Croatia – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Croatia?

Croatia’s educational tradition runs deep. The country can trace its academic heritage back centuries — the University of Zadar, founded in 1396, was among the earliest in the region, while the University of Zagreb, established in 1669, remains the largest and longest continuously operating institution in the country. Today, the system is regarded as competent by European standards, although ongoing challenges persist around funding levels and the supply of qualified teachers.

In the PISA 2022 assessment, Croatian 15-year-olds achieved 463 points in mathematics (against an OECD average of 472), 475 in reading (OECD average: 476), and 483 in science (OECD average: 485). These results place Croatia marginally below, but very close to, the OECD average across all three areas. Compared with the 2018 cycle, scores remained stable in mathematics and reading, while science results showed modest improvement.

The proportion of 25–34 year-olds who have not completed upper secondary education is notably low in Croatia: at 3%, this figure sits 10 percentage points beneath the OECD average as of 2023, pointing to a system that is both accessible and broadly inclusive. At the other end of the attainment spectrum, 27% of young Croatian adults held a master’s degree in 2024, comfortably above the OECD average of 16%.

Student-to-teacher ratios in Croatia are particularly favourable: 12 pupils per teacher at primary level, and just 8 at both lower and upper secondary — well below the OECD norms of around 13–14 at these stages. Despite this, relatively low teacher salaries continue to generate staffing shortages across the country, a problem that has persisted over a number of years.

Croatia’s own National Plan for the Development of Education and Training until 2027 acknowledges several systemic challenges, including weaknesses in funding structures, quality assurance and monitoring, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient support for learners. Over EUR 2 billion has been earmarked for the plan’s implementation, with the bulk of this funding drawn from EU structural funds for the 2021–2027 period. For up-to-date assessments of school quality, refer to the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission’s annual Education and Training Monitor for Croatia.

At what age is education compulsory in Croatia, and how is schooling structured by age?

Schooling is mandatory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. The system is arranged into four distinct phases, spanning from early childhood provision through to tertiary education. Families relocating to Croatia with children will benefit from understanding how each stage is organised.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) / Preschool (ages 6 months – 6 years)
ECEC in Croatia is not compulsory, with one important exception: a one-year pre-primary programme must be completed by all children before they begin primary school, and this final preschool year is provided free of charge to parents. Children who have not attended kindergarten prior to this point can access a special preparatory programme of 250 hours per year, delivered at either a kindergarten or an elementary school depending on what is available locally.

Primary and lower secondary education (ages 6/7 – 14/15)
Croatia combines primary and lower secondary schooling within a single continuous structure of eight years of compulsory education, beginning at age 6–7 and concluding at age 14–15. Both phases take place within the same institution, known as the “osnovna škola” (elementary school), rather than being split across separate schools as is the case in some other countries. The first four years are led by a single class teacher, after which pupils move to specialist subject teachers and a broader range of academic disciplines.

Upper secondary education (ages 14/15 – 18/19)
Attendance at upper secondary level is not obligatory, yet the overwhelming majority of pupils continue their education beyond the compulsory phase. Students may choose between grammar schools (gimnazija), vocational schools, and art schools. Vocational programmes range in length from one to five years, depending on the specific trade or profession being studied.

Higher education (ages 18+)
Universities and colleges offer both academic and professional study routes. Entry is determined by performance in the state graduation examination (državna matura) and a student’s cumulative academic record. Children with developmental disabilities may remain in compulsory education until the age of 21.

What types of schools are available in Croatia?

Croatia has 940 primary schools, 370 secondary schools, and a total of 90 public and 32 private higher education institutions. Families have a variety of options to consider, shaped by their location, means, and educational priorities.

State (public) schools make up the core of the system. Primary and secondary education is essentially free, funded primarily by the Ministry of Education of the Croatian government. All instruction is delivered in Croatian, though foreign languages are introduced from the early years. State schools are open to all children with legal residence in Croatia and follow the national curriculum.

