4 Cheapest Universities in Zagreb for International Students

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In Zagreb, there are a handful 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, 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 12 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*
University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety 3,200 Euros 44%
University of Zagreb 5,000 Euros - 5,574 Euros 13%
VERN University 6,825 Euros -20%
Zagreb School of Economics and Management 7,700 Euros - 8,800 Euros -35%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 5,682 Euros for universities in Zagreb.

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1. University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety

The University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 - 5,000 Euros 68%
University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety 3,200 Euros 49%
VERN University 6,825 Euros -10%
Zagreb School of Economics and Management 12,700 Euros -105%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 6,182 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 5,000 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety is 3,200 Euros.

The University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety 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. 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.

The tuition fee at VERN University for incoming international master’s students is 6,825 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Zagreb School of Economics and Management

Another affordable university to consider in Zagreb is 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.

The tuition fee in Zagreb School of Economics and Management for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,700 Euros.


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 University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety, which offers Environmental Health and Safety to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the University of Applied Sciences in Security and Safety offers Environmental Health and Safety.


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!