Bosnia and Herzegovina faces preschool shortage for 10,000 children

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted an information report on the implementation of the Framework Law on Preschool Education for 2025. The report highlights a significant shortage in preschool capacity, noting that 9,964 children are currently waiting for a place in preschool institutions.

According to data from the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2025/2026 pedagogical year, 48,246 children attended 548 preschool institutions, marking a 5.4 percent increase in users compared to the previous year. Of these children, 56.9 percent attended public institutions, while 43.1 percent were enrolled in private programs.

The report emphasizes that insufficient coverage of preschool programs is particularly prevalent in rural and socioeconomically underdeveloped areas. Additionally, the process of aligning the legislative and strategic frameworks for preschool education remains incomplete, indicating a need for improved coordination among educational authorities.