The University of Zagreb

Overview

The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest and largest university in Croatia and Southeast Europe. Today, it remains the country’s leading public research university, with 29 faculties, 3 art academies, and a network of specialized research centers. Its main buildings are spread across Zagreb’s city center, so students study in an urban campus environment that blends historic architecture with modern teaching and laboratory spaces.

With a student body of more than 70,000, the University of Zagreb offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, while building particularly strong traditions in medicine, engineering, law, and the humanities. The university plays a major role in Croatia’s scientific and cultural development, and its research output represents a significant share of the nation’s peer-reviewed publications. If you’re comparing options across the country, you may also want to review University of Split for a different regional campus experience and practical program focus.

2. General Information

3. Fee Structure

Fees can vary by faculty, citizenship, and the specific study track, so applicants should confirm the current tuition range directly with the relevant faculty and the central admissions office on the University of Zagreb website.

4. Academic Programs

The University of Zagreb is organized into faculties and academies that cover both traditional academic fields and career-oriented degrees. Common study areas include:

• Faculty of Medicine (one of Europe’s oldest medical schools)
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Economics and Business
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Academy of Fine Arts
• Academy of Music
• Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing

If you are looking at the wider Croatian landscape for STEM or healthcare pathways, you can also compare alternatives such as University of Rijeka and University of Osijek, which both offer strong research activity and student-relevant programs in their regions.

5. Facilities

• Central University Library (over 2.5 million volumes)
• University Hospital Center for medical training
• Advanced engineering and computing labs
• Scientific research centers across disciplines
• Student sports center with Olympic-size pool
• University Botanical Garden
• Historical lecture halls and modern classrooms
• Student cultural center and theaters

In practice, students benefit from being able to access both long-established academic resources (like the central library and university collections) and newer lab equipment across engineering and science faculties.

6. Accommodation

The University of Zagreb provides student housing through the “Studentski centar Zagreb” (SC Zagreb), which manages dormitories across the city. Because demand is high, priority is typically given to students from outside Zagreb and those who meet criteria related to financial need. Applicants should start early, since housing availability can change by semester and category.

• Approximately 7,500 dormitory beds available
• Monthly cost: 80-150 EUR (shared rooms)
• 24/7 security in all dormitories
• Common kitchens and study rooms
• Laundry facilities
• Private housing options widely available in Zagreb

If you’re considering studying in another Croatian city, it can help to compare accommodation options too, such as those offered around University of Dubrovnik and University of Zadar.

7. Contact Information

• Email: rector@unizg.hr
• Phone: +385 1 4564 111
• Address: Trg maršala Tita 14, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
• Admissions: info@unizg.hr (faculty-specific contacts available)

More Universities in Croatia

• University of Split
• University of Rijeka
• University of Zadar
• University of Osijek
• Catholic University of Croatia
• University North
• University of Dubrovnik
• Algebra University

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