Admission Requirements (2025–2026)

1. Academic Merit: High school diploma with a strong background in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Entrance Examination: A written entrance exam is required for the Croatian program (via the national Matura system). For the German program, admission is based on:

   • High school GPA.

   • An entrance test in natural sciences.

   • An interview to assess motivation.

3. Language Proficiency: * German Program: Proficiency at C1 level (TestDaF, Goethe, etc.) is required.

   • Croatian Program: Fluency in Croatian is mandatory for the state-funded seats.

4. Nostrification: International students must go through the "Nostrification" process to have their high school diploma officially recognized in Croatia.

Curriculum Structure

• Integrated Curriculum: Osijek follows an integrated model where basic and clinical sciences are taught concurrently in later years.

• Pre-clinical (Years 1–3): Deep dive into the human body through Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology.

• Clinical (Years 4–6): Hands-on rotations in hospital departments.

• Ethics & Communication: Strong emphasis on doctor-patient communication and medical ethics.

Clinical training is centered at the major regional hub for Slavonia and Baranja.

1. University Hospital Centre Osijek (KBC Osijek): The largest hospital in eastern Croatia and the primary teaching base. It serves as a tertiary care center for nearly one million people.

2. Specialized Departments: KBC Osijek is known for its strong Departments of Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.

3. Research Labs: The faculty hosts several research units, particularly focusing on physiology, immunology, and pharmacology.

4. Skills Laboratory: Students have access to clinical skills labs to practice procedures like suturing and CPR before patient contact.

Osijek is generally more affordable than Zagreb or Split in terms of tuition and cost of living.

• Annual Tuition (German Program): Approximately €12,000 – €16,000 per year.

• Croatian Program: Tuition-free for Croatian and EU nationals who meet the state-funded quota; self-funded spots are available for approx. €8,000.

• Application Fee: Approx. €200.

• Vibe: Known as the "Green City," Osijek is a peaceful, safe city with a rich Austro-Hungarian history. It features a beautiful riverside promenade (Promenada) along the Drava River.

• Climate: Continental; hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

• Safety: Very high. It is a family-oriented and student-friendly city with low traffic and high walkability.

• Location: Close to the Kopački Rit Nature Park and well-connected to nearby Hungary and Serbia.

Osijek is widely considered one of the most affordable student cities in Croatia.

1. Accommodation (Hostels & Rentals)

• University Dormitories: The newly built Student Dormitory in Osijek is one of the most modern in the country. It offers high-quality rooms with internet and study spaces. Cost: €100 – €150/month.

• Private Rentals: Most students rent apartments near the Huttlerova street (where the faculty is located).

  • Shared Flat: €200 – €350 per month.

  • Private Studio: €350 – €500 per month.

2. The Mess System (Dining)

• Subsidized Meals (X-ica): Like all public university students in Croatia, international students get the X-ica card.

• Menze (Canteens): The main student restaurant (Menza) in Osijek is located at the campus and offers full 3-course meals.

• Cost: With the subsidy, a full meal costs between €1.50 and €3.00.

Seat Categories & Quotas

At MEFOS Osijek, the medical program is divided into two main tracks based on the language of instruction.

Note for Indian Students: Since there is no dedicated "NRI seat" system, you must meet the standard international admission criteria: High school transcripts (PCB), an entrance evaluation, and an interview. You must also be NEET-qualified to ensure your degree is valid for practice in India upon return.

Miscellaneous Fees & Administrative Costs (2025–2026)

Beyond the annual tuition (which ranges from €12,000 to €16,000 for the German program), students must budget for several mandatory legal and administrative steps:

Mandatory Legal Steps for International Students

1. Nostrification: This is the most important "miscellaneous" step. You must send your high school documents to the Education and Teacher Training Agency in Zagreb to receive an official document stating your high school degree is equivalent to the Croatian Matura.

2. OIB (Personal ID Number): You must apply for an OIB at the local Tax Administration office in Osijek. This number is required to sign a rental contract, open a bank account, and receive your X-ica (Student ID).

3. HZZO Registration: Within 8 days of receiving your residence permit, you must visit the local health insurance office. You are required to pay a monthly premium to the state insurance fund, which grants you the same healthcare rights as Croatian citizens.

Student Life Miscellaneous

• The X-ica Card: This card is your gateway to the Mensa (subsidized canteen). The government subsidizes roughly 70% of your meal costs.

• Local Transport: A monthly student bus/tram pass in Osijek is very affordable, costing approximately €12 – €15.

• Language Requirement: Even if you study in German, you will have mandatory Croatian language classes in the first few years to prepare you for interacting with patients at KBC Osijek during clinical rotations.