Study Medicine in Croatia

Why Study Medicine in Croatia?

Overview: Medical Education in Croatia

Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and its medical universities have rapidly developed their international programmes to meet EU Bologna Process standards. The University of Zagreb School of Medicine — Croatia's largest and most prestigious medical school — and the University of Rijeka Faculty of Medicine both offer English-medium medicine programmes to international students.

Croatia's location on the Adriatic coast provides an exceptional quality of life for medical students — Split and Dubrovnik are among the Mediterranean's most beautiful cities, while Zagreb, the capital, offers the culture, infrastructure, and hospital network expected of a central European capital. The Croatian kuna's conversion to the euro in January 2023 means fees and costs are now quoted in euros.

The six-year curriculum follows EU standards and integrates basic sciences with clinical training. Clinical placements take place in Croatian hospital networks that have benefited significantly from EU structural fund investment since 2013. Admission does not require UCAT and is based on academic transcript and entrance examination performance.

For UK students who value a Mediterranean lifestyle alongside their medical education, and who want EU-accredited qualifications with a clear PLAB-based return pathway to NHS practice, Croatia offers a genuinely distinctive package.

Entry Requirements for UK Students

Tuition Fees & Living Costs

Zagreb is more expensive than Rijeka and Split but still very affordable by EU standards. Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023. The Adriatic coast is more expensive in peak tourist summer months.

Medical Universities in Croatia

3 universities in our network — all vetted for GMC eligibility.

University of Rijeka

Rijeka · 6 years

£9,000/year

No UCAT

University of Split

Split · 6 years

£9,500/year

No UCAT

University of Zagreb

Zagreb · 6 years

£10,000/year

No UCAT

GMC Recognition & NHS Return Pathway

Croatia-trained graduates follow the standard international pathway: PLAB 1 followed by PLAB 2. The EU-standard six-year curriculum provides strong foundational knowledge. Medicine Clearing provides structured PLAB preparation support as part of our post-graduation package.

Student Accommodation in Croatia

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Post-Brexit, UK citizens require a Croatian residence permit (boravišna dozvola) for study programmes exceeding 90 days. Apply at the Croatian Embassy in London before departure. Required documents include: university acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means (approximately €500/month), health insurance, and valid passport. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

Did You Know? — Croatia

• 1

  Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and adopted the euro as its currency in January 2023 — the most recent EU country to do so.

• 2

  Dubrovnik, one of Croatia's most famous cities, was used as the filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

• 3

  Croatia has over 1,200 islands in the Adriatic Sea — the second most in Europe after Greece.

• 4

  The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest continuously operating university in the entire South Slavic world.

• 5

  Croatia has produced two Nobel Prize winners, and its healthcare system has made significant strides since EU accession.

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown — Croatia

Zagreb is more expensive than Rijeka and Split but still very affordable by EU standards. Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023. The Adriatic coast is more expensive in peak tourist summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions — Study Medicine in Croatia

20 questions answered by our senior admissions team.