Private schools operate alongside the public sector and may be established within the applicable legal framework. They frequently offer smaller classes, alternative teaching philosophies such as Montessori or Waldorf, or tuition in languages other than Croatian. Fee levels differ considerably from one school to another, and families should approach schools directly for current pricing information.

Faith schools form another strand of provision. Kindergartens and schools may be founded by the Republic of Croatia, by local and regional self-government bodies, by religious communities, or by other legal or private entities. Catholic faith schools are the most prevalent type at primary and secondary level, consistent with Croatia’s predominantly Catholic population.

Minority-language schools represent a distinct and legally protected element of the Croatian system. A dedicated law governs minority education, with 24 elementary schools delivering their full programmes in the language of a recognised national minority, and a further 61 offering specific classes in minority languages.

International schools are concentrated in Zagreb and Split, providing curricula that include American, IB, French, and German programmes. A dedicated section below covers these in greater detail.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Croatia follow?

State schools in Croatia deliver a national curriculum established by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth. Rather than dividing compulsory schooling into discrete key stages — as in England’s Key Stage system or Germany’s Lehrplan structure — Croatia runs its eight compulsory years as a single uninterrupted block, with the range of subjects expanding in the final four years.

In general (grammar school) education, subjects covered include Croatian language and literature, mathematics, English, a second foreign language, Latin, art history, music appreciation, history, geography, biology, chemistry, physics, sociology, psychology, information technology, politics and economics, philosophy, logic, physical education, and an elective. For their elective, students choose between religious studies and ethics.

At upper secondary level, students enter one of several distinct tracks. The two principal categories are gymnasiums and vocational schools. Gymnasiums offer four separate four-year pathways — covering mathematics, informatics and science; languages; classical studies; and general education — while vocational schools train students for direct entry into specific occupational fields.

The principal school-leaving credential is the državna matura (state graduation examination). Students completing four-year vocational programmes are eligible to sit the exam and apply for university entry. Functionally comparable to France’s Baccalauréat or Germany’s Abitur, the državna matura is a standardised national qualification that simultaneously serves as the main criterion for university admission. Since 2016, enrolment in higher education institutions has been determined by students’ matura scores.

For internationally portable qualifications, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is available at select private and international schools, most notably the American International School of Zagreb, which delivers IB programmes alongside its American curriculum. Families interested in IB provision should confirm accreditation and availability with individual schools directly.

Croatia signed the Bologna Declaration at the Prague ministerial meeting in 2009, committing to harmonise its higher education system with the Bologna Process framework. As a result, Croatian university degrees — at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels — are designed to be mutually recognised across Europe and in other countries that accept Bologna-aligned qualifications.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Croatia?

School timetables in Croatia differ between schools and regions. In many urban areas, schools operate a two-shift system to accommodate buildings shared between two pupil cohorts. One group typically attends in the morning (approximately 8:00–13:00) and the other in the afternoon (approximately 13:00–18:00), with the shifts rotating on a weekly basis. Full-day schooling exists but is less common in state schools. International schools usually follow a conventional full-day schedule.

Lunchtime arrangements depend on the individual school. Many state schools, particularly those whose morning-shift pupils return home by early afternoon, do not provide a universal midday meal. Extended care and catering services are more widely available in schools in larger urban centres.

The school year generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-June, following the academic calendar published each spring by the Croatian Ministry of Education. The year is divided into two semesters. Key holiday periods typically include:

• Autumn half-term: A brief break in late October or early November
• Winter holidays: Roughly two weeks covering Christmas and New Year
• Spring/Easter break: One to two weeks around Easter
• Summer holidays: Approximately ten weeks, from mid-June to early September

Precise dates are announced annually by the Ministry and may vary slightly from year to year and between regions. Always check the current school calendar with your child’s school or through the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.

How do you enrol a child in school in Croatia?

