Studying medicine in Croatia

Advantages of studying medicine in Croatia

Studying medicine in Croatia is an exciting alternative for many prospective students today - even if the numerus clausus in Germany is a hurdle. In Croatia, you don't need an excellent A-level average to start studying medicine.

Medical studies in Croatia: NC-free study programme

To create a Medizinstudienplatz at a Croatian university, you do not need to have an outstanding academic record. Numerus Clausus (NC). Instead, selection tests and good letters of motivation are taken into account in the application process.

First-class training & international curriculum

• Universities with high teaching and research quality

• Modern facilities, laboratories and a hospital focus - the basis for a sound medical education

Internationally recognised

• Complies with EU standards - degree entitles the holder to a licence to practise medicine and a career in Germany or other EU countries

Modern student cities

• Study locations such as Zagreb, Split, Rijeka or Osijek offer the best quality of life

• Your degree programme combines teaching, culture and a perfect lifestyle on the Adriatic

Studying in the pearl of the Adriatic

• Study where others go on holiday: Coastal mountains, nature reserves, Adriatic beaches by the turquoise sea

• Delicious regional cuisine, lively culture & relaxation right in front of the university

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Croatia?

In Croatia, four established universities offer a medical degree programme in English. Below you will find a structured overview of the individual universities including study programmes, admission figures, special features and location information.

University of Zagreb (School of Medicine, University of Zagreb)

• Study programmes: Human Medicine and Dentistry in English

• Capacity: approx. 50 new students per year

• Characteristics: Intensive care key

• Curriculum: corresponds to European and US standards; co-operations exist with the Mayo Clinic (USA) and the University of Toronto (Kanada)

• Further offers: veterinary medicine also possible

• Location: Capital Zagreb with historic city centre

University of Rijeka (Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka)

• Study programmes: Human medicine and dentistry in English

• Capacity: around 80 study places per year

• Focus: research-orientated training

• Location: Harbour town with Mediterranean flair, affordable student life and access to the beach and promenade

University of Split (School of Medicine, University of Split)

• Study programme: Medizinstudium in Split Human medicine in English only

• Foundation of the degree programme: 2011, state-of-the-art equipment

• Capacity: 60 places per year, 30 of which with residence in Split for the entire degree programme

• Co-operation: Regiomed clinics in Germany - from the clinical study phase onwards there is a transfer there

• Location: historic harbour city with a Mediterranean climate and sights such as Diocletian's Palace

University of Osijek (Faculty of Medicine, University of Osijek)

• Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek

• Start of studies: Faculty of Medicine since 1998, international programme since 2020

• Study programme: Human Medicine in English or German (in cooperation with AMEOS Group)

• Capacity: maximum 60 medical students per semester, teaching in small groups (~10 people)

• Change option: clinical training in German AMEOS clinic possible after preclinical phase

• Location: City in eastern Croatia on the Drava, good transport connections, cultural life and gastronomy

Requirements for studying medicine in Croatia

The specific entry requirements for medical studies vary between Croatian universities depending on the place of study. The following information applies to the respective programme:

Zagreb

• A-level average does not matter

• Required: general higher education entrance qualification and proof of sufficient English language skills

• Admission test in: Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Rijeka

• No numerus clausus, but compulsory: at least two years of biology, chemistry and physics in the last four years of school - with at least the grade "sufficient"

• Compulsory: entrance test in these subjects

Split

• Selection criteria: Grades in biology and chemistry, letter of motivation, current CV

• Recommendation: Abitur average better than 1.8

• Compulsory: English certificate

Osijek

• Prerequisites: General higher education entrance qualification, letter of motivation and CV, recognised English certificate (at least C1 level), entrance test and subsequent personal interview

Note on planning:

Find out about the requirements of the respective university in good time and in a targeted manner - for example from us or directly on the university's website. Honesty and completeness of your application documents are crucial for admission.

Studying medicine in Croatia - content and structure

Medical studies in Croatia are adapted to the Bologna Process and follow the European higher education framework, which ensures a high level of compatibility with degree programmes in other EU countries, including Germany. This not only simplifies the academic orientation abroad, but also possible changes of university or the recognition of academic achievements.

Structure of the study programme

The degree programme is divided into three stages:

• Bachelor's degree programme

• Master's programme

• Postgraduate studies

The Regelstudienzeit des Medizinstudiums is six years. Students are awarded 360 ECTS credits, which corresponds to the scope of the medical degree programme in Germany. The academic year usually begins on 1 October and ends on 15 July. Unlike in Germany, the degree programme is not usually divided into semesters, but into block courses with subsequent examination phases.

Teaching methods and focal points

• "Evidence-based learning": The focus is on the practical application of medical knowledge, not on pure memorisation.

• Theory and practice: The medical specialisms are taught both theoretically and supplemented by clinical practice components.

• Intermediate examinations: In Split, there is an examination after the third year, comparable to the German Physikum.

• Licence to practise medicine: After completing the six-year course of study, two further examinations follow, the passing of which is a prerequisite for a medical licence.

• Language requirements: In Rijeka, proof of Croatian language skills is required for foreign students.

Scientific orientation

The University of Rijeka in particular places a strong focus on scientific work, which prepares students for later work in research and clinical practice.

Important note for partial studies

If you only want to complete a single year abroad, you should find out about the recognition of your academic achievements in Germany from the state examination office before you start. This will help to avoid complications later on.

Costs and financing of medical studies in Croatia?

A Medizinstudium im Ausland requires sound financial planning. In Croatia, the total costs are made up of tuition fees and monthly living costs. The amount of tuition fees varies depending on the university and location.

Overview of tuition fees

• University of Rijeka: approx. 10,000 euros per year

• University of Zagreb & Split: approx. 6,000 euros per semester

• University of Osijek: approx. 8,000 euros per semester

These fees are charged regularly and must be paid before the start of each semester. They apply to both EU and non-EU students and generally only cover tuition costs.

Cost of living in Croatia

In addition to the tuition fees, you should budget around 500 to 800 euros per month. This sum includes:

• Accommodation/rent

• Food and drinks

• Public transport and mobility

• Learning materials

• Leisure and personal expenses

Croatia is one of the more favourable study locations within the EU. Housing and everyday costs are relatively moderate compared to Western European countries, especially outside the capital Zagreb.

Financing options

To give you your Medizinstudium im Ausland finanzieren and reduce the financial burden, there are various options available:

• Scholarships: Numerous public and private institutions award Studienstipendien for a Studying medicine abroad. These can cover both tuition fees and living expenses (in part or in full).

• BAföG abroad: For many students from Germany, funding is possible through the BAföG programme abroad - depending on their personal situation and study location.

• Education loans: Specialised student loans help to close temporary financial gaps. Repayment is usually only made after graduation and entry into working life.

• Reverse intergenerational contract: Some educational institutions offer innovative financing models in which repayment depends on future income.