7 Cheapest Universities in Zagreb for International Students

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In Zagreb, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Croatia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Zagreb, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 14 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Zagreb, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Zagreb for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Zagreb ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
European Business School Zagreb 2,900 Euros 42%
College of Occupational Safety and Health 3,199 Euros - 3,200 Euros 36%
University of Zagreb 3,700 Euros 26%
University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb 5,000 Euros -0%
Algebra University College 5,700 Euros -14%
VERN University 6,825 Euros -37%
Zagreb School of Economics and Management 7,400 Euros -49%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 4,962 Euros for universities in Zagreb.

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1. European Business School Zagreb

The European Business School Zagreb was established with the vision of being a leader in research and higher education, especially for entrepreneurship. It continues to work toward this by incorporating the values of academic and research excellence, institutional integrity, transparency, innovation, and partnership into its academic work. The university offers programs from undergraduate to graduate level, as well as lifelong education programs.

2. College of Occupational Safety and Health

The College of Occupational Safety and Health is an institution of higher learning in Croatia that is a part of SSBM Geneva, a Swiss business and management school. The school prides itself in being a globally involved institution, with students from around the world representing up to 70 countries. The programs offered at the school are not only for admitted students but also hold numerous training for international and national companies, giving the school a good standing with industry leaders.

3. University of Zagreb

The University of Zagreb, one of the most elite Croatian universities, carries a range of cutting-edge programs explicitly designed to meet the demands of the various industry sectors. It currently offers degree programs in arts, humanities, engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences conducted in the Croatian language; however, the institute also provides a few English-taught programs open to all students.

The university, regarded as one of the best in Europe and across the globe, and with its proven academic excellence, has transformed countless professionals and experts who are fully committed to contributing to the socioeconomic development of society.

4. University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb

The University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, is a modest institution in Croatia that operates both as a vocational school and a typical university. As an advanced vocational health school, the school specializes in technical health fields, but it also offers specialist health programs at the master’s level. All this makes it a fully-fledged institution of research and higher learning, capable of catering to the technical and educational needs of health professionals.

5. Algebra University College

Algebra University College is a skill-focused and student-centered university established to ensure students acquire the necessary competencies to thrive in a competitive global labor market. The university distinguishes itself by fielding in-demand digital courses and programs to give its students the edge in an economy in which digital jobs are overtaking the conventional. Also, Algebra University College constantly adapts its curriculum to match changing trends in technology and the industry.

6. VERN University

VERN University is a reputable Croatian university dominating in providing excellent education in the field of economics, management, and media studies. It trains students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and acquire admirable traits to become socially-minded professionals. And as a leading Croatian and European private university, it pushes students to become active participants in raising awareness of global and pressing societal issues.

7. Zagreb School of Economics and Management

Zagreb School of Economics and Management, commonly abbreviated to ZSEM, is a leading private school and the first business school in Croatia to be AACSB accredited. According to Eduniversal, it is the best business school in Croatia as it continues to offer new and innovative business programs like business mathematics and doctor of administration.

ZSEM hopes to impart students with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to achieve success in an ever-changing and global business environment.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Zagreb for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Zagreb ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Zagreb 2,000 Euros - 3,700 Euros 62%
European Business School Zagreb 2,900 Euros - 3,450 Euros 45%
College of Occupational Safety and Health 3,200 Euros 39%
Algebra University College 6,120 Euros -16%
VERN University 6,825 Euros -30%
Zagreb School of Economics and Management 10,400 Euros -98%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 5,242 Euros for universities in Zagreb.

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1. University of Zagreb

The University of Zagreb, one of the most elite Croatian universities, carries a range of cutting-edge programs explicitly designed to meet the demands of the various industry sectors. It currently offers degree programs in arts, humanities, engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences conducted in the Croatian language; however, the institute also provides a few English-taught programs open to all students.

The university, regarded as one of the best in Europe and across the globe, and with its proven academic excellence, has transformed countless professionals and experts who are fully committed to contributing to the socioeconomic development of society.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Zagreb should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 2,000 Euros to 3,700 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. European Business School Zagreb

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is European Business School Zagreb. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at European Business School Zagreb is 2,900 Euros to 3,450 Euros.

The European Business School Zagreb was established with the vision of being a leader in research and higher education, especially for entrepreneurship. It continues to work toward this by incorporating the values of academic and research excellence, institutional integrity, transparency, innovation, and partnership into its academic work. The university offers programs from undergraduate to graduate level, as well as lifelong education programs.

3. College of Occupational Safety and Health

The College of Occupational Safety and Health is an institution of higher learning in Croatia that is a part of SSBM Geneva, a Swiss business and management school. The school prides itself in being a globally involved institution, with students from around the world representing up to 70 countries. The programs offered at the school are not only for admitted students but also hold numerous training for international and national companies, giving the school a good standing with industry leaders.

The tuition fee at College of Occupational Safety and Health for incoming international master’s students is 3,200 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Algebra University College

Another affordable university to consider in Zagreb is Algebra University College.

Algebra University College is a skill-focused and student-centered university established to ensure students acquire the necessary competencies to thrive in a competitive global labor market. The university distinguishes itself by fielding in-demand digital courses and programs to give its students the edge in an economy in which digital jobs are overtaking the conventional. Also, Algebra University College constantly adapts its curriculum to match changing trends in technology and the industry.

The tuition fee in Algebra University College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,120 Euros.

5. VERN University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, VERN University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 6,825 Euros yearly.

VERN University is a reputable Croatian university dominating in providing excellent education in the field of economics, management, and media studies. It trains students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and acquire admirable traits to become socially-minded professionals. And as a leading Croatian and European private university, it pushes students to become active participants in raising awareness of global and pressing societal issues.

6. Zagreb School of Economics and Management

Zagreb School of Economics and Management, commonly abbreviated to ZSEM, is a leading private school and the first business school in Croatia to be AACSB accredited. According to Eduniversal, it is the best business school in Croatia as it continues to offer new and innovative business programs like business mathematics and doctor of administration.

ZSEM hopes to impart students with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to achieve success in an ever-changing and global business environment.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Zagreb?

Applying to cheap universities in Zagreb requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Croatia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Zagreb?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Zagreb. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Zagreb is the Algebra University College, which offers Computing, 3D Modeling, and Visual Communications Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Algebra University College offers Design and Communications Management, Digital Marketing, and Game Development.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Zagreb, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Zagreb as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Zagreb for international students was helpful!