Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes in Croatia was 81.18% in 2023. In 2021, the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 17.15%, while the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 3.93%.
Tuition-free status
While public tertiary education is not technically tuition-free; Article 79 of the 2022 Higher Education and Scientific Activity Act states that any student who is a citizen of the Republic of Croatia or another EU state is entitled to tuition costs subsidised in full from the state budget. All undergraduate and graduate students who enter the full enrolment quota pay no fees during their first year of studies. Afterwards, students may have to pay fees according to a linear model based on accumulated credits. Students also face other mandatory costs such as administration fees and extended study duration fees.
Governance
Higher education in Croatia is primarily governed by the National Council for Higher Education, Science and Technological Development under the Ministry of Science and Education. Some of its responsibilities include proposing criteria and ratios for the distribution of budget funds.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The funding mechanisms for higher education is determined by the 2022 Higher Education and Scientific Activity Act. Funds for institutions are deposited directly to HEIs in a lump sum. Before the act, public institutions founded by a local and regional self-government received funds from the budget of the local or regional self-government unit. However, Article 7 of the act ensured that all public higher education institutions are considered established by the Republic of Croatia. Local and regional self-government units may not establish a higher education institution.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Most Croatian universities are public institutions. Private institutions may also receive funding from the state government provided that they provide a service that the public needs which can not be provided by a public institution, that they meet the criteria and priorities set by the National Council, and taking into account the private institution’s existing available funds. Private universities are also eligible for project-based funds that come from the Ministry.
Allocation and equity
According to the 2022 Higher Education and Scientific Activity Act, a higher education institution or scientific institute is financed by the founder. Founders can be the central government or a private founder. As such, public universities are primarily funded at the state level. Higher education institutions may receive funds from student tuition, the Croatian Science Foundation and other such foundations, revenue from projects, and revenue from donations. Funds from the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia are allocated based on a programme agreement for the financing of the basic budget component, the development budget component and the executive budget component. The basic budgetary component is based on basic needs such as employee salaries, material operating costs, funds for maintenance, etc. The development budget finances the achievement of specific objectives. The objects must relate to specific public goals, such as the development of services to support students or the development of programmes that strengthen the social engagement of the institution, with special emphasis on strengthening diversity, equity, and social inclusion. This portion of the budget must not exceed 20% of the basic budget.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Enrolment places, conditions, and deadlines are determined by the universities who publish the information on their websites.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The Social Welfare Institute may help to cover the study fee for students studying at a university or professional study programme. Up to 400% of the base (EUR 441.44 in 2024) can be provided up to the age of 26.
Through the 2021-2027 National Plan for Roma Inclusion, the government aims to provide enrolment and tuition fees for Roma students for higher education institutions and adult education and training programmes up to the amount of HRK 15,000.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No information was found.
Accommodation
The Social Welfare System guarantees housing through organised housing services or accommodations to those without adequate parental care, persons with disabilities, homeless persons, victims of domestic violence, and other such marginalised populations. Higher education students are also entitled to subsidised meals.
Textbooks
According to the Rulebook on How to Exercise the Right to Free Textbooks for Croatian Veterans from the Homeland War and their Family Members (OG, 78/22), full-time or part-time higher education students are eligible to receive financial compensation for compulsory textbooks issued according to the higher education institution’s curriculum. The right to free textbooks may be exercised by Homeland War veterans or their children.
This profile was reviewed by national expert, Hatidza Jahic.
