Study abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte) is not listed by the European Commission. The social security agreement with Germany covers health insurance, including cash and benefits in kind during maternity. The University of Sarajevo requires insurance that covers health and life risks during your stay. For a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days you need no visa. For longer stays a residence permit is required.
Study abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina at a glance
| Item | Details (as of October 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance | The EHIC is not on the EU list. The agreement covers health insurance, including cash and benefits in kind during maternity | European Commission, German Liaison Agency for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) |
| Visa | No visa for up to 90 days within six months. For longer stays a residence permit is needed. The German Federal Foreign Office does not state when or where to apply | German Federal Foreign Office |
| Insurance requirement | Insurance for health and life risks in Sarajevo, proof needed for the residence permit | University of Sarajevo, information sheet 2026/27 |
| Tuition and living costs | No sourced figure. The information sheets refer to a university budget page that we could not access | University of Sarajevo |
| Study abroad grant (Auslands-BAföG) | Possible under the prior-year rule (at least one year of study in Germany). Responsible office according to DSW: Studierendenwerk Marburg | German Student Services (DSW), flyer as of January 2026 |
All details are general information, not individual advice. The linked official pages are authoritative.
How are you insured in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The European Commission does not list Bosnia and Herzegovina among the countries where the EHIC applies. The German Liaison Agency for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) names health insurance under the agreement, including cash and benefits in kind during maternity. The page mentions neither emergency benefits in kind nor certificates. It was last updated on 7 February 2025. Clarify the scope with your health insurer (Krankenkasse) before departure.
The German Federal Foreign Office recommends health cover abroad with repatriation insurance and points out that medical care is not yet comparable with EU standards. Your insurance should cover an air ambulance flight to Germany. The University of Sarajevo also requires insurance for health and life risks during your stay, and you need proof of it for your residence permit.
Do you need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The German Federal Foreign Office states that German citizens need no visa for stays of up to 90 days within six months. For a stay of more than 90 days you need a residence permit. The page does not say when and where to apply for it. The University of Sarajevo points out that obtaining a visa takes a long time and that deadlines must be met. Its nomination deadlines are 15 October for the summer semester and 15 April for the winter semester, in each case with a visa.
What does a study abroad semester in Bosnia and Herzegovina cost?
We found no sourced Erasmus+ fee waiver. According to the European Commission, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a non-associated third country of the Western Balkans region, which can take part only in certain actions. The University of Sarajevo names no tuition fees for exchange students and no living costs in its information sheet. It refers to a budget page that we could not access, so we give no amounts.
Auslands-BAföG can be funded for a partial study period, but only under the conditions for countries outside the EU and Switzerland. According to the DSW flyer (status January 2026), you must have studied at least one year in Germany beforehand. The responsible office is the Studierendenwerk Marburg. Details are in the guide Auslands-BAföG: eligibility, amounts and supplements (in German).
How to prepare before you leave
- Have your health insurer confirm in writing what protection it provides during your stay.
- Take out travel health insurance with repatriation cover that includes an air ambulance flight to Germany.
- Find out which insurance the University of Sarajevo requires and get proof for your residence permit.
- Plan your visa early. The University of Sarajevo’s nomination deadlines are 15 October for the summer semester and 15 April for the winter semester.
- Check that your passport is valid for your entire stay and review the entry rules on the German Federal Foreign Office page.
- Apply for Auslands-BAföG at the Studierendenwerk Marburg in good time.
- Ask your host university for its budget for exchange students.
Frequently asked questions
Does my European Health Insurance Card work in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
No. It is not on the European Commission’s list. The social security agreement with Germany covers health insurance, but check the scope with your health insurer.
Do I need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Not for stays of up to 90 days within six months. For a longer stay you need a residence permit.
Do I have to pay tuition fees in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
We found no sourced figure. Ask your university and the University of Sarajevo before you accept the place.
Can I get Auslands-BAföG for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Possibly, for a partial study period under the conditions for countries outside the EU and Switzerland. The responsible office is the Studierendenwerk Marburg.
Sources
- German Federal Foreign Office, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Travel and Security Information (page status 25 October 2026)
- European Commission, FAQ on social security: European Health Insurance Card (undated)
- German Liaison Agency for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA), scope for Bosnia and Herzegovina (last updated 7 February 2025)
- European Commission, Erasmus+ Programme Guide: Eligible countries (undated)
- University of Sarajevo, Erasmus+ Fact Sheet 2026/2027 (undated)
- German Student Services, Auslands-BAföG flyer (status January 2026)
Sources accessed on 25 October 2026, unless stated otherwise.
Related guides
- Health insurance during a study abroad semester: what applies? (in German)
- Travel health insurance for Erasmus, USA and Work and Travel (in German)
- Auslands-BAföG: eligibility, amounts and supplements (in German)
- All countries for your study abroad semester at a glance (in German)
You can find the online check at check.academycon.de.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
