Croatia offers a wide range of courses and financial aid programs for international students every year. Currently, applications for Croatia Scholarships 2025-26 are being accepted at all Croatian universities. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to earn a degree in Europe, studying in Croatia might be the perfect option.
Why Choose Croatia for Your Studies?
For students on a budget, Croatia provides high-quality education at a significantly lower cost compared to other European countries. Croatian universities offer the same level of education as other prestigious European institutions, but with the added benefit of lower living costs. Now, you can fulfill your dream of studying in Europe without breaking the bank. Degrees offered by Croatian universities span various fields, including medicine, engineering, business, and arts, and are recognized both within and outside Croatia.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about living and studying in Croatia, as well as some of the best courses and scholarships available for international students.
Language Requirements for Studying in Croatia (IELTS, TOEFL)
Croatian universities are multilingual, offering courses in German, Croatian, English, Hungarian, and Italian. Prospective students should carefully review the language requirements of the specific university they are applying to. For students planning to study in English, demonstrating language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests is typically required.
Affordable Cost of Living in Croatia
One of the most appealing aspects of studying in Croatia is the low cost of living. Compared to other European countries, Croatia is much more affordable. Students typically need 400 to 700 EUR per month to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and other essentials. Factors such as housing type, location, city, and lifestyle will influence how much you spend during your stay.
Working While Studying in Croatia
International students in Croatia can work part-time while studying, but they must first obtain permission from the Student Service Center. On average, students earn around 3.3 EUR per hour for part-time work, helping to ease the financial burden while completing their studies.
Top Croatian Universities and Available Scholarships
Studying in Croatia is not only affordable but also offers cultural diversity and world-class education. Some of the top Croatian universities include:
- Zagreb School of Economics and Management
- University of Dubrovnik
- University of Zagreb
- University of Rijeka
- University of Split
Croatia Scholarships 2025-26
Studying in Croatia is already cost-effective, but there are several scholarships that can further reduce the financial burden. Below are some of the most notable scholarship opportunities available for international students:
1. Zagreb School of Economics and Management Scholarships
The Zagreb School of Economics and Management offers 28 scholarships for bachelor’s students and 12 for MBA students. Eligible students from countries like the USA, South America, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia can apply.
There are two types of undergraduate awards: one offering 2,000 EUR per academic year and another offering 1,000 EUR per year. Students can continue receiving these scholarships if they maintain a CGPA of 3.5 or higher.
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program
The Erasmus Mundus program allows students to study in multiple European countries, including Croatia. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, administration fees, and living expenses. Both EU and non-EU students can apply, with non-EU students receiving additional benefits.
3. Central European Exchange Program (CEEPUS)
The Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) offers funding for both students and teachers to conduct research or study abroad. The scholarship covers accommodation, medical insurance, and provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The program duration ranges from 3 to 10 months, and during this time, students don’t have to pay tuition fees.
4. Research Scholarships in Croatia
The Croatian Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports offers research scholarships for students from selected countries. This program enables students to conduct joint research in both Croatia and their home country. Popular research fields include technical science, natural science, medicine, and biotechnical science. Students from countries like India, USA, Hungary, France, Germany, and Austria are eligible to apply.
5. Bilateral Programs’ Scholarships
Bilateral scholarship programs support student exchanges and research projects, offering around 400 scholarships annually. These scholarships are available to students, teachers, professors, and researchers. Specific opportunities include one-semester scholarships for studying Croatian language abroad, tuition fee support, and medical student scholarships.
More international Scholarships:
- Chatham University Scholarships 2025 | Apply Now
- Government of Holland Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded
- Austria Government Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded
