The Croatian Government Scholarship 2026 in Croatia is a valuable opportunity for international students, researchers, and academics who want to study, conduct research, or learn the Croatian language in Croatia. This scholarship program supports mobility at accredited public Croatian universities and research institutions, with the 2026 application deadline widely listed as 10 April 2026, while the official government call for the previous cycle shows a very similar annual structure through the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes.

Basic Information about the Scholarships

• Scholarship name: Croatian Government Scholarship 2026 in Europe, also referred to as the Scholarships of the Republic of Croatia or Croatian Government Bilateral Scholarships.
• Host country: Croatia, Europe.
• Scholarship types: A1, A2, B, C1, C2, D, E, and F, covering language study, semester study, full degree study, doctoral study, research, short visits, and summer seminar options .
• Offered by:
  • Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of Croatia
  • Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes
• For: International students, teachers, researchers
• Study/Research fields: All fields available
• Duration: Oct 2026 – Sept 2027
• ❗ July & August not included (except language summer seminar)
• 📅 Deadline: 10 April 2026

University/Institution Details

The Croatian Government Scholarship is managed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia together with the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes, and the study or research takes place at accredited public Croatian higher education institutions or research institutes. Host institutions specifically mentioned for language-focused awards include the University of Zagreb (Croaticum), the University of Rijeka (Rijeka School of Slavic Studies), and the Zagreb School of Slavic Studies for the Dubrovnik summer seminar . Because the scholarship is linked to public Croatian institutions rather than one single university, it gives applicants access to a broad academic environment in Europe.

Application Pool 1 (Bilateral Agreements)

• Only for students from selected countries with agreements (e.g., China, Germany, Italy, Türkiye, etc.)
• Must be nominated by your country’s authority (ministry/agency)

📚 Scholarship Types:

• Croatian language study (4–5 months)
• Semester study (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
• Full Bachelor’s (3–4 years)
• Full Master’s (1–2 years)
• Full PhD (3 years)
• Partial PhD / research (1–10 months)
• Postdoctoral research (1–10 months)
• Short research (3–29 days)
• Summer seminar (2 weeks)
• Nomination letter from your country

🌍 Application Pool 2 (Croatian Language Only)

• Open to all international students
• Must be studying Croatian language / Slavic studies
• Requires recommendation letter from your teacher

📚 Scholarship Types:

• Croatian language semester (4–5 months) at:
  • University of Zagreb
  • University of Rijeka
• Summer seminar (2 weeks) in Dubrovnik
• Submit documents + teacher’s recommendation letter

Study Areas

• Any field of study: The official structure states that the scholarships can support study or research in any field at accredited public Croatian higher education institutions or research institutes, depending on scholarship type and host approval.
• Croatian language programs:
  • One-semester Croatian language studies at University of Zagreb – Croaticum
  • One-semester Croatian language studies at University of Rijeka
  • Croatian language and literature summer seminar in Dubrovnik.
• Academic program categories:
  • Undergraduate (BA) studies
  • Graduate (MA) studies
  • Full PhD studies
  • Partial PhD research
  • Postdoctoral studies
  • Short-term research visits .
• Available program names by scholarship type:
  • A1: One-semester Croatian language studies
  • A2: One or two semesters of BA or MA study in any field
  • B: Full BA or MA degree study
  • C1: Full PhD study
  • C2: Partial PhD study or thesis research
  • D: Postdoctoral study or research
  • E: Short research visits
  • F: Summer seminar in Croatian language and literature .

Croatian Government Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend for undergraduate and graduate study: Scholarship types A1, A2, and B provide 300 EUR per month, excluding July and August .
• Monthly stipend for doctoral categories: Scholarship types C1 and C2 provide 320 EUR per month, excluding July and August .
• Monthly stipend for postdoctoral study or research: Scholarship type D provides 480 EUR per month .
• Short research support: Scholarship type E offers 30 EUR per day for short research visits .
• Accommodation support: Several scholarship categories include subsidized accommodation in student residence halls .
• Meal support: Several categories include subsidized meals at student restaurants .
• Summer seminar support: Scholarship type F includes a tuition-free course, free accommodation, free meals, and a cultural program .
• Academic access: The scholarship opens doors to accredited public Croatian universities and research institutions in Europe.

Financial Benefits

🎓 A1 (Semester Study)

• €300/month (except July–Aug)
• Subsidized:
  • Accommodation 🏠
  • Meals 🍽️

🎓 F (Summer Seminar)

• ✅ Free tuition
• ✅ Free accommodation & meals
• ✅ Cultural activities

Benefits not included

• Full living expenses
• Private institution study
• Personal shopping and lifestyle expenses 
• Family expenses or dependent support 

