MASTER'S MASTER IN CROATIA

CROATIA, beautiful Mediterranean coastline dotted with islands, and some of its locations are so famous that they attract a large number of tourists. Croatia has long been a popular destination for travelers. Additionally, the country is an exciting destination for international students!

The Croatian higher education system has a long tradition, primarily upheld through the work of state universities. These universities include JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, University of Dubrovnik, University of Rijeka, University of Split, University of Zadar, and University of Zagreb.

The University of Zadar, founded in 1396, was the first university in Croatia. It remained active until 1807 when other higher education institutions took over its activities. The university was reestablished in 2002.

The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest continuously operating university in Southeast Europe.

The largest universities, such as the University of Zagreb, University of Split, and University of Rijeka, are ranked among the top 500 in various ranking lists, including THE, ARWU, and CWUR.

The Croatian higher education system is structured into three cycles (undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate) and is organized according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), making it easier for international students (from Europe and beyond) to transfer their credits and have their education recognized in their home countries.

The Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education Act, adopted in 2009, established the Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE) as the quality assurance agency for higher education in Croatia. The agency ensures the external evaluation of higher education institutions based on different types of quality assessment and European standards and guidelines. ASHE is a member of ENQA and listed in EQAR.

For prospective students who speak Croatian (or are learning the language), there is a wide range of degree programs or exchange programs available at Croatian higher education institutions.

For candidates who do not speak Croatian, there are also educational opportunities. Many Croatian higher education institutions offer degree programs, courses, or summer schools taught in English for international students. Some institutions also provide Croatian language courses.

Finally, despite being a relatively small country with a tightly-knit community, the Croatian people are not only warm-hearted but also multilingual. According to a survey conducted by the European Commission in 2005, 49% of the population in Croatia speaks English, 34% speaks German, 14% speaks Italian, 4% speaks French and Russian, and 2% speaks Spanish. We hope this helps you quickly adapt and make the most of your study experience.

Living Costs

In Croatia, the average monthly cost of living is estimated to be between 400 and 700 EUR, depending on the type of accommodation (student dormitory or private housing) and the city in Croatia. Larger cities like Zagreb or Split, as well as popular tourist destinations, are generally more expensive compared to smaller towns. However, Croatia is considered to be cheaper than Western Europe and the United States.

Accommodation and Food - Drink

If possible, students should arrange their accommodation before going to Croatia. The most affordable type of accommodation is the state-owned student dormitory. Unfortunately, student dormitory accommodation is not available for all students (neither Croatian citizens nor international students) due to limited capacity, and some cities currently do not have student dormitories. In such cases, international students should contact the International Relations Office at the respective higher education institution they are applying to in order to secure accommodation. Student Centers are institutions that manage all student dormitories based on a quota system for available capacity. There is usually a limited accommodation quota through Student Centers for international students participating in exchange programs (e.g., Erasmus+, Ceepus). Additionally, EU citizens enrolled in full-time study programs with a residence permit can apply for regular accommodation calls published by Student Centers (usually in January and June).

In student dormitories, rooms are usually shared by two people, and bathrooms are shared with one or more rooms. Some student dormitories may have student cafeterias, gyms, computer labs, and also organize additional social activities. The cost of accommodation in student dormitories varies depending on the city (approximately 200-800 kn per month).

In addition to student dormitories, there are numerous private accommodation options available. In private accommodations, the rental price varies based on the city, location, room size, and accommodation quality.

Admission Requirements

Candidates who have a foreign higher education qualification or degree and wish to apply for undergraduate or graduate programs will need to go through the process of academic recognition conducted by Croatian higher education institutions for the purpose of continuing their education in Croatia.

The admission criteria, which are used for classification and selection of candidates, are determined by the higher education institutions. For degree programs, these typically include:

1. Having a high school diploma or equivalent document: Candidates applying for undergraduate programs in Croatia should possess a high school diploma or an internationally recognized equivalent document. Candidates applying for graduate programs should have a bachelor's degree.

2. Adequate academic achievement: Higher education institutions will evaluate the academic performance of the applicants. Generally, the grade point average or diploma grade achieved during high school or undergraduate studies is taken into consideration.

3. Language proficiency: International students applying for programs taught in Croatia need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. This is usually Croatian or English. Language requirements may vary depending on the specific program and institution.

4. Additional entrance exams or interviews: Some programs or institutions may require candidates to take entrance exams or participate in interviews as part of the selection process. These exams or interviews assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and aptitude related to the specific field of study.

It's important for prospective students to check the specific admission requirements of the desired higher education institutions and programs they are interested in, as requirements may vary.

Master's programs

You can see our selection of English-taught Master's programs in Croatia:

If you want to study other than these sections, you can contact us.