400 Students Graduate from IUS University; The Fruit of Cooperation Between Turkish and Bosnian Entrepreneurs

18th Graduation Ceremony in the Heart of Sarajevo On June 26, 2026, the campus of the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted one of the largest graduation ceremonies in its history. In this event, attended by families, professors, and high-ranking officials, the 18th generation of the university's students received their diplomas [1]. This event is not only an academic success but also a symbol of the continuity of strategic cooperation between Turkish and Bosnia-Herzegovinian entrepreneurs who founded this educational institution in 2004. Over its two decades of activity, the university has become one of the important scientific hubs in the Balkan region.

Graduate Statistics and International Programs In the 2026 academic year, nearly 400 students graduated from various faculties. According to official statistics presented at the ceremony, this number includes 294 undergraduate graduates, 42 at the master's level, and 6 at the doctoral level [1]. Additionally, 8 students successfully completed the "Double Diploma" program; a program implemented in cooperation with prestigious universities such as Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Istanbul University. This program allows students to spend half of their studies in Sarajevo and the other half in Turkey, receiving two valid degrees, which is a clear example of international student mobility [2].

Officials' Speeches: Emphasis on Cultural and Scientific Bonds Emin Akseki, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Sarajevo, congratulated the graduates during the ceremony and emphasized the importance of the international spirit of IUS. He noted that this university has created a strong bridge between the two countries and its graduates will be cultural ambassadors to the world [1]. Professor Dr. Alı Osman Kuşakcı, the Rector of the university, also referred to educational developments in his speech, stating that IUS is now moving towards skill-based educational models and links with industry. He emphasized that in the era of Artificial Intelligence, the university focuses on practical training so that graduates are fully prepared to enter the global labor market [2].

Entrepreneurs' Legacy for Balkan Development The International University of Sarajevo was founded by the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF). Hasan Topaloğlu, the President of this foundation, mentioned on the sidelines of the ceremony that the purpose of establishing this university by entrepreneurs was to create a center for scientific and ethical excellence in the region [2]. Today, IUS, with European standards and a multicultural environment, attracts students from dozens of countries worldwide. The success of this year's graduates demonstrates the realization of the vision outlined 20 years ago by Turkish and Bosnian founders to make Sarajevo once again a center for knowledge exchange in Europe.