University of Zadar

Ancient roots, modern vision: Zadar's future, your legacy.

📍 Zadar, Croatia 🇭🇷

🏆 #5 in Croatia · QS World #601

Quick Facts about University of Zadar

  • Founded: 2002
  • Tuition: $2,500 – $5,000/year
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About University of Zadar

The University of Zadar, re-established in 2002 but with roots tracing back to 1396, stands as the oldest institution of higher learning in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe. This public, non-profit university is a comprehensive institution offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs.

Academics

The University of Zadar is comprised of 27 departments, primarily focusing on humanities and social sciences, but also extending to technical, bio-technical, health studies, biomedical science, and interdisciplinary fields like Geography. Programs are structured according to the Bologna Process, ensuring international compatibility and a three-cycle study system (undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate). Notable areas of study include Archaeology, English Studies, Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, Economics, History, Information Sciences, Linguistics, Maritime Studies, and Psychology. The teaching approach emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with opportunities for hands-on projects and research.

International Students

The University of Zadar welcomes international students and offers support services to aid their integration. While most lectures are in Croatian, the university provides some courses in English, such as the double-major BA program in Language and Communication in a Multilingual Society. Exchange students can also find a list of courses offered in English or other foreign languages for both winter and summer semesters. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Zadar assists incoming students with various aspects of their exchange, including a "buddy mentor system" to help with settling in and cultural integration.

Campus & Location

The University of Zadar's main campus is situated in an urban setting within the historic city of Zadar, a small city with a population between 50,000 and 249,999 inhabitants. Zadar itself is a traditional European university city, offering a vibrant city life with lively cafés, museums, and cultural venues within walking distance of the university's seafront building. The university also has other key locations, including a campus along the picturesque waterfront focusing on specialized programs like Maritime Studies and Tourism, leveraging the city's coastal location. Zadar is well-connected, with an international airport offering flights to Zagreb and numerous European cities, and a bus service connecting the airport to the city center.

Career Outcomes

The university's Alumni Club aims to build and strengthen cooperation between former students and the university, and to encourage connections with institutions where alumni are employed. While specific employment rates are not readily available, the university's focus on practical training, especially in fields like Maritime Studies and Tourism, suggests connections with local industries. Career services are likely integrated within the Student Centre, which provides various support services to students. The university's engagement in collaborative research agreements and student exchange programs with international universities also enhances students' global perspectives and potential career opportunities.

Information for International Students at University of Zadar

University of Zadar in Zadar, Croatia welcomes international students.

  • No visa support offered
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available

Admissions Requirements for University of Zadar

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Zadar:

  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)

Programs at University of Zadar (15 programs)

University of Zadar offers 15 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (3)

  • Maritime Affairs and Marine Technologies (BSc) — 36 months · Croatian · STEM
    Focusing on maritime transport, marine engineering, and coastal management, this program prepares students for careers in the dynamic maritime industry.
    Field: Maritime Studies
    Career outcomes: Maritime Officer, Port Manager, Marine Surveyor
  • Culture and Tourism (BA) — 36 months · Croatian
    This interdisciplinary program explores the relationship between culture and tourism, focusing on sustainable development, cultural heritage management, and tourism marketing.
    Field: Tourism
    Career outcomes: Tourism Manager, Cultural Event Organizer, Destination Marketer
  • Teacher Education (Primary School) (BA) — 60 months · Croatian
    This program prepares future primary school teachers with pedagogical, psychological, and subject-specific knowledge, emphasizing practical teaching skills and child development.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Primary School Teacher

Master Programs (10)

