Study in Croatia for International Students 2024

Studying in Croatia in 2024 is a wonderful destination for international students because it's a very small country in the heart of Europe. In 2023, it was recognized as an official European Union member to become a part of the Schengen state.  Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and the writing system is in Latin. About 80% of the people in Croatia are bilingual- speaking Croatian and English. The official currency used in Croatia is the Croatian kuna (HRK), but the Euro is also applicable because it is now a member of the European Union.

There are over 40 top-ranked universities in Croatia offering admission in various departments. International students can study medicine in Croatia, as well as social sciences and humanities. The average tuition fee in Croatia's public universities ranges from 600-5000 euros per year. However, a medical degree in Croatia can cost 10000-12000 euros annually. The tuition fee always depends upon your chosen program and university. Various partially and fully funded scholarships in Croatia provide an average stipend of 2000 USD, tuition fee waiver, and other living expenses.

In most universities, you can study in Croatia without taking IELTS. This requires an English language proficiency certificate from your previous institution. You will get 20 part-time working hours/week during your study period in Croatia. As a student, you can generate a handsome amount of 700-1000 euros per month by working part-time. After study, a work permit is also allowed. You can apply for Permanent residency (PR) in Croatia after 4-5 years of stay.

Living in Croatia is affordable with an average monthly expense of 400-700 euros. A bank statement of about 5000-6000 euros is also required to acquire a study visa for Croatia. The visa acceptance rate in Croatia for international students is 88%.  

Benefits of Studying in Croatia for International Students 

International students planning to study in Croatia for educational purposes can enjoy the following benefits during their stay;

English Programs with Affordable Tuition Fees: There are over 50 programs offered for bachelor's and master's in English. The tuition fee for these programs is very affordable as compared to other EU counties ranging from 1000-5000 euros per year. 

Safe Country: Croatia is in the top 20 world's safest countries according to the Global Peace Index and in the top 30 according to the Social Progress Index. 

Beautiful Climate: Croatia being on the Mediterranean coast means a lot of sunshine all around the year. A large number of tourists from all over Europe come to Croatia to enjoy this sunshine. You should better prepare yourself for summer if you are moving to study there. 

Low Cost of Living: Croatia is an ideal place for budget-conscious International students. You can easily adjust yourself in Croatia on a very low budget of 400-700 euros per month including accommodation, transport, and other living expenses. 

Variety of Food Available: There is a range of food diversity available in Croatia from seafood to pastry dishes and Mediterranean cuisines to Croatia traditional wine for international students. 

Friendly locals: Croatia is a very small country with a population of about 4 Million. 80% of Croatians can speak English fluently and have very friendly behavior towards foreigners.

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Top Scholarships in Croatia for International Students

The scholarships in Croatia are based on government funding or University funding by itself that covers partial and full coverage of expenses of international students. Some of the top scholarships in Croatia for International students are listed below;

1. Bilateral Scholarships
2. Erasmus + Grant 
3. RIT(Rochester Institute of Technology) Croatia Scholarships
4. Benjamin A. Gilman - International Scholarship
5. Boren Scholarships
6. Economics and Management School of Zagreb - Scholarship
7. IUC Southeast European - Scholarship
8. CEUP (Central European Exchange Program) Scholarships
9. Rijeka School of Croatian Studies
10. Croatian Government - Scholarships

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1. Bilateral Scholarships

This is the best scholarship for international students offered by the Ministry of Education and Science in Croatia. It requires a signed bilateral agreement between Croatia and another country to allow a scholarship for international students. Students pursuing Bachelor's, master's, and PhD degree programs are eligible for this scholarship. 

Benefits 

• Monthly stipend of 250$ for bachelor and masters 
• Monthly stipend of 280$ for PhD Doctorates 
• Full tuition fee waiver 
• Subsidy on Housing and meals

2. RIT(Rochester Institute of Technology) Croatia Scholarships

It is a merit-based scholarship awarded by RIT Croatia, a satellite campus of Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Only bachelor candidates are eligible for this scholarship and it is often awarded based on contests held by the university such as information technology and language contests. 

Benefits

• 4700 $ scholarship if you have achieved an A grade  
• 11800 $ for tuition fee 

3. Benjamin A. Gilman - International Scholarship

This is a merit-based scholarship specified only to International American students who want to pursue education and explore Croatian culture. The student must be admitted to undergraduate study in any of the American Universities to receive this scholarship. Only undergraduate students from America are eligible to apply.

Benefits

• 5000 $ stipend for tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals

4. Economics and Management School of Zagreb - Scholarship

It is merit merit-based partially and funded scholarship awarded to International students based on entrance exams and scholarship essays. You have to maintain your grades and GPA in high school and even in University to avail this scholarship. 

