering in Bosnia in English at five state-accredited universities, four of them in Sarajevo and one with campuses in East Sarajevo and Zvornik. Together they run 17 English-taught bachelor programmes in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineering, architecture and game development. Tuition ranges from €1,534 a year at the public University of Sarajevo to €10,000 a year for game design at a private university.
Places are awarded independent of your high-school grades, and every degree follows the Bologna system with ECTS credits. That matters later: if you want to move on to a master's in Germany, the Netherlands or Austria, your credits are counted in the same currency as everyone else's.
What we see in practice: most of our engineering and IT students do not pick Bosnia because it is cheap, although it is. They pick it because a computer science degree in English at €6,000 a year, in a capital where a room costs €250, leaves them enough money to finish without debt, and because Sarajevo has a real software industry where they can work part of the week before they graduate.
All English-taught engineering and IT programmes at a glance
The table lists every English-taught bachelor programme in engineering, IT, architecture, data science and game development that we can confirm for 2026/27, with the international tuition per year. "On request" means the university sets the fee per intake; we send you the current figure in writing before you apply. You can also filter all programmes by field and language in our university finder.
| Programme | University | Years / ECTS | Tuition per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Sciences and Engineering | International University of Sarajevo (IUS) | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €6,000 |
| Software Engineering | IUS | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €6,600 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering | IUS | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €6,600 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | IUS | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €6,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | IUS | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €5,400 |
| Architecture | IUS | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €6,600 |
| Information Technology | International Burch University (IBU) | 3 to 4 years / 180 to 240 ECTS | approx. €5,100 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | IBU | 3 to 4 years / 180 to 240 ECTS | approx. €5,100 |
| Civil Engineering | IBU | 3 to 4 years / 180 to 240 ECTS | approx. €5,100 |
| Architecture | IBU | 4 years / 240 ECTS | approx. €5,100 |
| Game and Interaction Design | IBU | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €10,000 |
| Computer Science (dual degree with the University of Buckingham) | Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €8,000 |
| Information Systems (dual degree with the University of Buckingham) | SSST | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €8,000 |
| Game Development and Design (dual degree with the University of Buckingham) | SSST | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €7,800 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | University of Sarajevo (Faculty of Electrical Engineering) | 3 years / 180 ECTS | €1,534 |
| Electrical Engineering | University of East Sarajevo (East Sarajevo) | 4 years / 240 ECTS | on request |
| Chemical Engineering and Technology | University of East Sarajevo (Zvornik) | 4 years / 240 ECTS | €2,000 |
International tuition 2026/27. KM fees converted at 1 € = 1.95583 KM. Burch structures some programmes as 3 or 4 years; we confirm the model for your intake.
The five universities in detail
Each university has its own character. The short version: IUS has the widest engineering choice, Burch is the most affordable private option with strong design programmes, SSST is the smallest and most British in style, the University of Sarajevo is the budget pick for data science, and East Sarajevo is the low-cost route into classic engineering.
International University of Sarajevo (IUS)Ilidža, Sarajevo · 6 engineering programmes · €5,400 to 6,600 a year+
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Programmes
- Computer Sciences and Engineering, Software Engineering, AI and Data Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture
- Teaching language
- English, with an optional English preparatory year (€5,000)
- Campus
- Large campus in Ilidža with its own dormitories
IUS is the place for students who want the widest choice under one roof: six engineering and IT programmes sit in the same faculty, with shared labs and a common grounding in mathematics, physics and programming. The student body is one of the most international in the country, with a large group from Turkey.
International Burch University (IBU)Ilidža, Sarajevo · IT, engineering, architecture, game design · from approx. €5,100 a year+
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering, Natural and Medical Sciences
- Programmes
- Information Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Game and Interaction Design
- Teaching language
- English
- Scholarships
- Partial and full tuition exemptions for high achievers; the average scholarship covers 50% of the fee
Burch charges about €5,100 a year (10,000 KM) for most engineering programmes, which makes it the cheapest private English-taught option in Sarajevo. Game and Interaction Design sits at €10,000 and attracts students who want to build games and interfaces rather than study theory first.
Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST)Ilidža, Sarajevo · dual UK degree · €7,800 to 8,000 a year+
- Programmes
- Computer Science, Information Systems, Game Development and Design
- Degree
- Dual degree from SSST and the University of Buckingham
- Extras
- Tuition includes required course materials and books
- Master's
- MSc Computer Science with a focus on Big Data, MSc Information Systems
SSST is small, so professors know every student by name. The British dual degree is the main draw for students who plan a master's in the UK or Western Europe. Game Development and Design is one of the few programmes in the region that teaches engines, programming and game art in one degree.
University of Sarajevo, Data Science and AICampus on Zmaja od Bosne · 3 years · €1,534 a year+
- Faculty
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, with courses from the Faculties of Economics, Law and Philosophy
- Degree
- Bachelor of Engineering, 3 years
- Teaching language
- English
- Tuition
- 3,000 KM, about €1,534 a year for international students
This is the newest and cheapest English-taught IT degree in the country, launched in 2024 at the largest public university. It covers machine learning, mathematics, data engineering and the legal and ethical side of AI. Expect a demanding maths load and a public-university style of teaching: big lecture halls, independent work, and a lot depends on you.
University of East SarajevoEast Sarajevo and Zvornik · electrical and chemical engineering · from €2,000 a year+
- Programmes
- Electrical Engineering (East Sarajevo), Chemical Engineering and Technology (Zvornik)
- Tuition
- €2,000 a year in Zvornik, Electrical Engineering on request
- Status
- Public university and our official partner
East Sarajevo suits students who want a classic engineering education at public-university fees. Groups in the English tracks are small, and Zvornik on the Drina is a quiet town with living costs well below Sarajevo.
Study computer science in Bosnia: which degree fits you?
Computer science in Bosnia comes in four flavours: a broad computer engineering degree, software engineering, data science and AI, and information systems. They overlap in year one and split later.
- Computer Sciences and Engineering (IUS) or Computer Science (SSST): algorithms, systems, networks and hardware basics. The safest choice if you are unsure.
- Software Engineering (IUS) or Information Technology (Burch): more projects, teamwork, testing and product work. Good for students who want to code for clients from year two.
- AI and Data Engineering (IUS) or Data Science and AI (University of Sarajevo): heavier on statistics and linear algebra. Choose it only if you enjoy maths.
- Information Systems (SSST): the bridge between IT and business, close to what consulting firms and banks hire for.
Architecture, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering
For the classic engineering fields, Sarajevo offers more choice than most people expect. Architecture runs in English at both IUS and Burch, civil engineering at Burch, mechanical engineering at IUS, and electrical engineering at IUS, Burch and East Sarajevo. Chemical engineering in English is taught in Zvornik.
A practical note for architects: in most European countries, the professional title requires a master's after the bachelor plus practical experience. Plan for the 4+1 or 4+2 route from the start, and keep a strong portfolio from studio projects in Sarajevo, a city where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, socialist and post-war architecture stand on the same street.
Game development and design
Two universities teach game development in English: SSST with Game Development and Design (€7,800 a year, dual UK degree) and Burch with Game and Interaction Design (€10,000 a year). SSST leans towards programming and engines; Burch leans towards interaction, user experience and visual design. Sarajevo has a small but active game scene of indie studios and outsourcing teams, and both programmes build a portfolio through studio-style projects.
Software engineering in Bosnia: the job market and the IT outsourcing scene
Software engineering in Bosnia is an export business. Most IT companies in Sarajevo build software for foreign clients, and the sector has grown every year for more than a decade. The clients sit mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Nordic countries, the UK and the USA.
The scene has three parts:
- Outsourcing and product development: software houses building web, mobile and enterprise systems for foreign clients, many of them in or around the HUB387 tech park in Sarajevo.
- Business process outsourcing: customer support, data and back-office centres that hire English speakers and other language speakers, a sector that keeps hiring graduates every year.
- Remote work and freelancing: a large share of senior developers work as contractors for Western companies.
Salaries follow the export logic. The average net wage in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was 1,714 KM, about €876, in June 2026, and IT is one of the best-paid sectors. Senior developers in Sarajevo earn well above that average, and cloud and DevOps skills add a clear premium. For international graduates, the local market is mainly a place to gain the first two or three years of experience at a low cost of living; staying on to work after graduation depends on your nationality and a work permit, which we check case by case.
