Studying in Croatia for Ukrainians

Let's imagine that you have found a program. Then the path depends on the level: for a bachelor's degree, most people go through a central portal, for a master's degree and PhD - directly to the university or faculty. The key to peace of mind is to prepare a package of documents in advance (translations, apostille, language) and not to delay the deadlines.

How it works in practice

• Bachelor's degree. You register in the central admission system (NISpVU / Postani student), where you will be guided step by step: filling out a profile, uploading documents, choosing programs in priority order. Foreign certificates are checked by the Central Admissions Office (a subdivision of the Education Quality Agency). Some faculties appoint their own additional tests, such as creative tests, interviews, or specialized exams.
• Master's degree. The application is done directly: a personal account on the university/faculty website, a list of files and deadlines. Academic recognition of prior education (your Ukrainian diploma and supplement) is done by the university itself upon admission.
• PhD / research MA. The best start is to find a supervisor, agree on a topic, send a short research proposal and CV. Next, the internal requirements of the program (interview, funding plan, language certificate).

The package of documents that is usually requested

• Educational document: a certificate (for BA) or a diploma with a supplement (for MA/PhD).
• Translations and legalization: notarized translation into Croatian or English; apostille is usually required. Make sure that both the main document and the appendix with subjects/grades are translated.
• Program language: B2-C1 certificate (English or Croatian). Specific tests and thresholds are determined by the faculty.
• Motivation letter and CV; recommendations (more often for MA/PhD).
• Portfolio/audition - for artistic and some creative specialties.
• Passport, photo, and sometimes a registration fee for consideration.

Exams, preparation, interviews - when it's about you

For Croats, the basic filter is the State Matura, but for foreigners, the university can set its own exam or interview. Preparatory “foundation” courses are sporadic; instead, universities are willing to offer Croatian courses to those who choose non-English-language programs.

Deadlines

• Autumn enrollment (start of classes - October): Bachelor's degree windows open in late winter/spring and close in summer; creative fields often have early deadlines.
• Spring admission: not available everywhere and usually short.
• MA/PhD: 1-2 waves per year, dates vary between faculties. Check your program's website and make a reserve for translations/apostilles.

Recognition of Ukrainian documents

• For admission to MA/PhD: academic recognition is carried out by the university itself (assesses the relevance of the level and subjects).
• For access to a bachelor's degree with a foreign certificate: the Central Admissions Office performs the verification within the Postani student portal.
• For the labor market/general confirmation: a separate procedure through ENIC-NARIC Croatia (at the Quality Agency) - this is outside the scope of admission and is done “when necessary”.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Applying at the last minute. Legalization can take time - do it in parallel with preparing for the language exam.
• Incomplete translation. Translate both the diploma/certificate and the appendix (this is where the subjects and credits are listed).
• Unconfirmed language: certificates from courses without an official level are sometimes not accepted - an international certificate or an official university test is better.
• Late registration in the portal: even if the documents are ready, the system does not “see” your application without a profile and uploaded files.
• Minor applicants may need an additional power of attorney/guardian - check the requirements in advance.

Short action plan

1. Choose a program and read its “Admission”.

2. Order translations + apostille (certificate/diploma and appendix).

3. Confirm the language (B2-C1).

4. Register: Postani student (bachelor's degree) or university portal (MA/PhD).

5. Prepare a portfolio/recommendations as required.

6. After conditional admission, proceed to visa and housing.

Study permit in Croatia for Ukrainians

Who needs a study permit?

Ukrainians and citizens of other non-EU/EEA countries need a study permit (C visa) to officially stay in Croatia for the purpose of education.

EU/EEA citizens can stay in the country for up to three months without a visa, after which they also need to apply for a permit.

How to apply for a study permit?

1. Applying in Ukraine

You can apply for a student visa and a temporary residence permit at the Croatian embassy or consulate in Ukraine before you travel.

2. Registration in Croatia

When you enter the country with a student visa, you can apply to the local police station for a temporary residence permit.

How to get a student visa to Croatia?

Required documents for a student visa:

• Letter of admission to a Croatian educational institution.
  
• Proof of residence in Croatia: a rental agreement, a letter from a dormitory or other place of residence.
  
• Proof of financial solvency: bank statement, scholarship certificate or other documents confirming the availability of funds.
  
• Health insurance covering the entire period of stay.
  
• A cover letter explaining why you have chosen to study in Croatia.

Additional documents for underage students

• Birth certificate.
  
• A letter of consent from parents or guardians authorizing residence for the purpose of study.
  
• Copies of passports of parents or legal guardians.

How long is a residence permit for students issued for?

- A temporary residence permit is usually issued for one academic year or for the period of study.

- The permit must be renewed annually by submitting up-to-date documents.

- The application process takes approximately 30 days, so plan your application in advance.

Application process: step-by-step instructions

1. Choose an educational institution

Register at a university or other educational institution in Croatia and receive confirmation of enrollment.

2. Gather the necessary documents

Prepare all documents, including health insurance, proof of financial solvency, and proof of residence.