Benefits

• Tuition fee exemption of about 30, 40, and 50 percent depending on your grade and rank 
• 200000 HRK Grant 

5. CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program) Scholarships

It is an international exchange program scholarship for the students of CEEPUS member countries specifically. Students from central Europe pursuing bachelor's, master's, and PhD are eligible to apply.

Benefits 

• Full tuition fee waiver 
• Full living and accommodation costs
• Medical insurance

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Top Universities in Croatia for International Students 

Here is the list of a few top-ranked universities in Croatia for International students: 

1. Zagreb University
2. Split University 
3. Rijeka University             
4. Josip Juraj Strossmayer - University of Osijek
5. Zadar University
6. Zagreb - School of Economics and Management
7. Dubrovnik University    
8. Juraj Dobrila - University of Pula
9. North University            
10. Algebra University - College

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1. Zagreb University

It is one of the largest and oldest Public research universities in the capital city of Croatia. It was established in 1669, now having 29 faculties and more than 70000 students. It offers an affordable fee of 2000-3700 euros per year with an acceptance rate of 56 %. IELTS is not mandatory for the University of Zagreb.  

2. Split University 

It is a public research university in Split, Croatia established in 1974. Having more than 13 faculties, about 40000 students have been graduated from this university. The IELTS requirement for Split University is optional so you can study based on a proficiency certificate. The average tuition fee for the University of Split is about 3000 euros/year with an acceptance rate of 66%. 

3. Rijeka University

It is one of the modern Public Universities established in 1973 and located in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. It has a total of 11 faculties with some newly established departments like biotechnology and mathematics. An IELTS score of 6 is recommended to be admitted to Rijeka University. Its tuition fee is about 5000 euros per year with an average acceptance rate of 60%. 

4. Josip Juraj Strossmayer - University of Osijek

It is a Public university formerly known as the University of Osijek established in 1975. It is one of the largest and oldest institutes located in Osijek, Croatia. Its tuition fee ranges between 800-2000 euros per year with an acceptance rate of 66%. IELTS is not mandatory for this University. 

5. Zadar University

It was primarily founded in 1396 by Dominicans but later reconstituted by the University of Zagreb and Split University in 1956. Its full-fledged refounding occurred in 2002 finally. The average tuition fee for Zadar University is 1500-2500 euros per year with an acceptance rate of 83 %. You can study at Zadar University without taking IELTS if you have proof of English Language proficiency.

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Admission Documents Required for Study in Croatia

• A completed Application form 
• Receipt of Paid Application fee of 60-300 euros
•  National identity card
• Passport size pictures 
• Verified Academic Transcripts
•  Motivation letter
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Medical Certificate 
• Police clearance certificate
• A Europas CV 
• FRC (Family Registration Certificate) 

Visa Requirements to Study in Croatia  

• A Valid Passport 
• Receipt of Paid Visa Application fee 91 $ 
• Proof of accommodation 
• VISA Application form
• Passport size Pictures 
• Proof of accommodation 
• Proof of no criminal record 
• Acceptance letter from University in Croatia 
• The VISA acceptance rate in Croatia is 88% for International Students 

Cost of living in Croatia for International Students 

You can get a very affordable living in Croatia as an International student if you can manage your lifestyle and expenses. The average monthly expense in Croatia is 400-700 euros for an international student. 

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Here's a breakdown

• Accommodation cost: 150–300 EUR/month
• Groceries and Food: 100–250 EUR/month
• Transport: 47 EUR
• 3-course meal:40 EUR
• Other expenses: 100 EUR 

Part-Time Working Hours and After-Study Work Permit

While studying in Croatia International students can work 20 hours/week. You can get an average of 7-8 euros per hour allowing you to generate a handsome income of 700-1000 euros per month. You can also apply for a temporary residence permit after completing your studies in Croatia. This will allow you to stay in Croatia for a longer time while you look for employment and work opportunities in Croatia.

Future Opportunites in Croatia for International Students 

An international student can study and thrive in Croatia because of its growing economy and technological development. It plays a key role in the personal development and career advancement of a student. In this way, study in Croatia offers a vast range of future opportunities for international students. 

FAQs 

Q1) How can international students study in Croatia?

Answer: International students can study in Croatia by searching out their desired program and list of universities offering that program. By completing your document and VISA requirements you can easily study in Croatia. 

Q2) Who can apply to higher education institutions in Croatia?

Answer: Students having academic marks of at least 50 percent in their high school degree can apply for higher educational institutes in Croatia. 

Q3) Is Croatia a good destination for international students?

Answer: Croatia is an ideal destination for international students because it is a newly formed Schengen state located in the heart of Europe. It is a very small country with the friendliest and most welcoming people.  

Q4) Is Croatia a public or private university?

Answer: Croatia has both Public and private universities offering admission to international students. The average tuition fee of private universities is slightly higher than public universities.