ehec
All destinations
🇭🇷
Study in

Croatia

Adriatic life, newest Schengen member.

11
Universities
5K
International students
Low / free (EU)
Public tuition
2023
Joined Schengen
Overview

Why Croatia.

Croatia — the Schengen zone's newest member (2023) — pairs a stunning Adriatic coast with affordable universities and a growing English-taught catalogue. Strong in tourism, maritime studies, and the sciences, with low living costs and one of Europe's best lifestyles.

Ask the expert

Newest Schengen member

Croatia joined Schengen and the euro in 2023 — borderless travel and a single currency across the EU.

Zagreb & coastal unis

The University of Zagreb leads, with strong programmes in Rijeka, Split, and along the Adriatic.

Adriatic lifestyle

1,200 islands, Roman cities, and a warm Mediterranean climate — one of Europe's most beautiful places to study.

English-taught & growing

An expanding English-medium catalogue in business, maritime studies, and the sciences.

Affordable & welcoming

Low living costs outside the peak coast and a famously hospitable culture.

Top universities

Search the best
in Croatia.

Choose what matters to you. We'll open the university list pre-filtered to exactly that.

Filters
Search 0 universities
Intakes

When you can
begin.

Autumn intake
Starts October 2026
Apply Mar–Jul 2026

The main intake — all programmes open; international rounds vary by university.

Spring intake
Starts March 2027
Apply Oct–Dec 2026

A small second intake at some universities.

Cost of studying

What it really
costs.

Croatia pairs low-cost study with an Adriatic lifestyle, now fully inside Schengen. Use this as a planning guide.

Program level
Public University (EU)Free / low
Public University (non-EU)€1,500 – €5,000 / yr
Private / specialised€4,000 – €9,000 / yr
PhDLow fees · funding available

* EU students often study free; non-EU public tuition stays low by European standards.

Average monthly living costs
Zagreb€600 – €900 / mo
Split€650 – €950 / mo
Rijeka€550 – €800 / mo

Cost of living

Zagreb is steady year-round; coastal Split is pricier in summer, cheaper off-season. Rijeka is gentler. Low rents inland, cheap food, and the Adriatic lifestyle make Croatia outstanding value for the setting.

Scholarships

Funding that
follows merit.

Popular cities

Where you'll
live & study.

Zagreb

Zagreb

12°C avg · four seasons Pop. 800K · capital & biggest uni

The University of Zagreb in a handsome Austro-Hungarian capital — the largest, liveliest student city.

Split

Split

16°C avg · Mediterranean Pop. 180K · Adriatic coast

A sun-drenched coastal city built around a Roman palace — the University of Split and Adriatic island life.

Rijeka

Rijeka

14°C avg · coastal Pop. 130K · port & maritime

Croatia's principal port — strong in maritime studies and engineering, with an industrial-cool harbour vibe.

Visa

The visa,
step by step.

EHEC manages your visa end-to-end. We assemble your document checklist, open and verify your blocked account, arrange tax-compliant financial proofs, book your embassy appointment, and run mock interviews until you walk in confident.

Ask the expert
01

Admission letter

Secure your university place — the basis of the residence permit for study.

02

Proof of funds

Show funds covering living for the year. We prepare the documentation.

03

Residence permit

Apply at the Croatian mission; collect your permit after approval.

04

Stay & work

Graduates can seek work in tourism, maritime, and tech, with EU mobility options.

FAQ

Frequently asked
questions.

Book a call

EU students often study free; non-EU public tuition is €1,500–5,000/year. Living runs €500–850/month, higher on the coast in summer.

Croatia is a safe, welcoming country with student healthcare and a relaxed, friendly culture.

Yes — students may work part-time, with strong seasonal tourism roles along the coast.

Tourism, maritime, and a growing tech scene plus EU access shape outcomes; Croatian helps for local roles.

Not for English-taught programmes. Croatian helps daily life and local jobs; we plan language support.

Chat with us