Higher education has a long tradition in Sarajevo. The first university in Sarajevo was a school of Sufi philosophy established by Gazi Husrev-beg in 1531; numerous other religious schools have been established over time. In 1887, under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a Sharia Law School began a five-year program. In the 1940s the University of Sarajevo became the city's first secular higher education institute.

In the 1950s postgraduate studies first became available. While the university was severely damaged during the war, reconstruction was done in partnership with more than 40 universities. As of 2005, Sarajevo has 46 elementary schools (Grades 1–9) and 33 high schools (Grades 10–13), including three special needs schools.