Elementary education is compulsory in the Republic of Croatia for all children from the age of seven to the age of fifteen. Classes are taught in Croatian. Secondary education lasts from three to four years and is offered at comprehensive schools, vocational schools, and schools of the arts. Upon completion of secondary education, students may enroll in universities and colleges.

Education at the higher level is two to three years in duration at post-secondary non-university institutions and four to six years at universities. Postgraduate studies leading to master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees are from two to six years in duration.

Zagreb, the capital, has some 40 graduate and undergraduate schools and over 80,000 students (2003). Its first secular school was founded in the mid-14th century, and the first secondary school was established at the beginning of the 17th century. Zagreb University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, having opened in the latter half of the 17th century. The cities of Split, Zadar, Osijek, and Rijeka also have universities.

There are a number of international schools in Zagreb:

American International School of Zagreb - (IB Diploma)
Voc'arska 106, Tel: 4680-133, Fax: 4680-171, Email: aisz@aisz.hr

Deutsche Internationale Schule
Pantovcak 180A, Fax: 6155-536, Mobile: 098-439-846, Email: dis-zagreb@zg.t-com.hr

French School
Jordanovac 110, Tel: 2348-001, Fax: 2348-001, Email: efzagreb@hotmail.com

XV Gimnasium - (IB Diploma)
Jordanovac 8, Tel: 2302-255