Zagreb’s faculty of Croatian studies and tuition-free spots for Croats abroad

zagreb Faculty of Croatian Studies

The Faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb saw the highest number of enrolments from Croats outside of the Republic of Croatia for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year – more than any other faculty within the University.

This growing interest highlights the Faculty’s unique focus on Croatian culture, heritage, and diaspora studies – making it an appealing choice for young Croats abroad who want to reconnect with their roots while gaining a world-class education in the heart of Zagreb.

Study Options Tailored for Cultural and Academic Connection

The Faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes, both as single majors and double majors. Students can choose from:

Double majors (choose 2 out of 6):

• Communication Studies
• Croatology (Croatian Culture)
• Demography and Croatian Diaspora
• History
• Philosophy and Culture
• Sociology

Single majors (choose 1 out of 5):

• Communication Studies
• Croatology (Croatian Culture)
• History
• Psychology
• Sociology

Teaching takes place in small groups, allowing lecturers to tailor the course to student interests and promote active engagement. Beyond the classroom, students can get involved in drama, student associations, research projects, and work placements in media, business and public institutions.

Enrolment Details for Croats Abroad

Croats living outside the Republic of Croatia are eligible to apply under a special quota system established through an agreement between the University of Zagreb and the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.

The Faculty of Croatian Studies reserves 53 fully subsidised spots for diaspora students every year, with all tuition costs covered by the State Budget.

To apply, candidates must:

• Provide a certificate of Croatian affiliation (issued by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad)
• Have completed four years of secondary education (within a 12-year school system)
• Be ready to relocate to Zagreb and attend classes in Croatian

Applications are submitted via the Central Application Office: www.postani-student.hr

• First deadline: 1 July 2025, by 11:59 PM (CEST)
• Second deadline: 5 September 2025, by 11:59 PM (CEST)

Qualified applicants will be invited for a short motivational interview and language assessment, which can be done via video call or in person at the Faculty:

• First intake interviews: 2–4 July 2025
• Second intake interviews: 11–13 September 2025

More information about the enrolment process is available here.

This Faculty is the only one dedicated to studying Croatian society, state, culture, and diaspora within a broader European and global context.

Since its official establishment as a faculty in 2019 (though it began operating in 1992), it has become a centre for interdisciplinary research and learning across seven departments.