Croatian Government Scholarships 2026

The Republic of Croatia offers prestigious government scholarships to international students, researchers, and university staff through its Bilateral Scholarship Programme. These scholarships provide a unique opportunity to study, conduct research, or perfect language skills at accredited Croatian higher education institutions. With support covering tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, and meals, Croatia opens its doors to talented individuals from partner countries and students of Croatian language worldwide. For students exploring study options in Southeast Europe, you should check fully funded scholarships in Croatia for international students to understand the broader landscape of educational funding available in this beautiful Adriatic nation.

Overview of Croatian Government Scholarships 2025/2026

The Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia, together with the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes, awards scholarships to foreign students, researchers, and university teachers. These scholarships are based on bilateral agreements between Croatia and partner countries, as well as dedicated programs for learning Croatian language. Mobilities must take place between October 3, 2025, and September 30, 2026 (July and August excluded).

• Host Country: Croatia

• Scholarship Provider: Ministry of Science, Education and Youth / Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral Research

• Scholarship Types: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, accommodation, meals)

• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of partner countries with bilateral agreements; students of Croatian language from any country

• Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

For students interested in comparing opportunities in neighboring countries, latest scholarships in Slovenia for all nationalities provides another perspective on educational funding in the region.

Types of Scholarships Available

The Croatian Government Scholarships offer six distinct types of mobility tailored to different academic levels and goals.

A1 – One Semester Studies of Croatian Language (4–5 months)

Designed for foreign students enrolled in Croatian language or Slavic studies. Scholars attend a tuition-free course at the University of Zagreb (Croaticum) or the University of Rijeka (Rijeka School of Slavic Studies). Benefits include monthly financial support of €300, subsidized accommodation, and meals.

A2 – Semester/Partial Studies (4–10 months)

Open to undergraduate and graduate students who wish to spend one or two semesters at a Croatian higher education institution. All fields of study are eligible. Benefits include €300 monthly stipend, subsidized accommodation, and meals.

B – Full Undergraduate (BA) or Graduate (MA) Studies (36, 48, or 24 months)

Exclusively for members of Croatian national minorities in Hungary, Romania, and the Slovak Republic, and citizens of China. Covers full tuition for degree programs, plus monthly stipend (€300), accommodation, and meals. Fields prioritized: Croatian language and literature, Croatian culture, history, geography, ethnology, and teacher education.

C1 – Full Doctoral (PhD) Programme (36 months)

Same eligibility as type B (Croatian minorities in Hungary, Romania, Slovak Republic; citizens of China). Provides full PhD tuition, €320 monthly stipend, accommodation, and meals.

C2 – Partial PhD Studies or Research for PhD Students (1–10 months)

For PhD students enrolled abroad who wish to conduct part of their doctoral research in Croatia. Benefits include €320 monthly stipend, accommodation, and meals. Requires a host mentor invitation.

D – Postdoctoral Studies and Research (1–10 months)

For researchers holding a PhD who want to carry out postdoctoral research at Croatian institutions. Benefits: €480 monthly stipend and subsidized accommodation.

E – Short Postdoctoral Research Visit (3–29 days)

Short-term research stays for postdoctoral researchers. Benefits: €30 per diem and subsidized accommodation.

F – Summer Seminar of Croatian Language and Literature (2 weeks)

Two-week intensive language and culture course in Dubrovnik (August 17–30, 2025). Open to Croatian language students, Slavic studies students, and lecturers. Free tuition, accommodation, meals, and cultural program.

Application Pools

Pool 1: Scholarships Based on Bilateral Agreements

For citizens of countries that have educational cooperation agreements with Croatia. Eligible countries include Belgium (Flanders), Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Germany (Bavaria), Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Specific numbers and types of scholarships vary per country (see official call). Candidates must be nominated by their national competent authority.

Pool 2: Scholarships for Learning the Croatian Language

Open to students of Croatian language and Slavic studies worldwide, regardless of bilateral agreements. This pool offers A1 (semester language study) and F (summer seminar). Nomination is done via a recommendation letter from the applicant’s Croatian language professor.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: At least 18 by October 1, 2025. For BA, MA, PhD applicants (types A2, B, C1, C2): maximum 30 years. No age limit for A1, D, E, F.

• Academic Standing: Minimum two semesters completed at home institution for student applications.

• Exclusions: Foreign citizens with residence in Croatia; students already enrolled in Croatian universities; candidates without citizenship of nominating country.

• Language: Proficiency in English or Croatian depending on the programme; for type F, minimum B1 Croatian required.

Scholarship Benefits Summary

Scholarship Type Monthly Stipend Accommodation Meals Tuition A1, A2, B €300 Subsidized Subsidized Covered C1, C2 €320 Subsidized Subsidized Covered D €480 Subsidized – – E €30/day Subsidized – – F – Free Free Free

• Accommodation: Available in student residence halls for those under 36 years.

• Additional: Health care is covered only if bilateral agreements exist; otherwise, applicants must arrange their own.

How to Apply

For Pool 1:

1. Prepare required documents (application form, CV, transcripts, letters, etc.) in English or Croatian.

2. Submit online application via the Agency’s system (https://ampeu.hr).

3. Ensure your national authority nominates you and sends a Nomination Letter to bilaterala@ampeu.hr by April 4, 2025.

For Pool 2:

1. Obtain a Recommendation Letter from your Croatian language professor.

2. Submit online application and all required documents by April 4, 2025. No separate nomination needed.

Required Documents (by scholarship type): full list available in the official call, including:

• Application form, passport copy, CV, letter of interest

• Proof of enrollment, transcripts, diploma copies

• Letters of recommendation, host invitation (for research stays)

• Language proficiency certificates

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

• Mobility Period: October 3, 2025 – September 30, 2026 (July and August excluded)

• Results Announcement: June/July 2025

Why Choose Croatia for Your Studies?

Croatia offers a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and European academic excellence. Its universities are integrated into the European Higher Education Area, ensuring internationally recognized degrees. Students benefit from affordable living costs, safe environment, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming community. The country’s strategic location makes it a gateway to Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Adriatic. With these fully funded scholarships, Croatia becomes an even more attractive destination for international students and researchers.

Final Thoughts

The Croatian Government Scholarships 2025/2026 provide exceptional opportunities for students and researchers from partner countries and Croatian language learners worldwide. Whether you wish to study for a semester, pursue a full degree, or conduct advanced research, there is a scholarship tailored to your needs. With generous financial support, you can focus on academic growth while immersing yourself in Croatia’s vibrant culture. The April 4, 2025 deadline is approaching—start preparing your documents and take the first step toward an unforgettable educational journey in Croatia.

Apply Now for Croatian Government Scholarships 2025/2026