On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the İlim Yayma Foundation, the Alija Izetbegović Foundation, and the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) have officially signed a cooperation protocol establishing the Alija Izetbegović Academic Scholarship and Award Program, an important initiative designed to support outstanding doctoral researchers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The protocol was signed by Mr. İdris Tankut Küsmezer, General Director of the İlim Yayma Foundation; Mr. Zijad Ljevaković, President of the Board of the Alija Izetbegović Foundation; and Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı, Rector of the International University of Sarajevo.
The signing ceremony took place yesterday at the Alija Izetbegović Memorial House in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives of the partner institutions, academics, foundation representatives, and officials from Turkish institutions and organizations. The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Sabina Berberović, daughter of Alija Izetbegović.
The newly launched program aims to encourage high-quality doctoral research in areas of strategic importance for the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also preserving and promoting the intellectual and statesmanship legacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first President, Alija Izetbegović.
Under the program, doctoral research will be supported across several strategic fields, including Alija Izetbegović’s legacy, constitutional law, governance and institutional reforms, energy security, cybersecurity, sustainable agriculture, natural resources, environmental sustainability, and public health.
The scholarship is open to citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina enrolled in an accredited doctoral program who have successfully completed their first year of study. During the 2026/2027 academic year, three selected doctoral candidates will receive a monthly scholarship in the amount of 2,000 BAM throughout their doctoral studies, together with an annual research grant of 3,000 BAM to support their academic work.
In addition to the scholarship program, the initiative also introduces the Alija Izetbegović Academic Award, established to recognize scholars whose research and academic achievements make outstanding contributions to their respective fields and to the broader academic and social development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Through this partnership, the İlim Yayma Foundation, the Alija Izetbegović Foundation, and the International University of Sarajevo reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, supporting future researchers, and promoting research that contributes to the sustainable development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The launch of the Alija Izetbegović Academic Scholarship and Award Program represents a meaningful investment in knowledge, research, and future generations of scholars whose work can contribute to the long-term progress of the country.
