Masters Degrees in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, lying around 160km inland from the country’s jagged coastline. It’s home to the University of Zagreb, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in South-East Europe, as well as several other higher education institutions.

What’s it like to study a Masters in Zagreb?

Zagreb’s history dates back to Roman times, with a diverse array of architecture that reflects this rich heritage. From the 13th century St Mark’s Church and Austro-Hungarian-era National Theatre through to Brutalist housing blocks and modern, glass-panelled skyscrapers, a stroll through Zagreb reveals an eclectic and unusual city.

As Croatia’s political, commercial and cultural centre, Zagreb has plenty to offer postgraduates. Whether you’re interested in exploring one of the city’s 30 museums or sampling its lively café culture, Zagreb’s cobbled streets make for a charming backdrop to Masters study. The 66m-long funicular linking the upper and lower parts of the city is something of a local icon, having been in operation since 1890 without any accidents. This makes it one of the safest modes of public transport in the world!

If you want to escape the city, nearby Mt. Medvednica is a densely-wooded peak that is popular with skiers in the winter and an excellent hiking destination the rest of the year. With hidden churches, caves and waterfalls, Medvednica rewards repeat visits.

Zagreb’s location makes it a good base from which to explore the rest of the Balkans and beyond, with direct trains to places like Ljubljana, Belgrade, Vienna and Budapest.

Student accommodation in Zagreb is typically a mix of university dormitories and private lets. Accommodation isn’t usually guaranteed by universities for students so it’s wise to begin your search as early as possible.

Universities in Zagreb

The University of Zagreb is rightfully proud of its status as one of South-East Europe’s oldest continuously operating universities (it was founded back in 1669). It’s also the biggest university in Croatia, with around 70,000 students.

Other universities in Zagreb include the Catholic University of Croatia and Libertas International University, the oldest private university in Croatia. Cotrugli Business School also has a campus in Zagreb.

The primary language of instruction is Croatian, but universities do offer some courses in English.

Careers in Zagreb

Zagreb has emerged as an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, so there are opportunities for work in this expanding sector.

Other important industries in the region include chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles. If you decide to look for employment in Zagreb after your studies, it’s a good idea to gain some Croatian language skills.