3. Submit your application

If you are in Ukraine, apply to the Embassy of Croatia.

If you are already in Croatia, contact your local police station.

4. Pay the consular fee

The amount of the fee varies, so check with the consulate or police.

5. Wait for the decision

The processing time is up to 30 days.

Dormitories are administered by the city's Studentki centar (SC) - they do not allocate places directly. Usually, international students are recommended by your university International Office, and the SC confirms the availability of a bed. Important: there are fewer places than applicants, and in some cities there are no dormitories at all, so private housing remains a backup option. For exchange students and degree students, the rules and priorities are different - follow the instructions of your university and the city's SC.

How much does a dormitory cost?

In Zagreb, typical subsidized prices for 2025/26 for large houses range from 60-120 € per month depending on the pavilion and room type. For reference: in the Stjepan Radić house from September 2025, a double room costs ~99 €/month, a single room - ~120 €/month (last year it was 90/100 €). Places are limited - apply early and keep a private option in mind.

If you don't get a dorm: private rent

• Room in a “shared flat/WG”: usually ~300-500 €/month in Zagreb (depends on the location and whether it's all-inclusive or not).
• Studio / 1-bedroom: approximately ~520-800 €/month (more expensive in the center). For a 1-bed in the center, the average price is about €650/month.
• Deposit: usually 1-2 months of rent (the law does not set a “ceiling”; in practice, it is a contractual condition).
• Utilities (“režije”): count on ~140-180 €/month for a medium-sized apartment; in rooms in “shared” apartments, they are divided proportionally.

Where to look: Njuškalo, Index Oglasi, Facebook groups of students/expats, aggregators like Erasmus Play, Flatio, local agencies. The rule “safety > haste” applies: first the contract, then the prepayment; check that the landlord can register your address for the residence permit.

Address registration and residence permit - what not to forget

After moving in, you need to register your address with the police (MUP). For third-country nationals, the rule is to submit it within 3 days after entry (other technical deadlines may apply for a long-term D visa - see your file). Bring your passport, lease agreement/confirmation of residence, and a completed form (it will be given to you at the department). Without a registered address, they will not issue a biometric residence permit card.

Small but critically important nuances

1. Seasonality. It is easier to find a room on the coast (Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik) in the fall and spring, and during the peak season, rents “melt” for tourists and rise in price. The government is already tightening regulation of short-term rentals precisely because of the housing shortage.

2. Contract and OIB. Ask for a written contract; you will often need your OIB (tax number) for bank/mobile/subscriptions.

3. Care of the deposit. Specify in the contract the condition of the property upon move-in/out and the procedure for returning the deposit - this eliminates most disputes. The market standard is 1-2 months.

4. Plan B for the first week. Don't delay booking temporary housing (hostel/apartment hotel) for the search period - it's more relaxing.

In Croatia, tuition fees are set by the university/faculty itself and strongly depend on the field of study. The general rule is that humanities and social sciences are cheaper, natural sciences and engineering are moderate, and medicine is the most expensive.

How much does “tuition” cost?

Official ranges for foreigners:

- Humanities/social sciences - approximately €1,100-10,400/year;

- natural/technical - approximately €1,000-6,000/year;

- Medicine - approximately €10,000-12,000/year. Some faculties also charge an entrance/registration fee (~€60-300).

• An example of a state university (Zagreb): for some English-language bachelor's programs for non-EU students - €9,000/year, for EU students - €4,500/year. For medical programs, some faculties charge €10,000-12,000 per year.
• Private universities: expect a higher “bar”. For example, RIT Croatia for 2025/26: €8,500/year for non-EU (BA).

An important nuance: third-country nationals (including Ukrainians) are admitted within the foreign quota and pay the amount determined by the university itself. EU citizens have the same rights as Croatian students (including discounts/subsidies where applicable).

Compulsory insurance - what will be asked

For temporary residence for the purpose of study, you must have valid health insurance coverage. International students can submit a private policy with full coverage (or EHIC for EU citizens) and are not required to immediately join the public fund if the private policy meets the requirements. For a D visa (when it is required), insurance with at least €30,000 in medical expenses coverage for the duration of the trip is usually required.

In order not to waste time: you can buy insurance online on Visit Ukraine.

"Live" budget for a month

Amounts vary between cities and depending on whether you live in a dorm or rent an apartment. The state estimates the average student's expenses at €400-700 per month, but in the capital and on the coast it will be higher.

• If you are lucky with a dormitory (Zagreb):

- Dormitory - ~€125/month;

- meals (excluding subsidies) - ~€150/month;

- discounted public transportation - ~€11-13/month;

- communication/internet/accidentals - €40-70/month.

Total: approximately €330-360 per month (+ personal expenses).

• If you rent a room/studio:

- a room in a “shared apartment” - ~€300-500/month;

- studio - ~€520-800/month;

- utilities (share) - €50-80/month;

- transportation (student) - €11-13/month;

- food - €150/month.

Total: ~€550-1,000/month depending on the city and type of housing.