Medical studies in Croatia

Advantages of studying medicine in Croatia

Your grade point average has long since ceased to be an argument for giving up the dream of studying medicine, because in many European countries it is also possible without the perfect Abitur. What makes studying medicine in Croatia so special?

Medical studies in Croatia: NC-free study programme

To get a place to study medicine at a Croatian university, you do not need an outstanding numerus clausus (NC). Instead, selection tests and good letters of motivation are taken into account when applying. More on this below in the section "What are the requirements for studying in Croatia?"

First class training

Croatian universities enjoy a very good reputation for their high-quality medical education. They are known for their commitment to teaching and research. The facilities, laboratories and hospitals are well equipped and the teaching staff is experienced and dedicated, so you will be well prepared for your medical career.

Internationally recognised study programme

If you want to study medicine in Croatia, you don't have to worry - medical studies in Croatia comply with EU standards and are therefore recognised in all EU countries. This gives you the opportunity to work as a doctor in Germany or another EU country of your choice after completing your studies.

Modern student cities

As the modern capital of Croatia, Zagreb offers you numerous nightlife options, cultural institutions and a colourful nightlife during your medical studies. Split and Rijeka are located directly by the sea, so instead of sitting in the library with your books, you could make yourself comfortable on the beach with your reading. Osijek in the east of the country offers numerous parks, cafés and many excursion destinations in the surrounding area.

Dreamlike country

Studying where all the tourists go on holiday - that's what makes studying medicine abroad fun. The first thing you associate with Croatia is probably the turquoise-coloured Adriatic Sea and the endless beaches. But Croatia has so much more to offer: In the numerous nature reserves, you will find crystal-clear lakes and vast forests that invite you to go hiking. There is also plenty of culinary delights to discover in the country and you shouldn't miss out on the many Croatian specialities. So you can enjoy life outside the universities to the full.

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

It is possible to study medicine in four different Croatian cities. We give you an overview and various information about the universities in Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Osijek.

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

The University of Zagreb offers both human medicine and dentistry programmes in English. 50 new students start their medical careers there every year. Due to this small number, intensive and excellent support is guaranteed. The university's curriculum complies with both European and US university standards and there are collaborations with universities worldwide, including the Mayo Clinic in the USA and the University of Toronto in Canada. Medical students who are more interested in veterinary medicine are also in the right place at the University of Zagreb.

The capital of Croatia has a very special charm thanks to its many historic buildings and you will find numerous leisure facilities here, such as cinemas, restaurants and museums.

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

The University of Rijeka offers an NC-free medical degree programme in English and awards around 80 places each year. The university places particular emphasis on research, so if you are interested in scientific work, this is the right place for you. In addition to human medicine, it is also possible to study dentistry here.

The city of Rijeka is located directly by the sea and in your free time you can stroll along the Korzo, a beautiful pedestrian promenade, visit Trsat Castle or relax on one of the many beaches. Those who get a place to study here also benefit from a

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

The study of medicine at the University in Split has only been offered since 2011, so the facilities and equipment in the Faculty of Medicine are very modern and up-to-date. However, only human medicine is offered here, not dentistry. The language of instruction is English. There are 60 study places per year, 30 of which are reserved for students who will complete their entire degree programme in Split. The university has a cooperation with the Regiomed clinics in Upper Franconia and Southern Thuringia and the remaining study places are allocated to participants in this programme. The students then transfer to one of the Regiomed clinics after the three pre-clinical years.

Split is located in the south of Croatia on a peninsula. In the historic city you can visit many sights, such as the Dioketian Palace, the Split Cathedral or the Temple of Jupiter. A trip to the forest park Marjan, from where you have a spectacular view of Split and the sea, is definitely worthwhile. The numerous bathing bays, which are not far from the old town, invite you to go swimming in good weather.

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

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Osijek is the youngest medical faculty in Croatia. It was founded in 1998. The language of instruction is English, but there are now also courses in German.

