On Friday, June 26, 2026, the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) proudly celebrated the Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2026, marking a memorable evening dedicated to achievement, perseverance, knowledge and new beginnings. The ceremony brought together graduates, families, professors, university leadership, distinguished guests and friends of IUS in a festive atmosphere filled with pride, emotion and inspiration.
This year’s ceremony honored the 18th generation of IUS graduates, including 6 doctoral, 42 master’s, 8 Double Diploma and 294 bachelor’s graduates. Their success reflects years of dedication and growth, as well as the continuous support of their families, professors, mentors and the wider IUS community.
The ceremony was opened with welcoming remarks emphasizing that graduation is more than a formal conclusion of studies. It is a moment of collective pride for graduates who reached an important milestone, families who stood beside them with love and sacrifice, and professors and staff who guided them throughout their academic journey.
The opening address was delivered by the Rector of IUS, Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı, who congratulated the graduates and reminded them that their success is shared by their families, professors, mentors and the entire IUS community. He expressed gratitude to the SEDEF Foundation, the IUS Board of Trustees, academic and administrative staff, and parents for their continued trust and support. Rector Kuşakcı also highlighted the development of IUS over the past two decades, emphasizing the university’s commitment to quality, internationalization, innovation and cooperation with industry and society. Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to see graduation not as the end of learning, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey guided by integrity, responsibility, wisdom and service to others.
Remarks were also delivered by Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, President of the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), who reflected on the university’s 22 years of growth and achievement. He emphasized the strong bond between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Türkiye, describing the two countries as two branches of the same tree. Mr. Topaloğlu underlined that the success of IUS is the result of dedication, strong leadership, quality academic staff, institutional commitment and the continued support of the Foundation, the IUS Board of Trustees and all those who contributed to the university’s development.
The ceremony was further honored by the address of H.E. Emin Akseki, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future lives and careers. Ambassador Akseki emphasized the international spirit of IUS and the importance of continued cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Türkiye.
The official certificate awarding ceremony began with the promotion of doctoral graduates, followed by master’s graduates and bachelor’s graduates from all IUS faculties. Each graduate was recognized with pride and warmly applauded by the audience, highlighting the academic diversity and international character of the university.
A particularly meaningful part of this year’s ceremony was the promotion of the Double Diploma Program graduates, who joined the IUS Graduation Ceremony on campus for the first time. These graduates completed two years of study at IUS and two years at one of the university’s partner institutions in Istanbul - Istanbul Technical University and Istanbul University. Through this program, they earned two diplomas and became a strong example of academic cooperation, international mobility and the educational bridge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Türkiye.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Benjamin Ahmedbegović, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. The recognition was awarded for his valuable contribution to student club activities, IUS Graduation Ceremony moderations and events, as well as his efforts in strengthening connections with the international community. The moment was especially memorable as Benjamin was also one of the ceremony moderators. The certificate was presented by the Rector of IUS, Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı.
The ceremony also included the presentation of Best Student Awards by Faculty, honoring outstanding graduates whose academic achievement, dedication and discipline distinguished them among their peers. The best students were Fatma Birkan from the Faculty of Education, Hadil Abou El-Ardat from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Amila Bašić from the Faculty of Business and Administration, Selma Ferati from the Faculty of Law, and Hana Krnjić from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences.
The highest academic recognition of the evening, the title of Valedictorian and Best Student of the Class of 2026, was awarded to Hadil Abou El-Ardat. In her valedictorian speech, she expressed pride and humility, thanking God, her parents, family, friends and professors for their constant support. Speaking on behalf of her generation, she reflected on the shared experiences that shaped them and emphasized that education is one of the greatest gifts they could receive. She encouraged her fellow graduates to remain curious, keep asking questions, dream boldly and strive for excellence.
As the ceremony came to a close, the Class of 2026 was congratulated once again and reminded that IUS would always remain part of their story. The Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2026 was a celebration of academic achievement, personal growth, international friendship and the enduring spirit of the IUS community.
Congratulations to the IUS Class of 2026. May this achievement be the beginning of many more successes, meaningful contributions and proud moments in the years ahead.
