How to Study in Zagreb for International Students
Zagreb, one of the beautiful cities in Croatia, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Zagreb currently has 14 universities, from which 4 universities are a part of the public sector and 10 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Zagreb you should definitely check out are University of Zagreb, Zagreb School of Economics and Management, and Algebra University College.
Being able to study in Zagreb as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Zagreb, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Zagreb
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Zagreb, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 2,900 Euros to 7,400 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 2,000 Euros and 10,400 Euros.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Zagreb
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Zagreb, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb | 5,000 Euros | |
| College of Occupational Safety and Health | 3,199 Euros - 3,200 Euros | 3,200 Euros |
| University of Zagreb | 3,700 Euros | 2,000 Euros - 3,700 Euros |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Zagreb
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb School of Economics and Management | 7,400 Euros | 10,400 Euros |
| Algebra University College | 5,700 Euros | 6,120 Euros |
| European Business School Zagreb | 2,900 Euros | 2,900 Euros - 3,450 Euros |
| VERN University | 6,825 Euros | 6,825 Euros |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Zagreb, check out the Cheap Universities in Zagreb!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Zagreb for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Zagreb, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Zagreb, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Zagreb may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Zagreb are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Zagreb and their required minimum scores for each program level.
University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb
Bachelor’s degree
Zagreb School of Economics and Management
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL: 78
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Algebra University College
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL: 80
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 92
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Zagreb
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Zagreb have online applications available on their websites, like University of Zagreb and Zagreb School of Economics and Management. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Zagreb.
University of Zagreb
Zagreb School of Economics and Management
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Algebra University College
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Zagreb differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Zagreb.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Zagreb
If you’re going to study in Zagreb, you will need to apply for a student visa in Croatia
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Croatia. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Visa Type C.
To start your student visa application in Zagreb, you will need to present the following:
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Valid passport, with at least 2 blank pages and issued within the last 10 years
- A recent color photo
- Evidence of medical insurance
- Proof of financial resources to support stay
- Confirmation letter or proof of acceptance from the host university
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Croatia is 631 HRK.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Complete the requirements to apply for visa.
- Submit the requirements at a Croatian embassy or consulate, or the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Center.
- Provide additional information or documents upon request of the consulate or embassy.
- Attend an interview upon request of the consulate or embassy.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Zagreb. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!