The WPS Summer School 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a unique, fully funded academic internship opportunity for students passionate about gender equality, peacebuilding, and security. Hosted at the prestigious University of Sarajevo from 22-26 September 2025, this five-day summer school focuses on empowering youth and women in post-conflict societies through comprehensive theoretical and practical learning. Below is a detailed, SEO-friendly guide to everything you need to know about this internship, curated for clarity and human readability.
Basic Information About the WPS Summer School 2025 Internships
- Host Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Location: University of Sarajevo
- Duration: 5 days (22-26 September 2025)
- Application Deadline: 12 August 2025
- Program Name: Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Summer School
- Funding: Fully funded – covers airfare, accommodation, meals, and tuition
- Target Audience: University-level students from undergraduate to doctoral levels, especially those from the Western Balkan region, but open globally
University/Institution Details
The University of Sarajevo is the flagship public university in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering a rich academic environment with 28 faculties and a student population exceeding 30,000. It is renowned for programs in social sciences, political science, criminology, and security studies—all key to the WPS Summer School’s curriculum.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also hosts other notable universities including the University of Mostar, University of Banja Luka, and University of Tuzla, contributing to the country’s strong educational infrastructure.
Study Areas
The WPS Summer School focuses on:
- Gender Studies
- Security Studies
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Political Science
- Law and Criminology
- Youth and Women’s roles in post-conflict societies
WPS Summer School Benefits
This fully funded WPS Summer School offers exceptional benefits that set it apart:
- Airfare tickets to and from Bosnia and Herzegovina are covered
- Accommodation in Sarajevo for the program duration
- Meals provided throughout the five-day program
- Tuition and program fees included, with no cost to participants
- Expert-led workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions
- Networking opportunities with professionals and peers engaged in peace and security sectors
- Certificate of completion from the University of Sarajevo
Benefits Not Included
- Personal expenses outside the program schedule
- Visa fees (if applicable, although the program can offer support)
- Travel insurance (participants may need to arrange independently)
- Financial support beyond the program’s duration
Eligibility Criteria for the WPS Summer School
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a university-level program (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral)
- Preferred academic backgrounds include criminology, law, political science, gender studies, or related fields
- Passion for peacebuilding, gender equality, and post-conflict security studies
- Open to international applicants, with priority given to those from the Western Balkan region
- English language proficiency to engage fully in the program (the program is delivered in English without translation)
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants should prepare to submit:
- A completed online application form
- Proof of current university enrollment or recent graduation details
- CV or resume highlighting academic background and interests
- Personal statement or motivation letter explaining interest in WPS and peacebuilding
- Academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted)
- Any additional documents requested on the official application platform
WPS Summer School Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official WPS Summer School webpage at the University of Sarajevo or the designated site: summerschool.ba
- Locate the Women, Peace, and Security Summer School section
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details
- Attach required documents such as proof of enrollment, CV, and motivational letter
- Submit the application prior to the deadline on 12 August 2025
- Wait for selection notification from the organizers, who evaluate based on merit and interest in the subject
- Once selected, receive detailed instructions about travel, accommodation, and program participation
- Prepare for your internship experience in Sarajevo with pre-program materials and networking opportunities
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Demonstrate a clear passion for gender equality, peacebuilding, and security topics in your motivation letter.
- Highlight relevant academic and extracurricular experiences.
- Ensure your documents, especially transcripts and CV, are up to date.
- Seek recommendations or endorsements if requested.
- Pay close attention to grammatical accuracy and clarity in your application.
- Connect with past participants or program alumni to gain insight into the process.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Bosnia and Herzegovina
For students extending their stay or seeking to understand living costs, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers affordable options:
- Accommodation: $110 to $170 per month depending on location and amenities
- Food: Basic groceries are inexpensive; for example, a liter of milk costs about $0.50, and dining out ranges from $4 to $8 per meal
- Transportation: Public transport costs are low, with maximum fares around $16 monthly; taxis for short distances average $25
- Utilities and Internet: Approximately $70-$100 monthly combined
- Other: Coffee in cafes averages $1.50, and entertainment expenses such as cinema tickets cost roughly $4
Overall, monthly living expenses typically range around $400 to $700, making Sarajevo a cost-effective study destination for international students.
Why Choose This Internship?
Choosing the WPS Summer School 2025 internship in Bosnia and Herzegovina means:
- Immersing yourself in a culturally rich, historically significant post-conflict country that exemplifies real-world challenges in peacebuilding
- Learning from expert academics and UN-backed professionals in a vibrant university setting
- Gaining practical and theoretical knowledge that is immediately applicable in both academic and professional peace and security careers
- Obtaining a prestigious, fully funded program experience that covers all major expenses, removing financial barriers
- Building an international network with likeminded young leaders committed to social justice and gender equality
- Receiving a certificate recognized by the University of Sarajevo and associated UN bodies, bolstering your resume
- Having access to unique field visits, workshops, and case studies focused on gender, youth empowerment, and security policy
- Contributing to the global Women, Peace, and Security agenda with tangible skills and knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions About the WPS Summer School Internship
Q1: Who can apply for the WPS Summer School 2025?
A1: University students at any level worldwide can apply, with priority given to candidates from the Western Balkans.
Q2: Is there an application fee?
A2: No, the program is fully funded with no application fee.
Q3: What is covered under the fully funded benefits?
A3: Airfare, accommodation, meals, and tuition fees are all fully covered.
Q4: What fields of study are preferred?
A4: Criminology, Security Studies, Law, Political Science, Gender Studies, and related fields.
Q5: What is the application deadline?
A5: Applications close on 12 August 2025.
Q6: Will the program be delivered in English?
A6: Yes, all sessions are conducted in English with no simultaneous translation.
Q7: What documents do I need to apply?
A7: Completed application form, university enrollment proof, CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts.
Q8: Are there internship opportunities within the program?
A8: The summer school itself functions as an educational internship experience, with practical tasks and networking.
Official Link:
The WPS Summer School 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a standout opportunity for students eager to engage deeply with pressing global issues around gender, peace, and security in a fully funded and professionally enriching environment. Apply early, prepare well, and embark on a transformative academic journey in Sarajevo this September.
If you are committed to being a change-maker in peacebuilding and gender equality, this internship offers unparalleled resources, support, and learning—all set in one of Southeast Europe’s most dynamic cities.