University of Zagreb School of Medicine

Admission Requirements for 2026–2027

Admission is competitive and based on a combination of academic merit and a mandatory entrance exam.

1. Academic Qualifications: High school diploma with transcripts showing high performance in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Entrance Examination: A 3-hour written test with 120 multiple-choice questions (40 Biology, 40 Chemistry, 40 Physics).

   • Threshold: Candidates must pass each section (typically min. 15/40) and achieve a total passing score (approx. 61/120).

3. Exemptions: You may be exempt from the entrance exam if you have:

   • An MCAT score of at least 125 in each section.

   • A SAT Subject Test score of at least 600 in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

   • A BSc/BA degree in Natural Sciences with relevant credits.

4. Language Proficiency: If not a native speaker or English-medium graduate, you need a TOEFL (min. 79 iBT) or IELTS (min. 6.5).

Curriculum Structure

• Pre-clinical Years (1–3): Focus on basic medical sciences (Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry).

• Clinical Years (4–6): Rotation-based training in clinical disciplines. The curriculum involves over 2,000 hours of clinical work.

• Final Year: Includes a clinical rotation (internship) and a graduation thesis defense.

The School of Medicine is integrated into the national healthcare system, utilizing the top hospitals in Croatia.

1. KBC Zagreb (Rebro): The main clinical base and the largest hospital in Croatia.

2. KBC Sestre Milosrdnice: Another major teaching hospital located in Zagreb.

3. Specialized Institutes: Access to the Škola narodnog zdravlja "Andrija Štampar" for public health and numerous specialized clinics (e.g., KB Dubrava, KB Merkur).

4. Skills Labs: Modern simulation centers on Šalata Hill for hands-on procedural training.

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

• Annual Tuition Fee: €12,000 (if paid in one installment) or €12,200 (if paid in two installments).

• Application/Entrance Fee: €200 (on-site) or €400 (if taken distantly/online).

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of €2,500 is usually required upon receiving a conditional acceptance to secure the seat.

Full-time international students generally do not have guaranteed access to public student dormitories (which are largely reserved for Croatian nationals and short-term exchange students like Erasmus).

1. Private Apartments (The Standard Choice)

Most medical students rent shared or private apartments. The Šalata neighborhood (where the medical school is located) is the most convenient but can be pricier.

• Shared Apartment (Room): €250 – €400 per month.

• Private Studio: €450 – €650 per month.

• Utilities: Expect an additional €80 – €120 for heating, water, and electricity (higher in winter).

2. Student Residence Halls (Limited Availability)

If you manage to secure a spot (usually through specific quotas or if there is extra capacity), you might stay in halls like Cvjetno naselje or Stjepan Radić.

• Cost: Very cheap, approx. €100 – €130 per month.

• Layout: Typically shared rooms (2 people) with communal bathrooms and kitchens.

The "X-ica" Mess System (Subsidized Dining)

Croatia has one of the best student dining systems in Europe. Instead of a single "mess hall" in a hostel, students use a Student Card (X-ica) to eat at "Mensas" (student cafeterias) across the city.

1. How the X-ica Works

• Subsidies: As an enrolled student, the Ministry of Education loads your card with a monthly allowance. You pay only about 25-30% of the meal's cost, while the government covers the rest.

• Cost: A full 3-course meal (soup, main course, dessert/fruit) costs approximately €0.86 – €2.00 with the subsidy. Without it, the full price is around €4.00 – €5.00.

• Locations: There are over 20 Mensas in Zagreb. The nearest ones to the medical school are at the School of Medicine (Šalata) and the nearby School of Economics.
  
  
  

  Mensas offer a range of dishes, including:

  • Typical Menu: Chicken/Turkey steaks, Pasta, Risotto, Grilled fish, and Vegetarian options (beans, vegetable stews).

  • Self-Catering: Since most students live in private apartments, they also cook at home. A monthly grocery budget for self-catering is approx. €150 – €200.

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  Estimated Monthly Food & Housing Budget (2026)

  Category	Cost (Mensa + Shared Flat)	Cost (Self-cooking + Private Flat)
  Rent & Utilities	€400	€650
  Food & Groceries	€150	€250
  Total	€550	€900

Zagreb is known for having a high quality of life at a moderate cost compared to Western Europe.

Monthly Budget Estimates

Student Perks

• "X-ica" Card: All students receive this card, which provides access to subsidized university cafeterias (Menza). A full meal costs roughly €2 – €4.

• Transportation: A monthly student pass for trams and buses (ZET) costs approximately €13 – €15.