Classes are held in small groups of about ten people, which ensures intensive support for the students. A maximum of 60 students are accepted per semester. There are numerous cooperations with other clinics. Through the cooperation with the AMEOS Group, students have the opportunity to transfer to a selected location in Germany after the pre-clinical part of their studies for the clinic.

Osijek is located in eastern Croatia on the border with Slovakia and Hungary. It lies directly on the banks of the Drava River and is known for its excellent gastronomy and numerous cultural events. With an international airport and connections to long-distance bus services, travel to other cities and countries is easy.

Requirements for studying medicine in Croatia

The requirements for studying medicine at universities in Croatia vary slightly from one study location to another:

The Abitur average is required for the study of medicine at the University in Zagreb not relevant. You only need to prove that you have a general higher education entrance qualification and sufficient knowledge of English. There is also an entrance test in biology, physics and chemistry.

At the University Rijeka you do not need an NC, but you should have taken at least 2 years of biology, chemistry and physics in the last four school years and have completed them with at least "sufficient". There is an entrance test in which these subjects are tested.

The decisive factor for admission to the University in Split are the grades in biology and chemistry, the letter of motivation and your CV. As the university in Split is very popular, your A-levels should be better than 1.8. An English certificate is also required.

Application requirements for the study programme at the University in Osijek are the general university entrance qualification, a letter of motivation, a CV and English at C1 level. There is also an entrance test and an interview.

Studying medicine in Croatia - content and structure

The medical degree programme in Croatia differs depending on the university. In Croatia, degree programmes are divided into Bachelor's, Master's and postgraduate courses and the ECTS credit system has been implemented. The respective degree programme at Croatian universities typically starts on 1 October each year and ends on 15 July, whereby it differs from the semester model commonly used in Germany. Courses in Croatia are often organised as block courses, which conclude with an examination period shortly after their end, followed by a second examination period, usually from mid to late July.

Croatian universities attach great importance to evidence-based learning, especially in medicine, where practical application is favoured over memorisation. At the University of Split, for example, there is an intermediate examination after three years, similar to the German Physikum. After six years of medical studies, two further examinations are held, which must be passed in order to obtain a licence to practise medicine. At the University of Rijeka, foreign students must also prove their knowledge of Croatian.

Teaching in Croatia includes theoretical and practical elements in various medical specialisms. The teaching content is similar to that of German universities, albeit in a different order. The University of Rijeka is also characterised by its focus on scientific work and relevant problems and enjoys an excellent reputation both professionally and educationally.

The Duration of medical studies is also 6 years in total here.

Costs and financing of medical studies in Croatia?

The Costs when studying abroad are divided into living costs and tuition fees. Tuition fees range from just under 10,000 euros per year in Rijeka to 6,000 euros per semester in Zagreb and Split and 8,000 euros per semester at the University of Osijek.

In terms of living expenses, you can expect to spend between 500 and 800 euros a month on food and drink, leisure activities and accommodation.

Various Scholarships can help you with the financing here.

4 exciting facts about Croatia:

• 1/3 of Croatia is covered by forests. According to the UNESCO report, Croatian forests are among the top five UNESCO forests in the world in terms of CO2 absorption per unit area.

• The Dalmatian comes from Croatia. At least the name does - from Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast. There he was already kept many decades ago as a hunting dog and carriage companion dog.

• Many scenes from the well-known series Game Of Thrones were filmed in Split and Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik (The Pearl of the Adriatic) is the capital of "Kings Landing" in the series, and many shots were taken in the fortresses of Bokar, Lovrijenac and Minceta. In Split, filming took place in the historic Diocletian's Palace and its vaulted cellar.

• Croatia has over 1,244 islands and reefs, but only 48 of them are inhabited. Krk is the largest among them with 405 square kilometres.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Croatia?

There are several options for applying to study medicine in Croatia. Deadlines to be complied with. We will be happy to send you this and other information about the application process and the degree programme itself in an information pack.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Croatia? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Good news for all those who don't have an Abitur: There are also opportunities in other European countries to obtain a Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate to make!