8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Croatia

Ideal for history buffs, adventure-seekers, and everything in between, Croatia offers an off-the-beaten-path study abroad destination where cultures come together. The best study abroad programs in Croatia let you complement top-notch academics with a chance to explore all this country offers.

Spoiler alert: It offers a whole lot. There’s Dubrovnik, Croatia’s “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its churches, monasteries, and medieval city walls. There’s capital-city Zagreb with its lively vibe and quirky museums. There are national parks with wild landscapes to put the best postcards to shame and dreamy Adriatic islands, islands, and more islands.

Nature lovers and conservationists have an array of dazzling beaches, mountains, and forests to fill their free time. Linguists can take on the challenge of learning an interesting language.

Foodies and wine aficionados? Yeah, Croatia has plenty for you, too, thanks to traditional dishes, renowned olive oil and wine production, and a unique blend of Austria, Italian, Hungarian, Slavic, and Turkish influences.

Even Game of Thrones enthusiasts have a home here thanks to Croatia’s extensive list of filming locations. But no matter why the country calls to you, studying abroad in Croatia is a great way to reap the benefits a simple vacation just can’t deliver. It’s time to find out for yourself why Croatia is one of the coolest places to study abroad.

What makes these programs the best?

You’ll love exploring your host city in your downtime.

Choosing a great study abroad program can make all the difference. We rounded up the best study abroad programs in Croatia with a few factors in mind to help you pick the right program abroad for you.

We looked for programs that cover a variety of subjects so you can find a way to study abroad in Croatia and explore the topics that interest you. Many of these programs also allow you to learn the language while studying abroad through formal coursework or day-to-day interactions, a great way to really immerse yourself in local life. You can complete coursework in English while engaging in meaningful intercultural learning throughout your time in Croatia.

Deciding when you’ll study abroad is also key to creating a study abroad experience that lets you meet your personal and academic goals, so we found you options. Study abroad for a fall or spring semester or go for a shorter winter or summer study abroad program between semesters back home—it’s all possible in Croatia.

Reviews from real program participants offer a sneak peak into the amazing experience awaiting you in Croatia. And don’t forget to talk to your study abroad advisor as you pick a program! Your advisor can give you in-the-know insight into provider reputation and help you figure out which programs will—or won’t—earn you credit for your degree.

8 best study abroad programs in Croatia

Whether you’re looking to study abroad in Croatia for fall or spring semester, a short-term summer or winter, or even an academic year, you’ll find plenty of programs to make your dream a reality. Here are some of our top picks to get you started:

1. Experience Dubrovnik, Croatia with API

• Why? If you’re in the mood for medieval architecture, beaches right out of a postcard, and a historical setting worthy of studying everything from business to public health and beyond, Dubrovnik checks all the boxes. API offers both semester and summer programs in this stunning city on the southern tip of the Dalmatian coast. You can choose from a variety of classes in English to stay on track for your degree, all while learning what it’s like to have a UNESCO World Heritage Site as your backyard.
• Where? Dubrovnik
• Read Academic Programs International (API) reviews

2. Artificial Intelligence + Croatian Language and Culture with Algebra University

• Why? Algebra University College’s study abroad programs in Croatia deliver quality education to prepare students for success in a digital, global world. This program is no exception, so if you’re eyeing a career in AI technologies (or just want to learn more about this cutting-edge field), Algebra University College has you covered. You can also take a course in Croatian Language and Culture for free when you sign up for the Artificial Intelligence program to enhance your experience and earn extra credits.
• Where? Zagreb
• Read Algebra University College, Croatia reviews

3. Shadow Doctors in Croatia with Atlantis

• Why? Sure, your coursework is pretty intense, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go abroad as a pre-med student. In fact, an experience abroad can give your future grad school applications a healthy boost. This program allows you to shadow professionals from various medical specialties at a top European hospital, without taking time off from your standard academic semesters. Oh, and you’ll get to live in the oldest Croatian coastal town on the Adriatic while you’re at it!
• Where? Šibenik
• Read Atlantis reviews

4. Study in Croatia with World Endeavors

• Why? Settle into an adventure in Zagreb for a full semester when you study abroad at Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM). Established in 2002, ZSEM is one of Croatia’s first private institutes of higher learning and offers courses in subjects like business, economics, finance, and marketing. Programs for international students at ZSEM are taught in English, so you’re well on your way to earning credit for your degree back home when you study abroad in Croatia. You’ll also get the best of all Zagreb worlds thanks to ZSEM’s location in a peaceful suburb just a short tram ride away from the bustle of the city’s downtown.
• Where? Zagreb
• Read World Endeavors reviews

5. Digital Marketing + Croatian Language and Culture with Algebra University

• Why? Ready to gain on-the-ground experience and position yourself for success in a marketing career? Learn the ins and outs of digital strategy while making friends with like-minded travelers and seeing the sights in exciting Zagreb. You can add the Croatian Language and Culture course for free to take your time studying abroad in Croatia to the next level. After all, cross-cultural and language skills heighten your ability to communicate with international audiences—and there’s no better way to learn a language than by immersing yourself abroad.
• Where? Zagreb
• Read Algebra University College, Croatia reviews

6. Operation Wallacea - Croatia

• Why? If you’re searching for an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in research and conservation, studying abroad in Croatia is the way to go. That’s right, you can hone your skills in marine and terrestrial research, surveying for birds, rare cave fauna, mollusks, seagrass, and more alongside academics and other students. From lectures on biodiversity and conservation to dive training and beyond, this unique program’s focus on experiential learning is sure to strengthen your resume and set you on a path to a career in conservation. The best part? You’ll get to work in both Krka National Park and Silba Island, two of Croatia’s stunning natural areas.
• Where? Silba and Krka National Park
• Read Operation Wallacea reviews

7. Direct Low Cost - Summer Study in Croatia with NPSA

• Why? The cost of studying abroad can sometimes feel daunting, but NPSA dedicates itself to offering direct access to low-cost programs. More good news: That includes study abroad programs in Croatia! You can lower the cost of studying abroad by directly enrolling in low-cost programs with affordable housing options, making studying and traveling on a student budget a breeze. Even more good news: You’ll have one of Europe’s oldest cities as your backdrop for study breaks and cultural explorations.
• Where? Zagreb
• Learn more about Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

8. Cyber Security + Croatian Language and Culture with Algebra University

• Why? You’ll get to delve into questions about a constantly evolving field when you study cyber security in Croatia. As with Algebra University College’s other short-term programs, you can earn additional credits and amplify your immersion abroad by adding on the Croatian Language and Culture course for free. Gain knowledge for a future career in cyber security and have fun exploring the museums, historical sites, and tasty cuisine all around Zagreb.
• Where? Zagreb
• Read Algebra University College, Croatia reviews

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You won’t regret studying abroad in one of the world’s most unique destinations!

Convinced yet?

After comparing study abroad programs and considering your own goals for studying abroad, you’re well on your way to an unparalleled experience in Croatia. Learn about Croatian language and culture, explore Croatia’s coastal, mountain, and food landscapes, and see for yourself why studying abroad in Croatia is the best decision you can make.