Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Considering higher education in Croatia? Wondering which universities stand out? Croatia boasts several universities renowned for academic excellence that offer diverse programs and opportunities for students to excel in their fields. But what sets these universities apart? Which ones rank highest in terms of academic reputation and student satisfaction? Join us as we explore Croatia’s top universities and discover why they’re the preferred choice for international students.
Read also here our list of the compelling reasons to study abroad in Croatia.
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University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb is first in our list of the top universities in Croatia. Established in 1669, it’s the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in South East Europe. With 31 faculties and three art academies, it’s the largest in Croatia. It therefore offers a wide range of academic programs in fields like arts, biomedicine, engineering, and more. Over 50,000 students attend full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses, making it the strongest teaching institution in Croatia.
Notably, it contributes over 50 percent to the country’s research output, emphasizing scientific and artistic research. The university’s mission focuses on sustainable development, artistic creativity, and promoting human rights. It also has international agreements with prestigious universities worldwide, fostering global connections and opportunities for its students.
Find out more by visiting the website of the University of Zagreb.
University of Split
Next in our list is the University of Split, which started to exist in 1974. Through 50 years of history, it has since grown to include eleven faculties and an Academy of Arts. With over 20,000 students, it’s a key educational hub. Research here focuses on the unique features of the Croatian Adriatic and Mediterranean regions, covering fields like heritage protection, oceanography, and tourism.
Moreover, the university stands out for its strong emphasis on various disciplines including engineering, social sciences, and health sciences. Additionally, it collaborates with leading European universities through programs like Erasmus, facilitating student and staff exchanges. Notably, the university’s library boasts a vast collection of 400,000 books, including rare editions.
Find out more on the university’s website.
University of Rijeka
The University of Rijeka, established in 1973, is third in our ranking of the top universities in Croatia. The institution offers a modern European education in Rijeka, a vibrant city in northwestern Croatia. With 16 academic units, it’s a hub of research, science, and education, fostering social and economic development in the region.
Moreover, the university prioritizes lifelong learning, providing quality education and innovative teaching methods. It’s committed to being open and inclusive, welcoming international students and embracing dynamic growth. Through strategic partnerships with universities worldwide, it also offers opportunities for academic exchanges and research collaborations. With a focus on student needs and social responsibility, the University of Rijeka aims to be the European university of the future, nurturing both academic excellence and civic engagement.
Check the official website of the University of Rijeka for more.
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Established in 1975, the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek holds a prominent place among Croatian universities. Named after Josip Juraj Strossmayer, a key figure in Osijek, the institution is dedicated to education, research, and artistic pursuits. Despite challenges, notably damage during the Homeland War, the university has made significant strides in rebuilding and enhancing its academic offerings.
Boasting 12 faculties, an Academy of Arts and Culture, and four university departments, it provides a wide array of programs. Moreover, the university’s commitment to integrating with modern European systems while maintaining its unique identity underscores its dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
Find out more by visiting the university’s website.
University of Zadar
Following in our ranking is the University of Zadar. With its rich academic heritage dating back to the 10th century, it is one of the top universities in Croatia. Established on June 14, 1396, as the Studium generale, it has evolved into a modern institution offering diverse fields of study. Despite historical challenges, including closures during the Napoleonic Wars, the university persisted, nurturing intellectual pursuits. In 2002, the University of Zadar was officially founded, continuing its legacy of higher education.
Today, the university comprises 25 departments, focusing on undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. With a commitment to research, education, and community engagement, the university fosters academic excellence while preserving cultural heritage. Through international partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives, it prepares students for global challenges, ensuring a vibrant academic environment for lifelong learning.
Find out more by visiting the website of the University of Zadar.
University of Dubrovnik
Established in 2003, the University of Dubrovnik has emerged as a prominent academic hub in Croatia, serving especially the Dubrovnik area. With an array of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning disciplines such as economics, maritime studies, tourism, media, and interdisciplinary studies, the university ensures a comprehensive educational experience. Noteworthy is its bilingual approach, offering programs in both English and Croatian, thereby widening its accessibility. The university also actively promotes research through its Inter-University Centre Dubrovnik.
It therefore facilitates interdisciplinary studies in areas such as economics, history, and cultural heritage. Partnering with 149 institutions globally, including esteemed universities like the University of Vienna and Leeds Beckett University, the University of Dubrovnik provides extensive opportunities for international collaboration and exchange. Furthermore, it demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement by offering courses focused on crucial topics like urban development and social justice. It has since been contributing significantly to the economic, social, and cultural progress of the Dubrovnik region.
Juraj Dobrila University of Pula
The University of Pula, traces its roots back to the 1950s when the need for educated professionals in Istria led to the establishment of higher education institutions. Notably, Dr. Mijo Mirković and Prof. Tone Peruško played pivotal roles in this development. The university, founded in 2006, inherits the legacy of these early efforts. It stands out for its commitment to sustainability, ranking as the first Croatian university in the international sustainable universities index.
Situated in the vibrant city of Pula, students benefit from its multicultural atmosphere and rich historical heritage. Moreover, the university offers a technologically advanced environment, fostering creativity and professionalism. With a focus on international perspectives and practical experiences, students gain interdisciplinary knowledge and valuable skills, preparing them for success in the global market.
More on the University of Pula on the institution’s website.
Algebra University College
Eight of our top universities in Croatia, Algebra University College focuses on cultivating future tech experts. They offer modern study programs in Computer Science, Economy, and Arts, preparing students for the digital world. Undergraduate programs like Applied Computer Engineering and Software Engineering ensure hands-on learning. Algebra’s commitment to quality education ranks it first among applied sciences universities.
Moreover, teachers at the institution provide individual support, ensuring students reach their academic potential. Algebra’s Career Center assists in career development, while extracurricular workshops enhance skills. The university’s Research Center and startup incubator foster innovation. With international partnerships and mobility programs, students gain global exposure. Algebra’s joint programs with prestigious institutions like Goldsmiths, University of London, offer dual degrees, enhancing opportunities for graduates.
More on Algebra University College on their official website.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Croatia
RIT Croatia is a branch of the prestigious American institution, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Established in 1997, RIT Croatia offers top-quality American education in Croatia. With campuses in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, it provides diverse undergraduate programs such as Hospitality and Tourism Management, Global Business Management, New Media Design, and Information Technology.
What sets RIT Croatia apart is its commitment to delivering dual diplomas – one from RIT and one from RIT Croatia. With a focus on lifelong learning, RIT Croatia also offers Master of Science programs in Organizational Leadership and Innovation, and Information Technology and Analytics. RIT Croatia’s history of success and collaboration with industry leaders make it one of the top universities in Croatia, providing students with exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Find out more on the institution’s official website.
Zagreb School of Economics and Management
Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) is not only the best business school in Croatia, it’s also one of its top universities. Its mission is to equip students with values, knowledge, and skills essential for success in today’s global business world. ZSEM emphasizes high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering innovation and collaboration with the business community. Accredited by AACSB, ZSEM stands out as a leading business school in Croatia. Moreover, its MBA program is in the top 200 globally and in the top 60 in Europe.
The campus, nestled in a peaceful area of Zagreb, offers a conducive learning environment. Furthermore, through partnerships with over 80 universities worldwide, ZSEM promotes student mobility and international exposure. Additionally, ZSEM’s Executive Education programs cater to professional development, reflecting current market demands. With a focus on ethics, responsibility, and diversity, ZSEM shapes future leaders poised for success.
More on the school, its programs and application on the institution’s website.
Read also here our breakdown of the tuition fees and scholarships in Croatia for international students.