Eligibility Criteria for the Croatian Government Scholarship

• Minimum age: Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old by 1 October 2026 .
• Mobility Period
  • Must be between:
    • 28 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2027
  • ❗ July & August excluded (except summer seminar)
  • Only public institutions allowed
  • Mobility must be physical (in-person)
• Age limit exceptions:
  • No age limit for A1 Croatian language semester studies .
  • No age limit for D and E research categories .
  • No age limit for F summer seminar applicants .
  • Maximum age of 30 for BA, MA, and PhD study categories A2, B, C1, and C2 .
• Academic progression requirement: Students in many categories must have completed at least two semesters at their home institution .
• A1 eligibility: Students of Croatian language or Slavic Studies, or students learning Croatian, enrolled in BA or MA studies .
• A2 eligibility: BA and MA students enrolled in their home countries and applying for study in any field .
• B eligibility: Full BA or MA applicants from specific eligible groups and countries, with proper prior academic qualifications .
• C1 eligibility: Applicants for full PhD study who already hold a master’s degree .
• C2 eligibility: PhD students enrolled at an accredited institution outside Croatia .
• D and E eligibility: Teachers or researchers at accredited higher education institutions, normally with a PhD .
• Mentor requirement: Applicants for research, PhD, or postdoctoral categories should secure a host professor or mentor in Croatia, and a letter of invitation is part of the application package for relevant categories .

Not eligible:

• Students with fewer than two completed semesters .
• Foreign citizens with a residence permit in Croatia or applying for one .
• Students already enrolled in a study program in Croatia .
• Candidates applying to private Croatian higher education institutions .

Eligibility (Application Pool 2)

• Open to:
  • Students of Croatian language & literature or Slavic Studies
• ✅ No need for:
  • Bilateral agreement with Croatia
• 📌 Must have:
  • Recommendation Letter from Croatian language professor
• Age Requirements
  • Minimum: 18 years (by Oct 1, 2026)
• Age Limits:
  • A1 (semester language): Max 34 years
  • Full BA/MA/PhD: Max 30 years
• No Age Limit for:
  • Postdoctoral research
  • Summer seminar (F)
• ❌ Not Eligible If:
  • Less than 2 semesters completed
  • Already studying in Croatia
  • Applying to private institutions
  • Only Croatian citizenship
  • Residence permit in Croatia
  • Not nominated by eligible authority

Required Documents for the Application

 A1   One semester study for Croatian Language students (4 – 5 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. Letter of Interest (1 – 2 pages).
5. Proof of enrolment at the applicant’s home institution.
6. Transcript of the last two completed semesters at the home institution (Additionally: candidates who have completed a BA programme also need to submit a copy of their BA degree).
7. Recommendation Letter of the Croatian language fellow at the home institution co-signed by the Head of Department.

  A2   Semester/partial studies (3 – 10 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. Letter of Interest (1 – 2 pages).
5. Proof of enrolment in BA or MA studies at the applicant’s home institution.
6. Transcript of the last two completed semesters at the home institution (Additionally: candidates who have completed a BA programme also need to submit a copy of their BA degree).
7. Letter of Recommendation by a professor from the applicant’s home institution.
8. Letter of Invitation by the host institution in Croatia signed by the Head of Department.
9. Certificate of proficiency in English or Croatian – depending on the language of the study programme for the proposed mobility (the language should be indicated in the Letter of Invitation).

      B   Full degree bachelor (BA) or master (MA) studies (BA: 36 months or MA: 24/12 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. Letter of Interest (1 – 2 pages).
5. Copy of the last acquired Certificate or Diploma (if applying for BA studies: copy of the highest degree/certificate; if applying for MA studies: copy of the BA degree).
6. Proof of language proficiency in English or Croatian.

• Letter of Invitation by the dean of the Croatian higher education institution (in which it is indicated that the applicant can enrol in the desired tuition-free study programme upon successful completion of the enrolment procedure and being awarded the Scholarship).
• Copy of the provisional Enrolment Certificate to the desired BA or MA study programme (the document proves that the applicant will be accepted by the desired host institution).

 C1    Full PhD programme (36 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. List of publications (if applicable).
5. Copy of the highest degree/diploma.
6. Precise and detailed Work Plan (1 – 2 pages).
7. Proof of language proficiency in Croatian or English – depending on the working language of the doctoral programme.

• Letters of Recommendation from two recognized experts in the relevant discipline.
• Letter of Invitation by the dean of the Croatian higher education institution (in which it is indicated that the applicant can enrol in the desired tuition-free study programme upon successful completion of the enrolment procedure and being awarded the Scholarship).
• Copy of the Enrolment Certificate to the desired PhD study programme (the document proves that the applicant will be accepted by the desired host institution).

C2     Partial PhD studies or PhD research (1 – 10 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. List of publications.
5. Proof of enrolment in the PhD programme at the applicant’s home institution.
6. Copy of the MA degree.
7. Precise and detailed Work Plan (1 – 2 pages).
8. Two Letters of Recommendation.
9. Letter of Invitation by the dean of the higher education institution in Croatia.
10. Proof of language proficiency in English or Croatian – depending on the working language for the proposed research project (the language should be indicated in the Letter of Invitation).

