What academic qualifications are required in Croatia?
Croatia offers internationally recognized education and follows the European higher education system. The academic qualifications required to study in Croatia depend on the level of study you choose, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs.
Qualification Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree in Croatia
To apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Croatia, students must complete secondary school education.
Required qualifications:
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Completed high school or secondary education
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A valid high school diploma or equivalent certificate
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Academic transcripts showing completed subjects and grades
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Proof that your qualification allows you to study at university in your home country
Examples of accepted qualifications:
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Indian Higher Secondary Certificate (12th standard)
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A-Levels
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International Baccalaureate (IB)
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European secondary school diploma
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Equivalent national high school certificate
Most Croatian universities accept international qualifications if they are officially recognized.
Qualification Requirements for Master’s Degree in Croatia
To apply for a Master’s program, students must already have a Bachelor’s degree.
Required qualifications:
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Completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
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Academic transcripts
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Degree certificate
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Relevant background in the chosen subject (in most cases)
For example:
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Bachelor’s in Biology → eligible for Master’s in Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields
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Bachelor’s in Business → eligible for Master’s in Management, Finance, or MBA
Some universities may also consider related fields.
Qualification Requirements for PhD Programs in Croatia
To apply for a PhD, students must complete both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Required qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Master’s degree in a related field
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Academic transcripts
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Research proposal (sometimes required)
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CV and academic references
PhD programs focus heavily on research experience.
English Language Requirements
If your program is taught in English, you must show proof of English proficiency.
Accepted tests include:
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IELTS (usually 5.5 to 6.5 minimum)
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TOEFL
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PTE Academic
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Medium of Instruction certificate (MOI) – accepted by some universities
Requirements vary by university and program.
Qualification Recognition in Croatia
International qualifications must be officially recognized before enrollment. This process is called qualification recognition.
Croatia accepts most international qualifications because it follows the Bologna Process, which standardizes education across Europe.
Recognition ensures your previous education meets Croatian university standards.
Additional Requirements (Depending on Program)
Some programs may require additional documents, such as:
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Entrance exam (rare)
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Portfolio (for design or art programs)
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Motivation letter
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Interview
Requirements vary by university.
Minimum Academic Score Requirements
Most Croatian universities do not have extremely high grade requirements. However, students should have:
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Passing grades in secondary school for Bachelor’s programs
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Passing grades in Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs
Competitive programs may require higher scores.
Documents Required for Admission
Students usually need to submit:
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Academic certificates
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Academic transcripts
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Passport copy
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English proficiency proof
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Application form
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CV (for Master’s and PhD)
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Motivation letter (sometimes required)
Why Croatia Is Easy to Access for International Students
Croatia has student-friendly admission requirements compared to many Western countries.
Benefits include:
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Simple qualification requirements
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Acceptance of international diplomas
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English-taught programs available
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Affordable tuition fees
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Globally recognized degrees
This makes Croatia a great option for international students.
Final Thoughts
The academic qualifications required in Croatia depend on your chosen study level. For Bachelor’s programs, you need a high school diploma. For Master’s programs, you need a Bachelor’s degree. For PhD programs, you need both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Croatia accepts international qualifications and offers globally recognized degrees, making it an excellent destination for students seeking quality European education.