Internships during your studies
Internships are where Bosnia gives IT students an edge over many cheaper destinations. Because the software industry sits in the same city as the universities, a summer internship or a part-time junior role in year three is a short tram ride away. Typical internships last four to twelve weeks, many companies run their own academies for students, and some interns are hired before they graduate.
Two pieces of advice from our side. First, start building a GitHub portfolio in year one; Sarajevo companies hire on what you can show, not on grades. Second, check what your residence permit allows before you sign anything paid. Rules for working during studies depend on your permit, and we clarify this for your case together with the university.
How much does it cost to study engineering in Bosnia?
Studying engineering in Bosnia costs between about €21,000 and €68,000 for the whole bachelor, tuition and living costs included. The spread comes almost entirely from tuition: the public University of Sarajevo charges €1,534 a year, private universities €5,100 to €10,000. Living costs in Sarajevo run at about €450 to 750 a month. Our guides to tuition fees in Bosnia and the cost of living in Sarajevo break both down in detail.
| Example | Duration | Tuition total | Living costs total | Total budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science and AI, University of Sarajevo | 3 years | €4,602 | €16,200 to 23,400 | approx. €21,000 to 28,000 |
| Computer Sciences and Engineering, IUS | 4 years | €24,000 | €24,000 to 33,600 | approx. €48,000 to 58,000 |
| Computer Science, SSST | 4 years | €32,000 | €26,400 to 36,000 | approx. €58,000 to 68,000 |
Living costs calculated for 12 months a year. Add one-off costs for translations, the residence permit and health insurance.
If you are comparing Bosnia with its neighbours, our comparison Bosnia vs Serbia vs Bulgaria puts fees and living costs side by side, and the guide to scholarships in Bosnia lists the discounts private universities give.
Which profile fits which university?
Data Science and AI at the University of Sarajevo, or chemical engineering in Zvornik.
IUS, with six engineering and IT programmes in one faculty.
Game and Interaction Design or Architecture at Burch, or Game Development at SSST.
The dual Buckingham degree at SSST.
Visa, recognition and the next step
Most international students need a temporary residence permit for education, and some need a visa before they travel; our guide to the student visa for Bosnia explains both. Engineering and IT degrees from state-accredited universities are recognised through the normal procedure in each country, which we cover in degree recognition. Only apply to state-accredited institutions; our article on non-accredited universities in Bosnia shows why. If you are also considering medicine, our sister company covers it in its guide to medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study engineering in Bosnia in English?
Yes. Five state-accredited universities teach engineering, IT, architecture, data science or game development in English: IUS, International Burch University, SSST, the University of Sarajevo and the University of East Sarajevo. Together they offer 17 English-taught bachelor programmes.
What is the cheapest IT degree in Bosnia in English?
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Sarajevo costs about €1,534 a year (3,000 KM) for international students. It is a three-year Bachelor of Engineering taught at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Chemical Engineering and Technology in Zvornik follows at €2,000 a year.
How much does computer science cost in Bosnia?
Computer science in English costs about €5,100 a year at Burch, €6,000 at IUS and €8,000 at SSST. With living costs of €450 to 750 a month in Sarajevo, a four-year degree costs roughly €48,000 to 68,000 in total at a private university.
Are engineering degrees from Bosnia recognised in Europe?
Degrees from state-accredited universities follow the Bologna system with ECTS credits and are recognised through the normal procedure of each country. That makes a master's in the EU after a Bosnian bachelor straightforward for most students. Regulated titles such as architect or chartered engineer need additional steps in the destination country.
Can I work in IT while studying in Sarajevo?
Many students do internships or part-time junior work in Sarajevo's software companies from year two or three. Whether paid work is allowed depends on your residence permit. We clarify this for your case before you accept an offer.
Is there an English preparatory year for engineering students?
Yes. IUS offers an English preparatory year for €5,000 and Burch an English preparatory programme for about €5,100. Students whose English is not yet at university level take it before the first year of their degree.
Do I need top high-school grades to study IT in Bosnia?
No. Places are awarded independent of your high-school grades, and there is no central quota system. Each university sets its own process, and we check the current requirements for your programme before you apply.
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