Application Process for Croatian Universities

Students applying to Croatian universities ordinarily have to take the State Matura exam if they intend to study a Bachelor’s degree in Croatian. Students gain access based on their performance in this exam when ranked against all other candidates. For a rough idea of the level of the Matura in comparison with British qualifications, this summary from the UCAS website might be of interest.

However, for English-taught Bachelor’s degrees, the process is different. Most private universities will accept direct applications from international students. Assessment will be based primarily on previous education. For British students, this will ordinarily mean A’ levels. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas may be accepted for some subjects but not for medicine, dentistry and veterinary studies.

If you wish to apply to study medicine or dentistry in English at a Croatian university, you will have to take an entrance exam. These exams are rarely held in the United Kingdom but are occasionally offered in Germany. This might change as more British and Irish students consider Croatia every year. The entrance exam typically includes questions in biology, chemistry, maths and/or physics. The first exam is usually held in March or April for admission the following October. A second exam might be offered in July if there are still places available.

For veterinary medicine, there is currently no entrance exam. Assessment is based entirely on existing qualifications and work experience. We are able to advise students on their likelihood of success based on their previous education.

You can start the application process for the following degree programmes directly through www.studyincroatia.eu:

• Dentistry, University of Zagreb
• Dentistry, University of Rijeka
• Medicine, University of Rijeka
• Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb

For Master’s degrees, the best advice is to contact your chosen university for details of entry requirements and application processes.