In accordance with the Bologna Process and the applicable Law on Higher Education, third cycle studies represent the standard pathway for acquiring the scientific title of Doctor of Science (PhD). During third cycle studies, students acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies through participation in teaching, research, and the independent implementation of scientific research, as well as qualifications for a further research career. Third cycle studies are important for the development of an academic career, but also for responding to labor market needs, as research and innovation constitute a fundamental driver of economic and social development.
Doctor of Science represents the highest scientific degree awarded at the University of East Sarajevo. Upon the defense of a doctoral dissertation, the scientific title of Doctor of Science in the relevant scientific field is acquired. The promotion of Doctors of Science is a public ceremonial act by which the Rector of the University of East Sarajevo publicly proclaims a candidate who has defended a doctoral dissertation to be a Doctor of Science in a specific field.
Third cycle studies are conducted following completion of second cycle academic studies or integrated studies, last three years, and are valued at a minimum of 180 ECTS credits (each year of study is valued at 60 ECTS credits).
Information regarding enrollment in third cycle studies is published through the Call for Enrollment issued by the University for each academic year on its official website. An overview of third cycle study programs is available on the University’s website, as well as on the websites of individual faculties/academies/institutes.
The Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska annually publishes Calls for Scholarships for students of all three cycles of studies, including the third cycle. In addition, a particularly significant source of support is the “Dr. Milan Jelić” Fund, which issues calls for the second and third cycles of studies (the conditions, number, and amount of scholarships depend on the call for the specific academic year). For example, for the 2025/26 academic year, the scholarship for the third cycle amounts to BAM 10,000 (allocated by scientific fields).
The Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska also publishes a call for co-financing the preparation of final works of third cycle academic studies, i.e., doctoral dissertations. Furthermore, the competent Ministry publishes a call for co-financing scientific research projects, which may be used for the preparation of a doctoral dissertation. Detailed information on application procedures, required documentation, as well as a list of previously approved national scientific research projects by constituent units, is available on the University’s website.
The rules governing studies in the third cycle, the preparation of the dissertation, the conditions for acquiring the title of Doctor of Science, and other relevant matters are regulated by the Rulebook on Studies in the Third Cycle (December 27, 2019), the Rulebook on Amendments to the Rulebook on Studies in the Third Cycle at the University of East Sarajevo (November 3, 2021), the Rulebook on the Supplement to the Rulebook on Studies in the Third Cycle at the University of East Sarajevo (November 4, 2022), the Rulebook on Amendments and Supplements to the Rulebook on Studies in the Third Cycle at the University of East Sarajevo (September 21, 2024), and the Rulebook on Amendments and Supplements to the Rulebook on Studies in the Third Cycle at the University of East Sarajevo (September 22, 2025).
The verification of originality and the use of plagiarism detection software are regulated by the Rulebook on the Use of Plagiarism Detection Software at the University of East Sarajevo. The verification is applied as a measure for safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring compliance with citation and source referencing rules, while the procedure and competencies (who initiates the verification, the manner of submitting the report, and further steps) are regulated by the aforementioned Rulebook.
Yes, the electronic version of a defended doctoral dissertation shall be deposited in the Digital Repository of Doctoral Dissertations of the University of East Sarajevo, in accordance with the Rulebook on the Digital Repository of Doctoral Dissertations Defended at the University of East Sarajevo. This Rulebook defines the manner of deposit, the permanent preservation of the dissertation, and the accompanying documentation (e.g., author’s statements and other required annexes).