Assistant Minister for Higher Education Jelena Starčević spoke at the opening of the "Open Days" event at the University of Banja Luka, emphasising that this event is a useful and effective way to attract students and present what the University has to offer.
"We offer free studies across all study programmes, quotas are high, and there is a strong possibility that prospective students will be state-funded. We also provide free accommodation for future students who are not from Banja Luka," Starčević said.
She added that the Science and Technology Park will serve as an incubator for business ideas and a place where the business community and faculties will connect.
"The essence is the development of innovative ideas that will serve the economy and market development," Starčević added.
The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Radoslav Gajanin, said that during the Open Days all faculties will have the opportunity to present their study programmes and give high school graduates a chance to learn more about the faculties they are interested in.
Gajanin stated that graduates will be able to visit any faculty and see what they offer.
"Public universities of the Republic of Srpska provide quality education and competencies," Gajanin said.
He noted that the University plans to enrol around 2,600 students this year.
"When it comes to new study programmes, the Faculty of Philology offers a programme in Serbian for foreigners. In addition, many faculties are interested in launching programmes in English. We are already in negotiations with several faculties," Gajanin said.
Speaking about the Science and Technology Park of the Republic of Srpska, Gajanin said it will be a place where the academic community and the economy will participate together.
The President of the Student Parliament of the University of Banja Luka, Ana Sibinčić, said that more than 1,500 high school graduates are attending the opening of the Open Days.
"Our task today is to encourage them to study in the Republic of Srpska," Sibinčić said.
The President of the Student Union of the Republic of Srpska, Nikola Šobot, said that the goal of the event is to gather all high school graduates from Srpska, present the University's faculties, and make it easier for them to choose their academic path.