Enrolment in Croatian state schools is administered at the local level, with children assigned to a school based on their registered home address — a catchment-area arrangement similar to those used in many European countries. The following steps outline the typical enrolment process:

1. Establish residence and register your address. A registered address in Croatia is required before enrolment can proceed. The local catchment school is determined by this address. You will need to register your residence with the relevant municipal authority (općina or grad).
2. Obtain your child’s OIB (personal identification number). Every resident in Croatia, including children, must have an OIB, issued by the Tax Administration (Porezna uprava). This number is required for almost all official administrative processes, including enrolling in school.
3. Gather required documentation. You will typically need to provide: a birth certificate (certified Croatian translation required if the original is in another language), proof of address such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill, vaccination records, and previous school reports or transcripts. The precise requirements can vary between municipalities, so always confirm the full list with the relevant school or local authority.
4. Contact the local school directly. Identify and approach the catchment school for your area. State primary schools are required to admit all children within their designated zone, making oversubscription less common than in many other countries at this stage.
5. Complete the enrolment paperwork. The school will supply the necessary forms. For children transferring mid-year, a brief assessment may be carried out to determine the most appropriate year group placement.
6. For secondary school enrolment, be aware that admission is competitive. Students select up to five preferred schools listed in order of priority, and a points-based system determines whether a place can be offered. Points are accumulated from grades achieved in years 5 to 8 of primary school, placements in academic competitions, and other criteria, with a maximum of 80 points available.
7. For private or international school enrolment, contact each institution individually, as admissions procedures differ considerably. Places can be limited, and preference may sometimes be given on the basis of nationality or particular family circumstances.

For authoritative guidance on enrolment requirements, contact the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia or your local city or municipal education office (Upravni odjel za obrazovanje). Procedures and requirements are subject to change, and it is always advisable to verify directly with the relevant authority before finalising any plans.

What international schools are available in Croatia?

International schools in Croatia are found primarily in Zagreb and Split, where most of the expatriate community is concentrated. Private international schools in the country offer programmes taught in a range of foreign languages — including Chinese, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish — and some deliver internationally recognised curricula with a focus on technology, sport, or the arts.

Among the most established options:

• American International School of Zagreb (AISZ) — situated in Zagreb, AISZ provides elementary, middle, and high school education to international standards, following an American curriculum with subjects spanning mathematics, science, social studies, and English. The school also delivers the IB programme and offers ESL support services.
• Split International School — located in Split, the school caters to both international and local students at elementary and high school levels. All subjects — including maths, science, history, languages, arts, and physical education — are taught in English.
• Ecole Française de Zagreb — part of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network, this non-profit school provides French-language instruction following the French national curriculum. Croatian students are also welcome to enrol.
• Deutsche Internationale Schule in Zagreb (DISZ) — supported financially by the Central Agency for Schools Abroad on behalf of the German Foreign Office, the school covers kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels. Instruction is delivered in German, Croatian, and some English.

By local standards, fees at international schools are substantial, but these institutions offer high academic standards, small class sizes, well-equipped facilities, and a broad range of extracurricular activities. Tuition costs differ significantly across schools and year groups. As an indication, Split International School provides needs-based financial assistance to eligible families, with awards of up to 40% off the annual base tuition fee (as of 2025). Contact schools directly for confirmed, up-to-date fee information, as charges are reviewed annually.

The following directories are useful resources for identifying accredited international schools in Croatia:

• Council of International Schools (CIS) — provides accreditation details and a searchable school directory
• International Schools Consultancy (ISC) Directory — lists international schools by country worldwide
• International Schools Database — Croatia — includes information on fees and facilities

What higher education options are available in Croatia?

The University of Zagreb, as the country’s largest and oldest continuously operating institution, offers the widest range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study. Other significant universities include the University of Split, known particularly for its science and medicine faculties; the University of Rijeka, which is research-oriented with a modern campus; and the University of Osijek, which has strong roots in its surrounding region. Croatia also hosts a number of private institutions providing specialised programmes in fields such as business, information technology, and the arts.

