Croatia : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There are around 130 higher education institutions in Croatia. These consist of public and private universities, polytechnics and colleges of applied sciences. These institutions are subject to quality control and supervision by the Croatian Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship .

There are two different types of study available to students:

• university studies: academic programmes carried out solely at university;
• professional studies: professional programmes carried out at polytechnics and colleges of applied science.

Croatia is part of the Bologna Process, which allows for greater compatibility and comparability of higher education systems in Europe. The structure of the higher education system in Croatia has been significantly reformed and is now divided into three cycles - undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate.

What courses are available?

In Croatia, graduate study is the equivalent of postgraduate study in the UK. Courses typically last one to two years and on completion the student is awarded a Masters qualification with reference to a specialist subject.

Alternatively, a specialist professional qualification can be taken at graduate level, which lasts one to two years. The student will then become a ‘specialist’ of the relevant profession.  

Postgraduate study in Croatia refers to Doctorate-level study. This takes three years to complete and consists of scientific or research training. Upon completion the student is awarded the title of Doctor of Science or Doctor of Arts depending on the subject.

Although English is widely spoken, many courses are taught in the Croatian language. Foreign students are encouraged to learn the Croatian language in order to fully understand the culture of their surroundings and participate in their postgraduate course. Universities often offer additional intensive language courses, such as the one at the University of Zagreb - Croaticum .

Where can I study?

The largest and oldest university in Croatia is the University of Zagreb . The second largest university is the University of Split . For a list of all universities in Croatia see Study in Croatia: Institutions and Study Programmes .  

Applying for postgraduate study

To determine individual entry requirements for graduate and postgraduate courses, contact the university directly.

Closing dates for postgraduate study applications can vary between institutions and areas of study, so ensure that you contact the institution directly for exact closing dates.  

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the chosen institution. Applications can often be made online and often require an application form, personal statement and CV. Two academic references are usually requested.

Croatia is currently a candidate country for the European Union. If it becomes a member state, other EU citizens will be able to enrol on programmes of study under the same conditions as Croatian citizens.

Fees and scholarships

Fees for individual courses are set by each higher education institution and vary widely, so check with the institution you are interested in. Living costs will also differ dependent on individual needs and budgeting skills.  As a rough monthly guide the University of Zagreb recommends 1000hrk for food, 1500hrk for a room and utilities, 100hrk for transport, 400hrk for books and 800hrk for miscellaneous expenses.

In order to study in Croatia, foreign students need to show they have sufficient funds. This may be sourced through scholarships, although the majority of higher education institutions in Croatia do not offer any. Some may be available through programmes such as Erasmus Mundus  and Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS) .

Are there any exchange programmes?

Erasmus Mundus  is a mobility programme for postgraduate higher education. It aims to promote the European Union by attracting students from countries outside the EU to register for joint Masters degrees. See the website for information on which programmes are available and check with your institution's Erasmus coordinator (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?  

Croatia is part of the Bologna Process which aims to standardise qualifications in its member countries. This means qualifications will be recognised back in the UK, which is also a member of the Bologna Process. For further information and help on comparing qualifications, see UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) . 

See Study in Croatia  for further information and advice.