The Government of the Republic of Srpska has decided to increase the budget for student scholarships across all three study cycles by more than one million BAM from the next academic year, said Assistant Minister for Higher Education Jelena Starčević.

"The budget has been increased from 2,130,000 BAM to 3,195,000 BAM. This means that each of the 1,065 students will receive 300 BAM, which is 100 BAM more than before. We hope this will make studying easier," said Starčević, who attended a formal reception at the University of Banja Luka marking the Day of the Republic of Srpska and the feast of Saint Sava.

Starčević also recalled that tuition and accommodation are free of charge in the Republic of Srpska, and that scholarships awarded through the "Dr. Milan Jelić" Fund have also been increased.

"Until now, the total fund amounted to 750,000 BAM, and from the next academic year it will be 1,125,000 BAM. For students in the Republic of Srpska, the amount will increase from 400 BAM to 600 BAM. For the region, it will rise from 500 BAM to 700 BAM. For students abroad, instead of 800 BAM, 900 BAM will be awarded," Starčević specified.

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Radoslav Gajanin, pointed out that today is a significant day for the institution as well as for education as a whole, given that the reception was organised both in honour of Saint Sava and The Republic of Srpska Day.

"I would like to congratulate all members of the academic community on their school patron saint's day. I also congratulate and wish a happy birthday to the Republic of Srpska. The University of Banja Luka traditionally brings these two celebrations together," said Gajanin.