  • Archaeology (MA) — 24 months · Croatian
    Advanced study in archaeological theory, methodology, and regional archaeology, with opportunities for specialized research and fieldwork.
    Field: Archaeology
    Career outcomes: Archaeologist, Museum Curator, Heritage Consultant
  • Geography (MSc) — 24 months · Croatian · STEM
    Advanced geographical analysis, focusing on environmental management, regional planning, and GIS applications, with a strong research component.
    Field: Geography
    Career outcomes: Geospatial Analyst, Environmental Planner, Researcher
  • Maritime Affairs (MSc) — 24 months · Croatian · STEM
    Advanced studies in maritime management, logistics, and policy, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the global maritime industry.
    Field: Maritime Studies
    Career outcomes: Maritime Manager, Logistics Specialist, Port Authority
  • Croatian Language and Literature (MA) — 24 months · Croatian
    Advanced linguistic and literary analysis of Croatian language and literature, preparing students for research, teaching, and expert roles in cultural institutions.
    Field: Philology
    Career outcomes: Teacher, Literary Critic, Linguist
  • Psychology (MSc) — 24 months · Croatian · STEM
    Specialized training in various psychological subfields, advanced research design, and practical application of psychological knowledge, leading to professional practice or further doctoral studies.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor, Researcher
  • Mediterranean Agriculture and Aquaculture (MSc) — 24 months · Croatian · STEM
    An interdisciplinary program focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and aquaculture in the Mediterranean region, integrating ecological, economic, and social aspects.
    Field: Agriculture
    Career outcomes: Agricultural Engineer, Aquaculture Specialist, Environmental Consultant
  • History (MA) — 24 months · Croatian
    Deepen understanding of historical processes and historiography, with options for specialization in various periods or geographical areas, culminating in a master's thesis.
    Field: History
    Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Academic Researcher
  • Sociology (MA) — 24 months · Croatian
    In-depth exploration of sociological theories, advanced research methods, and contemporary social issues, preparing students for academic or professional roles in social analysis.
    Field: Sociology
    Career outcomes: Sociologist, Policy Analyst, Researcher
  • English Language and Literature (MA) — 24 months · English
    Specialized study in English linguistics, literary theory, and cultural studies, enhancing critical analysis and research skills for academic or professional careers.
    Field: Philology
    Career outcomes: English Teacher, Translator, Academic Researcher
  • Information Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · Croatian · STEM
    This program focuses on information organization, management, and technology, including digital libraries, archives, and data management, preparing students for the information sector.
    Field: Information Science
    Career outcomes: Librarian, Archivist, Information Specialist

PhD Programs (2)

  • Humanities (Archaeology, History, Philology) (PhD) — 36 months · Croatian
    Doctoral research in various fields of humanities, including archaeology, history, and philology, leading to original scholarly contributions and advanced academic careers.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Cultural Heritage Expert
  • Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Geography) (PhD) — 36 months · Croatian · STEM
    Advanced doctoral research in social sciences, covering sociology, psychology, and geography, with a focus on theoretical development and empirical investigation.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor

Scholarships & Tuition at University of Zadar

Annual tuition for international students: $2,500 – $5,000/year

Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.

Rankings of University of Zadar

  • National Ranking: #5 in Croatia
  • QS World University Ranking: #601
  • Ranking tier: Unranked

Campus & Facilities at University of Zadar

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • No disability support info

Key Highlights

  • Oldest Croatian university, 1396 roots
  • Diverse programs, humanities to technical
  • Bologna compliant, international focus
  • English courses, exchange opportunities
  • Historic Zadar, urban campus
  • ESN Zadar, strong student support

Fields of Study at University of Zadar

  • Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • Tourism
  • Archaeology
  • Education

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Zadar

What is University of Zadar?

University of Zadar is a university located in Zadar, Croatia, founded in 2002. .

How much does it cost to study at University of Zadar?

Tuition fees at University of Zadar for international students range from $2,500 – $5,000/year.

What are the admission requirements for University of Zadar?

Selectivity: Open (60%+).

How many programs does University of Zadar offer?

University of Zadar offers 15 programs: 3 Bachelor's, 10 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is University of Zadar ranked?

#5 in Croatia · QS World #601.

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