D     Postdoctoral studies and research (1 – 10 months)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. List of publications.
5. Copy of the PhD degree.
6. Precise and detailed Work Plan (1 – 2 pages).
7. Letters of Recommendation from 2 recognized experts in the relevant discipline.
8. Letter of Invitation by the host institution in Croatia.
9. Proof of language proficiency in English or Croatian – depending on the working language for the proposed research project (the working language should be indicated in the Letter of Invitation).

   E    Short research visit (3 – 29 days)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. List of publications relevant to the proposed research project.
5. Copy of the PhD degree.
6. Precise and detailed work plan (1 – 2 pages).
7. Letters of Recommendation from 2 recognized experts in the relevant discipline.
8. Letter of Invitation by the Croatian host institution.
9. Proof of language proficiency in English or Croatian – depending on the working language for the proposed research project (the working language should be indicated in the Letter of Invitation).

   F    Summer seminar of Croatian language and literature (2 weeks)

1. Application Form submitted through the Agency’s online application system.
2. A photocopy of the valid passport or ID.
3. Curriculum Vitae (using the Europass template is preferred but not mandatory).
4. Copy of enrolment at the applicant’s home institution (for students) or copy of the highest    degree/diploma received (for teachers, researchers and lecturers).
5. Letter of Interest (1 – 2 pages).
6. Letter of Recommendation by a professor from the applicant’s home institution.
7. Proof of language proficiency in Croatian (minimum B1).

Croatian Government Scholarship Application Process

• Step 1: Decide which scholarship type fits your goal, such as language study, semester exchange, full degree study, PhD, or research mobility .
• Step 2: Confirm whether you belong to Application Pool 1 or Application Pool 2 .
• Step 3: If applying through Pool 1, check whether your country has a valid bilateral educational cooperation arrangement with Croatia .
• Step 4: If you need a host mentor, contact a Croatian professor or institution early and request a letter of invitation .
• Step 5: Prepare all required documents in English or Croatian.
• Step 6: Submit the online application through the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes before 10 April 2026.
• Step 7: Ensure the required nomination letter or recommendation letter is also submitted if your category requires it.
• Step 8: Wait for the scholarship review and final placement, since the Agency and Ministry reserve the right to adjust mobility periods or host placement if needed .

Tips for a Successful Application

• Choose the correct scholarship category carefully, because each type has different rules and age limits .
• Apply early, especially if your category requires a mentor, nomination, or language department recommendation.
• Contact the host institution in advance to improve your chances of getting a letter of invitation for research-based categories .
• Prepare clean and accurate documents in English or Croatian because incomplete applications can be rejected.
• Show a strong academic or research purpose and explain why Croatia is a good fit for your study plan .
• For language-study applicants, demonstrate your connection to Croatian or Slavic studies clearly .
• Double-check your country’s eligibility under Pool 1 before spending time on the nomination process .

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)

• Accommodation: Around USD 180 to USD 350 per month in student housing or budget shared accommodation, depending on the city and housing type .
• Food and groceries: Around USD 180 to USD 280 per month, especially if you use subsidized student meal options where available .
• Local transportation: Around USD 25 to USD 50 per month in most student cities in Croatia.
• Utilities and internet: Around USD 50 to USD 90 per month if not included in rent.
• Books and study supplies: Around USD 20 to USD 50 per month on average.
• Personal expenses: Around USD 80 to USD 180 per month.
• Estimated total monthly living cost: Around USD 535 to USD 1,000 for a modest international student lifestyle in Croatia, depending on the city and accommodation choice.

Why Choose This Scholarship?

• It supports study in Europe through a government-backed mobility program.
• It covers many academic levels, including BA, MA, PhD, postdoctoral, and short research visits .
• It is open to a wide academic range, with opportunities in any field of study for certain categories.
• It includes accommodation and meal support in several scholarship categories, which helps reduce daily expenses .
• It offers Croatian language training opportunities, which is ideal for students in Slavic studies or regional studies .
• It can strengthen your academic profile internationally by adding a European study or research experience.
• It provides access to public Croatian universities and research institutes, which can be useful for networking and cultural immersion.

Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship

• Is the Croatian Government Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
  It is often promoted as fully funded, but the available details show that the scholarship mainly provides a monthly stipend plus subsidized accommodation and meals, so students should still budget for extra costs.
• What is the application deadline for the Croatian Government Scholarship 2026?
  The deadline is widely listed as 10 April 2026.
• Can students from any country apply?
  Not for every category. Some scholarship types are limited to countries with bilateral agreements, while Croatian language study categories have broader access .
• What fields can I study under this scholarship?
  For several categories, applicants can study or research in any field at accredited public Croatian institutions.
• Do I need a professor in Croatia before applying?
  For research, PhD, and postdoctoral categories, applicants are expected to find a host mentor and include a letter of invitation .
• Is there an age limit?
  Yes, for some categories the upper age limit is 30, but several categories have no age limit .
• Are private universities in Croatia allowed?
  No, the scholarship applies to public Croatian higher education institutions or research institutes .
• Does the scholarship cover summer language study?
  Yes, the F-type scholarship supports the Croatian language and literature summer seminar in Dubrovnik in August 2026 .

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Official Link:

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