Alongside universities, the higher education landscape includes polytechnics and colleges delivering professionally oriented programmes with a focus on applied skills and practical competencies. These institutions generally offer shorter study courses with close ties to particular industries. Art academies and specialist schools dedicated to disciplines including fine arts, music, and theatre also form part of the sector.

Croatia operates within the Bologna Process framework, meaning that degrees follow the standard three-cycle structure of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral qualifications — broadly compatible with most European systems and many internationally. Croatian universities also participate in Erasmus+ and other collaborative programmes, enabling student exchanges with partner institutions throughout Europe.

For domestic students enrolled in Croatian-language programmes, tuition at public universities is ordinarily free for those who meet entry requirements and maintain the required academic standard. The government funds public universities and permits them to set quotas for fee-free enrolment based on prior academic performance.

International students and those enrolled in English-taught programmes are subject to tuition fees. As a general guide, undergraduate programmes at public universities typically cost between €1,000 and €6,000 per year, while master’s programmes may range from €1,500 to €8,000 annually (as of 2025). Medicine and related programmes tend to fall at the higher end, with fees of approximately €8,000 to €12,000 per year. These are indicative figures — always consult individual institutions for current fee schedules.

International students apply via the centralised Postani student! portal, operated by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education, through which applicants can register and submit preferences for up to 10 degree programmes across Croatian universities. Official information is available through the Study in Croatia portal and the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Croatia?

All state schools in Croatia use Croatian as the sole language of instruction. For families arriving from abroad, choosing between a school that teaches entirely in Croatian and one that offers instruction in their home language is one of the most consequential educational decisions they will face — and should be a key factor when selecting where to live.

Children who arrive without any knowledge of Croatian will need time to adjust in a state school setting. The availability of structured language support differs between schools and municipalities; there is no nationally standardised programme for non-Croatian-speaking pupils equivalent to, say, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision found in many other European countries. In practice, younger children generally acquire Croatian through immersion with relative speed, while older pupils and teenagers are likely to experience a more demanding and prolonged transition.

For recognised national minorities — including Italian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Czech communities — dedicated provision exists: 24 elementary schools deliver their full curricula in the relevant minority language, while 61 further elementary schools provide specific minority-language classes. These arrangements are specifically designed for established national minority groups and are not generally available to expatriate families.

For families with a long-term plan to integrate their children fully into the Croatian system, beginning Croatian language tuition before or shortly after arrival is strongly advisable. For those who cannot, or prefer not to, transition their children into Croatian-language schooling immediately, international schools in Zagreb and Split — offering instruction in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, among other languages — represent the most practical solution.

It is worth noting that children who complete their secondary education within an international school rather than the Croatian state system may face additional steps when applying to Croatian universities, as their qualifications may need to be formally recognised. Families in this situation should seek advice from individual institutions or from the Agency for Science and Higher Education (AZVO) regarding the equivalence of foreign credentials.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Croatia?

The right to education in Croatia is enshrined in Article 66 of the constitution, which guarantees that all individuals are entitled to free compulsory schooling on equal terms and in accordance with their abilities. This constitutional protection applies to all legal residents, meaning that expatriate children who are properly registered in Croatia are entitled to attend state primary and secondary schools without paying fees.

Compulsory education is entirely free of charge across state primary and secondary schools. Families may nonetheless incur some costs for school supplies, textbooks, and optional activities, with amounts varying by school and year group — contact the school directly for details of any ancillary expenses.

For early childhood provision, the compulsory pre-primary year immediately before primary school starts is free for all children. Fees for optional kindergarten attendance at younger ages are set by local and regional government bodies and differ by location. Families on lower incomes may qualify for reduced fees or full waivers — contact your local municipal authority (općina or grad) for information on current entitlements.

Within higher education, a number of Croatian universities offer financial assistance or partial tuition waivers to international students, and scholarships are available through bilateral agreements, the CEEPUS regional academic exchange programme, and Erasmus+ funding managed by the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes.

