Basic sciences

Exam courses

Detailed Admission Process

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent).
• High academic performance in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
• Entrance exam (for Croatian students) or international equivalents (e.g., BMAT, MCAT, SAT).
• English language proficiency (for international students, TOEFL/IELTS scores required).
• A personal interview may be required for some applicants.

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Online Application Submission

• Applications are submitted via the University of Zagreb admissions portal.
• Required documents:
  • High school transcripts or equivalent.
  • Standardized test scores (BMAT, MCAT, SAT for international applicants).
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS, if applicable).
  • A personal statement explaining motivation for studying medicine.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Copy of passport (for international students).

Step 2: Entrance Examination (For Croatian Students)

• Croatian students must take a medical entrance exam covering:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics

Step 3: Personal Interview & Evaluation

• Some applicants may be invited for an interview in person or online.
• The interview assesses:
  • Knowledge of medicine and healthcare.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Communication and teamwork abilities.

Step 4: Admission Decision & Offer Letter

• The selection committee reviews applications based on academic performance, entrance exam results, and interview performance.
• Successful candidates receive an official admission letter.

Step 5: Enrollment & Tuition Fee Payment

• After accepting the offer, students must complete the enrollment process and pay tuition fees.

Tuition Fees & Financial Aid

• Croatian & EU students: Approx. €3,800 – €5,000 per year.
• Non-EU international students: Approx. €12,000 per year.
• Scholarships and financial aid options are available for eligible students.

---

Curriculum Overview

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is a 6-year course, divided into preclinical and clinical phases.

Phase 1: Preclinical Studies (Years 1-3)

Focus on fundamental medical sciences, including:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Biochemistry & Pharmacology
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Medical Ethics & Public Health

Phase 2: Clinical Studies (Years 4-6)

Includes hands-on clinical rotations at top hospitals in Zagreb:

• Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Neurology & Psychiatry
• Family Medicine & Emergency Medicine

Internship & Final Year

• The final year consists of a hospital-based internship.
• Students complete practical clinical training under supervision.

---

Prospects After Graduation

Licensing & Residency

• Graduates must pass the Croatian Medical Licensing Exam to practice in Croatia.
• EU recognition: Graduates can work in any EU country without additional licensing exams.
• International graduates may need to take USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia) exams for medical practice abroad.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Practice: Work in hospitals and clinics across Croatia and Europe.
• Research & Academia: Join biomedical research institutions or pursue a PhD.
• Postgraduate Specialization: Apply for residency training in various specialties.

---

Life as a Doctor in Croatia

Work & Salary

• Entry-level doctor salary: €2,000 – €3,500 per month.
• Specialists earn significantly higher salaries, especially in private healthcare.
• Working hours: Doctors typically work 40-50 hours per week, with additional on-call shifts.

Opportunities for Foreign Doctors

• Foreign-trained doctors must pass the Croatian medical licensing process and demonstrate Croatian language proficiency.
• EU doctors automatically recognize medical degrees.

Healthcare System in Croatia

• Croatia has a universal healthcare system, with public and private hospitals.
• High demand for specialists in surgery, internal medicine, and radiology.

---