Croatia Tuition Fees and Scholarships for International Students

Are you considering studying abroad ? Understanding the tuition fees and scholarship opportunities available for international students is crucial for planning your academic journey. In this guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of study fees in Croatia, highlighting key aspects that every prospective student should know. Whether you’re eyeing a degree in Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik, grasping the financial aspects can significantly impact your decision-making process. Let’s explore the landscape of Croatia tuition fees and scholarships to help you embark on your educational adventure with confidence.

Tuition Fees in Croatia for International Students

Before getting to the heart of the matter, it’s important to mention that since January 2023, Croatia has adopted the Euro as its main currency. Prior to January 2023, it was the Kuna (HKR). And 1 HRK is approximately 0.132719 EUR.

Now, tuition fees at a Croatian university can start as low as 6,000 Kuna (approximately 800 EUR) for undergraduate programs. Depending on the program and the study level, tuition can range up to 75,000 Kuna (approximately 10,000 EUR) per year.

The Structure of Tuition Fees for International Students in Croatia

In Croatian universities, tuition fees vary based on the language of the program. If you’re pursuing a degree in Croatian at a public university, usually there are no tuition fees. However, degrees taught in English may incur tuition charges. Private universities have the liberty to set their own fees. Thus, each program may have different annual fees. It’s advisable to check the specific programs you’re interested in to know the exact costs. Croatian higher education is relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Contact the university directly for precise information on tuition fees, as they can differ based on the program and duration.

Comparison of tuition fees across different universities and programs

When comparing tuition fees in Croatia, it’s evident that health sciences courses, like medicine and dentistry, demand the highest costs, ranging from €7,000 to €10,000 annually. These fees apply mainly to English-taught programs in public universities.

Meanwhile, undergraduate courses in subjects other than health sciences are more uniform across public and private institutions. Public universities generally offer cheaper tuition, but prioritizing quality over cost is advisable. The University of Zagreb, for instance, sets a fixed fee around €3,800 for English undergraduate courses, while private universities charge between €3,700 and €7,000 per year.

Postgraduate programs also exhibit significant fee variations. Master’s degrees from public universities may cost up to €4,000 annually, whereas private universities charge double. It’s essential to consider specialization and teaching quality at this level. For instance, business master’s programs at public universities like the University of Rijeka offer merit-based fees, while private institutions charge between €6,000 and €10,000 per year.

Additional study fees and expenses to consider

When considering tuition fees in Croatia, it’s crucial to also factor in additional study fees and expenses. Living costs in Croatia can vary between 400 and 700 EUR monthly, depending on location and accommodation type. This budget should cover food, lodging, utilities, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. However, students may have differing expenses based on personal choices and lifestyle. It’s essential to plan for these additional costs alongside tuition fees to ensure a realistic budget for your studies in Croatia.

We’ll delve more on the subject in our guide on the living cost in Croatia for international students.

Scholarships in Croatia for International Students

Thinking about pursuing your education in Croatia but concerned about tuition fees? Well, worry no more! The country provides exciting opportunities with fully funded scholarships now up for grabs. What’s even better? You don’t need to stress over the IELTS test! Some institutions may offer partial fee waivers, but numerous scholarships are available through bilateral agreements and programs like CEEPUS and Erasmus+. Moreover, these scholarships are not just limited to locals; they’re also open to international students, university educators, and researchers alike.

Here are some of the best scholarships to check out to fund your studies in Croatia:

Scholarships in Croatia for International Students from Bilateral Cooperations

Bilateral cooperation scholarships in Croatia offer opportunities for international students. These scholarships are based on agreements between countries. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Number: Each year, a limited number of scholarships are available.
Applications: Interested individuals should apply at the beginning of the calendar year for the following academic year.
Eligibility: Scholarships are awarded to citizens of specific countries, including Albania, Austria, Belgium (Flanders), Bulgaria, China, France, Germany (Bavaria), Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and USA.
Types of Scholarships: Scholarships cater to various categories, such as semester studies, undergraduate/graduate studies, and research programs.
Coverage: These scholarships often cover tuition fees in Croatia.
Research Projects: Bilateral programs also support joint research projects with countries like Albania, Austria, and the USA.
Fields of Study: Research projects cover various scientific fields, including natural, biomedical, technical, and biotechnical sciences.

