The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, stated today in Foča that construction of the simulation and administrative centre of the Faculty of Medicine and the second pavilion of the Student Centre "Boriša Starović" will begin this year, with a total value of 30,000,000 BAM.
Following visits to the Student Centre, faculties and the Theological Seminary, Minister Mastilović said that the Government of the Republic of Srpska will contribute 4.8 million BAM towards the construction of the simulation and administrative centre of the Faculty of Medicine, while the Faculty itself will provide 2 million BAM.
He noted that the second pavilion of the Student Centre "Borisha Starović" will be financed with 25 million BAM, and that construction is planned to begin this year, with completion expected in 2028.
Minister Mastilović emphasised that higher education institutions in Foča are of great importance for the University of Istočno Sarajevo.
"It is an honour and a pleasure to be in Foča today and to have had the opportunity to see that the vision of those who created the Republic of Srpska and its institutions, and thus the University of Istočno Sarajevo, is being realised today," said Mastilović.
He added that nearly 2,800 students from 38 countries are currently studying in Foča, which is extremely significant for a municipality with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants.
According to him, the Government of the Republic of Srpska has recognised Foča as an important university centre, as reflected in investments in faculties and the Student Centre "Boriša Starović", where conditions for studying at a European level have been created.
"It is gratifying to see the conditions our students have, from free education and accommodation to subsidies and increased scholarships," Mastilović emphasised.
Minister Mastilović said that faculties and student standard institutions are a significant driver of development, not only for Foča but for the wider region as well, adding that the Government of the Republic of Srpska will continue investing in higher education and student standards.