2025’s Most-Cited Balkan Universities: What the Rankings Reveal About the Future of Research
Meet the Regional Leaders in Academic Influence
With the 2025 data in, the Academic Ranking of Balkan Universities (ARBU) has identified the top-performing institutions based on Google Scholar citation counts. These rankings provide a data-driven snapshot of where the most impactful research is coming from in the Balkans—and the results are eye-opening.
Let’s explore the Top 5 Most-Cited Universities in the Balkans and what their success tells us.
🥇1. University of Belgrade – Serbia
Total Citations: 2.5M+
With a legacy in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine, the University of Belgrade leads the region thanks to a high number of internationally recognized scholars and a strong emphasis on publishing in global journals.
🥈 2. University of Ljubljana – Slovenia
Total Citations: 2.1M+
Known for its robust investment in research and cross-European collaboration, this university is a model of integration with Western academic networks, especially in technology, social sciences, and biology.
🥉 3. University of Zagreb – Croatia
Total Citations: 1.9M+
With a focus on innovation and a growing tech ecosystem, Zagreb ranks high in areas like computer science and medicine, positioning itself as a hub of practical and applied research.
🏅 4. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University – North Macedonia
Total Citations: 1.2M+
An emerging leader in economics, law, and humanities. The university’s increasing international visibility is a testament to its faculty’s growing scholarly presence.
🏅 5. University of Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Total Citations: 950K+
With rising outputs in sociology, international relations, and health studies, Sarajevo’s academic scene is undergoing a renaissance of research and reform.
What Do These Rankings Tell Us?
These results are more than just a leaderboard. They highlight:
Which institutions are publishing research that matters
Where student-faculty engagement can lead to real-world impact
How smaller countries are rising through strategic academic investments
In a time of global competition, the Balkans are showing serious momentum—and ARBU is here to track it.
The Takeaway: Use Rankings to Drive Strategy
Whether you’re a student looking for a dynamic academic environment, a professor aiming to connect with like-minded researchers, or a policymaker building regional development plans—ARBU’s rankings are your compass.
📌 Follow ARBY for in-depth analyses of each university’s faculty, research clusters, and upcoming success stories.