For more information on scholarship opportunities, interested students should contact their respective ministries of education. These scholarships offer valuable opportunities for international students to study and conduct research in Croatia.

University Partnership Scholarships in Croatia

Many Croatian universities have agreements with foreign universities. These agreements support different types of cooperation, such as:

Student and faculty exchange
Exchange of administrative and professional staff
Joint organization of courses, conferences, and seminars
Participation in scientific events
Joint research projects
Sharing teaching methods and materials
Exchange of scientific publications
Other collaborations

If you want to benefit from these scholarships and study in Croatia without paying tuition fees, you should:

Check if your university has agreements with Croatian universities.
Look for announcements from your university about study programs in Croatia.
Learn about deadlines and requirements from your university.
Visit the International Cooperation web pages of Croatian universities like the University of Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Osijek, Dubrovnik, and Pula for more information.

Check also our list of the best universities in Croatia for international students.

Erasmus+ Program

The Erasmus+ program in Croatia offers opportunities for students from abroad to study or train here, covering tuition fees in Croatia. Two types of activities are supported: traineeships and study mobility. The program also allows for virtual and blended mobility options. To participate, your home institution needs an agreement with a Croatian one. Make sure to contact your Erasmus coordinator for details, including any agreements signed with Croatian institutions.

To join Erasmus+, students must be enrolled in recognized degree programs in eligible countries. For study mobility, students typically need to be in their second year of higher education. Institutions participating in Erasmus+ must hold an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, ensuring quality standards. Over 4,700 institutions across 33 countries are part of the program.

In Croatia, activities available under Erasmus+ include:

Student mobility for studies (3-12 months)
Student mobility for traineeships (2-12 months)
Staff mobility for teaching (2 days – 2 months)
Staff mobility for training (2 days – 2 months)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans

CEEPUS Scholarships for International Students from Central Europe

The CEEPUS Scholarship program in Croatia offers great opportunities for students from participating countries, including Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and more. If you’re from one of these countries, you can apply for this scholarship. The main focus of CEEPUS is university networks that run joint programs. Even if your university isn’t in a CEEPUS network, you can still apply as a freemover.

CEEPUS scholarships cover your living expenses, including room and board, and you’ll receive a monthly stipend. Importantly, tuition fees in Croatia are waived for CEEPUS grantees. This means you won’t have to worry about paying for your education while studying in Croatia.

The program aims to promote cooperation and mobility among universities in Central Europe. Whether you’re a student or a teacher, CEEPUS offers opportunities for academic exchange and research collaboration. If you’re interested, you can find more information and apply through the CEEPUS website before the deadlines:

June 15 for the winter semester for network mobilities
October 31 for the summer semester for network mobilities
November 30 for the summer semester for freemovers

Explore the program’s website for further details, and contact your National CEEPUS office for assistance.

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship to cover tuition fees and living costs as an international student in Croatia necessitates strategic planning and effort. Firstly, it is crucial to research thoroughly to identify scholarships available for international students in Croatia. Secondly, utilize university, government, and private resources to gather information and opportunities. Once identified, tailor applications meticulously to meet criteria outlined by each provider. This includes highlighting academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant work experience. Moreover, showcasing passion for studying in Croatia and aligning with long-term goals enhances the application. Additionally, building relationships with professors, mentors, and advisors for recommendation letters strengthens the candidacy. It’s essential to apply well in advance of deadlines to ensure thoroughness and to demonstrate preparedness. Demonstrating financial need and potential impact further increases the chances of securing funding for studies in Croatia.