Website: www.unizg.hr
The University of Zagreb is a public university in Croatia, located in the capital city of Zagreb. As one of Croatia's largest and oldest universities, it enjoys a prestigious reputation both domestically and internationally. Its origins can be traced back to 1669, when the Jesuit Academy served as its precursor. Over the centuries, the University of Zagreb has become a core institution of higher education and research in Croatia, nurturing countless outstanding individuals and making significant contributions to the academic, cultural, economic, and social development of Croatia and the world.
History of the University of Zagreb
The history of the University of Zagreb dates back to the 17th century. In 1669, the Jesuit College was founded in Zagreb, the precursor to the University of Zagreb. At that time, the Jesuit College primarily taught philosophy, theology, and law, becoming one of the oldest academic institutions in Croatia. In 1776, Queen Maria Theresa of Austria officially approved the establishment of the Royal Academy of Zagreb, marking the formal birth of the University of Zagreb.
In the 19th century, with the awakening of Croatian national consciousness, the University of Zagreb gradually became the center of Croatian culture and academia. In 1874, the University of Zagreb officially gained university status, becoming a comprehensive university. In the 20th century, the University of Zagreb experienced two world wars and the changes during the Yugoslav era, but its academic standing and influence remained undiminished. After Croatia's independence in 1991, the University of Zagreb became an important academic institution in the new nation, continuing to play a vital role in higher education and scientific research.
Academic Structure and Faculty of the University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb is a comprehensive university with a wide range of academic fields and diverse faculties. Currently, it comprises 29 faculties, 3 art faculties, and 1 university center, covering disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and the arts. The following are the main faculties of the University of Zagreb:
- The Faculty of Philosophy , founded in 1669, is one of the oldest faculties at the University of Zagreb, and its main research areas include philosophy, history, linguistics, and psychology.
- The Faculty of Law , founded in 1776, is an important center for legal education and research in Croatia.
- The Medical School , founded in 1917, is the core institution for medical education and research in Croatia.
- School of Economics and Business Administration : Founded in 1920, it is dedicated to cultivating high-level talents in the fields of economics and management.
- The College of Engineering , founded in 1919, encompasses multiple disciplines including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
- The College of Natural Sciences : Founded in 1946, it primarily studies natural science fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
In addition, the University of Zagreb also has an art academy, a music academy, and a drama academy, which have cultivated many outstanding talents for Croatia's arts and culture.
Research strength and international cooperation at the University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb boasts a strong research foundation and is one of Croatia's most important research institutions. Its research activities encompass basic, applied, and interdisciplinary research, covering fields such as natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. The University of Zagreb has numerous national and EU-funded research projects and maintains close collaborations with institutions such as the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
In terms of international collaboration, the University of Zagreb actively participates in the EU's Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ programs, establishing extensive partnerships with universities and research institutions across Europe and elsewhere. Furthermore, the University of Zagreb is a member of the European University Association and the International Association of Universities, committed to promoting the development of higher education and research globally.
Student life and campus culture at the University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb boasts a vibrant student life and a unique campus culture. Its students come from all over Croatia and many countries around the world, forming a diverse academic community. The University of Zagreb offers students a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations, including academic societies, cultural societies, and sports clubs, helping students develop their personal interests and talents in a well-rounded manner.
The University of Zagreb's campus, located in the heart of Zagreb, boasts a rich history and unique architectural style. The campus features both ancient Baroque buildings and modern teaching and laboratory structures, showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Furthermore, the University of Zagreb possesses abundant library resources, including a central library and individual faculty libraries, providing convenient academic support for students and faculty.
University of Zagreb Admissions and Tuition Fees
The University of Zagreb's admissions policies vary by faculty and program, but generally follow the uniform standards of the Croatian higher education system. Undergraduates typically need to pass the Croatian State Matura or an equivalent international examination, while postgraduate students need to provide undergraduate transcripts and proof of relevant academic background. For international students, the University of Zagreb offers courses taught in English and requires proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores).
Regarding tuition fees, the University of Zagreb's fees vary depending on the student's status and major. For Croatian citizens and EU students, undergraduate and postgraduate courses are usually tuition-free, requiring only a small registration fee. For non-EU students, tuition fees vary depending on the major and course length, generally ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 per year. Furthermore, the University of Zagreb offers scholarships and grants to outstanding students to help alleviate their financial burden.
University of Zagreb Alumni and Achievements
The University of Zagreb has produced countless outstanding alumni who have achieved excellence in various fields. Here are some notable University of Zagreb alumni:
- Miroslav Krleža : A renowned Croatian writer, poet, and playwright, considered a giant of 20th-century Croatian literature.
- Ante Starčević : Croatian politician, thinker, and nationalist, known as the "Father of the Croatian Nation".
- Andre Geim : Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, one of the discoverers of graphene, and a graduate of the University of Zagreb who studied physics.
- Ivo Andrić : Nobel laureate in literature, renowned Yugoslavian writer, who studied philosophy at the University of Zagreb.
The success of these alumni not only reflects the quality of education at the University of Zagreb, but also makes a significant contribution to the development of Croatia and the world.
Future Prospects of the University of Zagreb
As Croatia's most important institution of higher education, the University of Zagreb will continue its commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration. The university plans to further strengthen its research infrastructure, attract more outstanding international scholars and students, and promote interdisciplinary research and innovation. At the same time, the University of Zagreb will continue to cooperate with the European Union and international organizations, participating in the governance and development of global higher education and research.
In the context of digitalization and globalization, the University of Zagreb will actively explore the possibilities of online education and distance learning to provide students with more flexible and convenient learning methods. Furthermore, the University of Zagreb will continue to promote sustainable development on campus, reduce its environmental footprint, and strive to build a greener and more environmentally friendly university campus.
In conclusion, the University of Zagreb, as Croatia's oldest and largest university, has achieved remarkable success not only in academic research and education but also in making significant contributions to the development of Croatia and the world. In the future, the University of Zagreb will continue to play its role as a core institution for higher education and research, contributing to the progress of global academia and society.
