Study in Croatia, a beautiful and affordable country in the heart of Europe, became a Schengen member on 1 January 2023, making it a strategic choice for international students. With over 40 public universities, students can pursue Medicine, Engineering, Business, or Humanities in English. IELTS is not mandatory if you have an English proficiency certificate. The tuition fees range from €600 to €5,000/year, while medical programs can cost €10,000–€12,000/year.
Moreover, the living expenses are low at €400–€700/month, and students can work 20 hours/week, earning €700–€1,000/month. A €5,000–€6,000 bank statement is required for visa purposes. Croatia also offers fully and partially funded scholarships with $2,000 USD stipends and fee waivers. After graduation, students receive a 12-month post-study work visa, with the option to apply for Permanent Residency after 4–5 years. The visa acceptance rate is 88% for international applicants.
Quick Facts Of Study in Croatia 2025–2026
| Languages of Instruction | English, Croatian |
| Top Cities | Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek |
| Degree Duration | Bachelor: 3–4 yrs, Master: 1–2 yrs, PhD: 3+ yrs |
| Eligibility | 60% marks, transcripts, recommendation letters |
| Tuition Fees | €1,000 – €5,000/year (public universities) |
| Living Costs | €500 – €800/month |
| Work Rights | 20 hrs/week during term, full-time on holidays |
| Post-Study Visa | 12-month job search permit |
| Visa Approval Rate | ~85% |
| Bank Statement | Approx. €6,000 for visa proof |
| English Requirement | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL / MOI accepted |
| Top Scholarships | Bilateral programs, Erasmus+, university-specific |
| Top Universities | University of Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek |
| Popular Intakes | September (main), February (limited programs) |
| Application Timeline | Apply 4–8 months before intake |
Top Universities in Croatia for International Students
Croatia offers quality education at public universities that are globally recognized, especially in Medicine, IT, and Tourism.
| University | Top Programs | Tuition (€/year) |
| University of Zagreb | Medicine, Engineering, Law | €1,000 – €4,000 |
| University of Split | IT, Maritime Studies, Business | €1,500 – €4,000 |
| University of Rijeka | Engineering, Tourism, Biology | €1,000 – €3,500 |
| University of Osijek | Economics, Agriculture, Arts | €1,000 – €3,000 |
| Libertas International Univ. | International Relations, Management | €3,000 – €5,000 |
Scholarships in Croatia for International Students
Several scholarships are available for international students in Croatia, funded by the Croatian government, Erasmus+, and institutional programs.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Croatian Govt. Bilateral Scholarships | Tuition, monthly stipend, housing | Students from partner countries |
| Erasmus+ Programs | Tuition, mobility allowance | Exchange/master’s students in EU |
| University-Specific Grants | Tuition discount or full waiver | Based on academic merit or need |
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Croatia
Croatia is known for offering high-quality education at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost.
| Bachelor’s Tuition | €1,000 – €3,000 |
| Master’s Tuition | €1,500 – €5,000 |
| Accommodation | €2,400 – €4,000 |
| Food, Transport, Utilities | €2,400 – €3,600 |
| Health Insurance | €300 – €600 |
| Total Estimated Budget | €6,500 – €11,000 |
Students can reduce expenses by working part-time (20 hours/week) and benefiting from student discounts on transport and meals.
Step-by-Step Admission Process to Study in Croatia
Here’s a step-by-step admission guide to help you apply confidently to Croatian universities.
Choose Your Program & University
Pick your desired field and find a university offering that program in English. Public universities are recommended for cost-effective study.
Check the Entry Requirements
Study in Croatia for international students requirements:
- 60% marks in academics or CGPA ≥ 2.5
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL / MOI
- Passport, Recommendation Letters, CV
Apply with Required Documents
To avoid delays in your application process, it’s best to apply through a trusted European educational consultant who can support you at every stage from selecting the right program to handling your visa application. With professional guidance, you can submit your documents confidently and track your admission progress with ease and assurance.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose
- English test or MOI
- Recommendation letters (1–2)
- CV/Resume
5. Get Offer & Pay Fees
Once accepted, pay the tuition fee to confirm your seat.
Croatia Student Visa Requirements
To study in Croatia, you must apply for a long-stay Type D visa or residence permit.
Required Documents:
- Admission letter from Croatian university
- Proof of paid tuition fees
- Accommodation proof
- Bank statement showing approx. €6,000
- Health insurance
- Visa form + passport photos
Apply at least 2–3 months before intake
Visa Processing Time: 30–60 days
FAQs
When should I apply to study in Croatia?
You should apply 4–8 months before intake. The main intake is in September, and some programs offer a February intake.
Do Croatian universities accept international students without IELTS?
Yes. Most universities accept students without IELTS if they submit a valid Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from a previous institution.
Is health insurance mandatory for a student visa in Croatia?
Yes. You must have valid health insurance coverage (either Croatian or international) for the entire study duration to qualify for a visa.
Can I stay in Croatia permanently after my studies?
Yes. After completing your degree and legally residing for 4–5 years, you may apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Croatia.
Are there entrance exams for admission to Croatian universities?
For most bachelor’s and master’s programs, no entrance exam is required. However, some fields like medicine or architecture may require entrance tests or interviews.
Is on-campus accommodation available for international students?
Yes. Many universities offer student dormitories at subsidized rates. You can also rent private apartments or shared flats near campus.
What happens after my student visa expires?
You must either apply for a temporary post-study work permit, enroll in further studies, or leave the country before your visa expires.