No government subsidy exists for private or international school fees. Families choosing these options bear the full cost themselves, although some schools — such as Split International School — run their own bursary schemes based on financial need. Scholarships are also available at certain schools, including the Ecole Française de Zagreb. For the most current information on public funding entitlements, contact the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth or your local city or municipal education department.

Frequently asked questions about education in Croatia

Can my child attend a state school in Croatia if they don’t speak Croatian?

Yes. All children with legal residence in Croatia are entitled to attend state schools irrespective of their first language. That said, instruction in state schools is conducted entirely in Croatian, and structured language support is not uniformly available. Younger children often acquire Croatian through classroom immersion relatively quickly, but families should consider organising supplementary Croatian tuition to ease the transition. Where continued education in another language is necessary, international schools in Zagreb and Split offer the most realistic alternative.

Will my child’s foreign school qualifications be recognised in Croatia?

The recognition of qualifications obtained abroad is assessed individually. For school-level credentials, the school itself or the local education authority typically evaluates the equivalence of prior learning and determines the appropriate year group for the child. For entry to higher education, the Agency for Science and Higher Education (AZVO) is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign secondary and tertiary qualifications. It is advisable to initiate this process well before the start of the academic year in which enrolment is planned.

Are there waiting lists for state primary schools in Croatia?

State primary schools are generally required to admit all children living within their designated catchment area, so waiting lists at primary level are uncommon. Secondary school admission, however, is more competitive — particularly for sought-after grammar schools (gimnazije) in major cities, where places are allocated through a points-based ranking system drawing on primary school grades and competition results. Families with children approaching 14 should begin researching secondary school options early and familiarise themselves with how the points system operates.

What childcare options are available for children under school age?

Children from approximately six months to six years are catered for by kindergartens (dječji vrtić), which may be publicly or privately run. Public kindergarten places are funded and administered by local and regional authorities, with fees assessed on a means-tested basis. Demand for public kindergarten places in urban areas is typically high, so families should register as soon as possible after arriving. Private and international kindergartens in Zagreb and Split teach in a variety of languages but charge higher fees. The year immediately before primary school is a compulsory free pre-school programme available to every child.

Can adults and expats access higher education in Croatia?

Yes. International and expatriate students can apply to Croatian universities through the central Postani student! portal, operated by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education. EU/EEA nationals may study at Croatian public universities on the same terms as Croatian nationals for Croatian-language programmes. English-taught programmes carry tuition fees regardless of the applicant’s nationality. Non-EU nationals may require a student residence permit. The official Study in Croatia portal offers comprehensive guidance on applications, visa requirements, and available study programmes.

Is homeschooling legal in Croatia?

Homeschooling has an established legal basis in Croatia, though it is practised by very few families and the regulatory framework has been subject to change over time. Families considering this route should obtain current legal advice and consult the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth directly, since rules and permissions can shift. This is particularly important for expatriate families, whose arrangements may attract additional administrative scrutiny.

How does the Croatian school grading system work?

Croatian schools use a numerical scale running from 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest level of achievement (excellent) and 1 denoting a fail. This structure is broadly similar to the grading systems used in Germany and Austria, and differs from the letter-grade or percentage-based systems common in other countries. Grades earned in years 5 through 8 of primary school carry direct implications for secondary school admission, as they form part of the points total used to rank applicants for places at oversubscribed schools.

Are there English-language degree programmes at Croatian universities?

Yes, the number of English-taught programmes at both public and private Croatian universities has grown in recent years. Business, computer science, medicine, and social sciences are among the disciplines where English-medium study is available, particularly at master’s level. Tuition fees for English-taught programmes vary by institution and field — as a guide, undergraduate fees at public universities typically fall between approximately €1,000 and €6,000 per year, while master’s programmes range from around €1,500 to €8,000 annually (as of 2025); medical degrees can exceed these figures. Check the official Study in Croatia portal and individual university websites for current programme listings and fee information.