To study in Croatia, the Abitur or advanced technical college entrance qualification is required. Usually, the final grade decides whether students are accepted into the desired course of study. Additional entrance tests are held at some Croatian universities.
International students must also demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Croatian language. Many universities require proof of language skills at level B2 of the standardized Croatian Language Test. Students have the opportunity to take the test in Zagreb.
In courses in other languages, a good knowledge of the language of instruction is required. Knowledge of English can usually be proven in the form of a standardized test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Applications for Bachelor programs in Croatia are usually processed online at the Central Application Office. It is essential to observe the application deadlines. Applications for courses in the graduate and postgraduate study area must be sent directly to the respective university.
Studying in Croatia – a cost overview
International students are required to pay tuition fees in Croatia. The amount of the fees depends on the university, the subject and the desired degree.
In the undergraduate area, the following costs are incurred for study programs in Croatian:
- Social sciences and humanities subjects: between EUR 800 and EUR 2,200 per year
- engineering subjects: EUR 3,000 per year
- Medical studies in Croatia: EUR 3,600 per academic year
English-language study programs are often more expensive. The tuition fees for the master’s and doctoral programs are different at the individual universities so that no general statements can be made about them. Interested parties should contact the university of their choice.
The cost of living fall in Croatia lower in than in Germany. They are between EUR 400 and EUR 700 a month, with life in the cities, especially in Zagreb, being more expensive than in rural areas.
Financial Aid Options
There are various funding options for studying abroad in Croatia. Since Croatia is part of the EU, students have the opportunity to receive training grants for completing their studies.
Foreign BAföG
Funding through BAföG abroad can be provided for one or two semesters abroad as well as for degree courses carried out entirely in Croatia.
Only part of the BAföG abroad has to be paid back. In some cases, students who do not receive BAföG in Germany because their parents’ income is too high are also eligible for funding. The funding includes up to EUR 4,600 for tuition fees and additional grants for travel and living expenses.
Scholarships for studying in Croatia
Scholarships are another form of study financing. The following bodies award scholarships to German and international students:
- DAAD
- various foundations
- Croatian universities
- Croatian government
Further financing options
When studying in Croatia, it often makes sense to take out a student loan or an educational loan and use this to finance your studies. As an EU citizen, German students do not need a work permit to take on a part-time job and thus improve their budget.
Visa and entry into Croatia
According to a2zdirectory, a visa is not required for German citizens to enter Croatia. A passport or identity card that is valid for the entire duration of your stay is sufficient.
Residence permit
For stays of more than 90 days, students are required to apply for a residence permit. Without this residence permit, you are not allowed to attend courses at universities.
It is advisable to apply for the residence permit at the Croatian embassy in Germany before entering the country. Processing can take up to three months, if faster processing is requested, higher fees apply.
Students who want to apply for their Residence Permit in Croatia should contact the local police authority shortly after entering the country. The following are to be submitted:
- a passport photo
- a valid passport
- proof of your place of residence in Croatia,
- proof of sufficient financial means for the time in Croatia
- a certificate of enrollment
- possibly a police clearance certificate.
Foreign health insurance
A proof of valid health insurance is one of the documents that are needed for studying in Croatia. Statutory insurance German students are insured in Croatia due to the social security agreement within the EU. Therefore, all you need is the European Health Insurance Card.
Privately insured persons receive information from their health insurance company about which services it is assuming. Anyone who is chronically ill or who frequently needs medical treatment should think about additional private health insurance for studying abroad in Croatia.
