REBIĆ: PHD PROGRAM KEY STEP TOWARD FACULTY OF ECONOMICS' DEVELOPMENT

PALE, FEBRUARY 24 /SRNA/ - Introduction of the third cycle of studies from the academic year 2026/27 represents an extremely significant step forward in the development of the Faculty of Economics in Pale and rounding off the educational process, the dean Mladen Rebić told SRNA.

Rebić stated that the permit for conducting PhD was issued on November 11 last year and that the first generation of doctoral students will be enrolled in the new academic year, and the planned quota is nine domestic and three foreign students. According to him, the third cycle of studies will be organized on the Economics study program, with the directions of economic analysis, finance and business management, which follow contemporary trends in economic theory and practice. "In conditions where Republika Srpska has a relatively small number of PhDs compared to European standards, the introduction of this study program represents a strategic step towards raising the overall level of education and scientific production," said Rebić. Students will be able to expand the knowledge acquired at lower levels of education, they will acquire advanced research skills, and they will be trained for independent scientific work. Rebić explained that the academic studies of the third cycle of education are organized in accordance with the study rules based on the European system of transfer and accumulation of points, with the possibility of transferring points from other licensed and accredited higher education institutions in the country and abroad, in accordance with the prescribed criteria of the University and the Faculty. The Faculty of Economics of the University of Istočno Sarajevo has provided an appropriate number of competent teachers for the teaching of the third cycle of the Economics study program. Rebić pointed out that the launch of the third cycle of studies is extremely important for the development of scientific research work at the Faculty because it directly contributes to the improvement of scientific activity and the strengthening of research capacities. He added that it will contribute to the connection of the Faculty with the economy, state institutions and scientific research organizations, because it enables the research of current economic phenomena and problems in the field of economic analysis, business economics, management and finance. Rebić believes that it will also contribute to the positioning of Pale as a university and scientific center, which has positive effects on the local community through retaining young and talented people, attracting students from other areas and developing academic cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions. He added that doctoral students will be able to participate in international projects, academic exchange programs and cooperation with partner institutions. Rebić emphasized that the teaching staff is composed of professors of the Faculty of Economics and other members of the University, as well as the faculties of economics from Banja Luka, Belgrade, Kragujevac and Subotica. A total of 506 students are studying at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Istočno Sarajevo in two cycles of study, of which 404 are in the first cycle and 102 are in the second cycle of studies.