Study abroad
Study in Croatia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Croatia
Croatia is in South-Eastern Europe, on the Adriatic coast, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with tourism, maritime trade and healthcare shaping much of the country’s economy.
Zagreb, Split and Rijeka are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in Croatian, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Croatia?
Students choose Croatia for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-Eastern Europe, on the Adriatic coast. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Tourism, maritime trade and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Zagreb, Split and Rijeka each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Croatia means everyday contact with Croatian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Croatia takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Croatia
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Croatia. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Maritime & Shipping
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Engineering
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
Courses connected to tourism, maritime trade and healthcare can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Croatia on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Croatia
- University of SplitSplit, Croatia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- University of ZagrebZagreb, Croatia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- University of RijekaRijeka, Croatia
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Croatia
Some international students in Croatia receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Croatia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Croatia
The academic year in Croatia commonly begins around October. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Croatia
The cost of studying in Croatia depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Croatia
Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Croatia for their studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Croatia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Croatia
Living costs in Croatia depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Zagreb can differ noticeably from those in Split or Rijeka and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Croatia
Is Croatia a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Croatia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-Eastern Europe, on the Adriatic coast and study in Croatian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Croatia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Engineering. The subjects page for Croatia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Croatia?
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Croatia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Croatia?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Croatia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Croatia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Croatia?
Zagreb, Split and Rijeka are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Croatia?
Many courses are taught in Croatian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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