University of Rijeka Faculty of Medicine

Admission Requirements (2025–2026)

1. Academic Qualifications: High school diploma with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Entrance Examination: Mandatory test typically covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

   • Exemption: Applicants with high BMAT scores (>4) or a relevant BSc degree (e.g., Biomedical Sciences) may be exempt from the entrance exam.

3. Language Proficiency: Proof of English fluency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 79+, or equivalent B2 level certificate).

4. Health Certificate: A general health certificate from a physician (not older than one month).

Curriculum Structure

The program uses an integrated approach, merging theoretical knowledge with clinical practice early on.

• Phase 1 (Pre-clinical): Focus on basic medical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology).

• Phase 2 (Clinical): Rotation-based training in specialized departments, starting more intensively from the 3rd year.

• Final Year: Includes a comprehensive internship and the defense of a graduate thesis.

Rijeka offers a diverse clinical environment through several major regional health centers.

1. Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka (KBC Rijeka): The primary teaching hospital and the largest medical center in western Croatia.

2. Specialized Clinics:

   • Orthopaedic Clinic in Lovran: Renowned center for orthopedics and traumatology.

   • Thalassotherapia Opatija & Crikvenica: Specializing in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

   • Psychiatric Hospital Rab: Providing psychiatric clinical exposure.

3. Simulation Centre: The faculty features a modern clinical skills laboratory for simulation-based learning before students enter hospital wards.

As a public university, the English program is self-funded for international students.

• Annual Tuition Fee: Approximately €12,000 per year.

• Application Fee: €200 (non-refundable).

• Payment Terms: Fees are typically paid in one or two installments before each semester begins.

• Vibe: A major port city and cultural hub. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2020 and is famous for its international carnival and industrial-chic aesthetic.

• Geography: Located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea (Kvarner Gulf), nestled between the sea and the mountains.

• Climate: Subtropical/Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters and warm summers.

• Leisure: Close to the luxury resort town of Opatija and the islands of Krk and Cres.

Rijeka is a coastal city with a student-friendly infrastructure, though private rentals are often more common for international students.

Accommodation Options

Dining (Mess/Food)

• Student Cafeterias (Menza): Students with a student card (Iksica) have access to highly subsidized meals at university restaurants. A full meal costs roughly €2 – €5.

• Monthly Food Cost: Estimated at €250 – €400 (combining cafeteria meals and groceries).