Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

The University School of Croatian Language and Culture is organized in collaboration between the University of Zagreb and the Croatian Heritage Foundation. The program is designed for young people of Croatian descent and other students who wish to learn about Croatia, acquire or expand their knowledge of the country, learn or improve their Croatian language skills.

Academic Language Program

The academic program consists of 120 school hours of instruction, including fieldwork. The program is divided into:

• 5 hours of daily instruction, 5 days a week
• 25 hours of weekly instruction
• 120 hours of instruction over 4 weeks, including exams

Language Instruction

• Mandatory instruction: 5 hours of daily language instruction, 5 days a week
• Language instruction includes:
  • Grammar lessons
  • Lectures on grammar, vocabulary expansion, and communication skills development
  • Lessons focused on specific language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Fieldwork: school in nature, organized as excursions to Croatian Zagorje and Plitvice Lakes

Levels of Knowledge

The program divides knowledge of the Croatian language into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level is further divided into three sub-levels, with additional sub-levels to differentiate between types of language knowledge.

Program in Croatian Culture

The program in Croatian culture and history is an integral part of the school, organized by the Croatian Heritage Foundation. The program includes:

• Lectures on Croatian culture and other components of Croatian identity
• Guided tours and visits to:
  • Museums
  • Galleries
  • Art exhibitions
  • Cultural and scientific institutions
  • Theatrical performances and concerts
• Study excursions to Croatian Zagorje and Plitvice Lakes, including a school in nature for all participants

Exams

• Weekly language exams to monitor progress
• Exam in Croatian Culture for participants who wish to have this subject listed in their certificate from the University of Zagreb
• Final exams in Croatian language, consisting of a written and an oral part

Diplomas and Certificates

Upon completion of the school, participants receive various documents, all of which are bilingual (in Croatian and English). These include:

• Diploma of the University School of Croatian Language and Culture for participants who pass the exams
• Certificate with grades for each language activity (listening, speaking, reading, and writing)
• Confirmation of earned ECTS credits for participants who pass the language exams
• Certificate of participation for those who do not pass the language exams

Applications

Participants must fill out an application form and send it to the Croatian Heritage Foundation by May 22, 2026. The application is considered complete only upon receipt of the payment for the cultural program.

Tuition Fees

The program is organized by two separate institutions: the University of Zagreb and the Croatian Heritage Foundation. Therefore, payments must be made separately.

• Cultural program: 250, including registration, opening, tourist materials, lectures, guided tours, study excursions, and a ceremonial dinner
• Academic tuition: 800, including a placement test, mandatory textbooks, language instruction, exams, and the issuance of diplomas and certificates

Accommodation

Accommodation can be arranged in a student dormitory, in a double room, for 220 per participant. Meals are not included in the dormitory accommodation. Participants who choose dormitory accommodation must undergo a medical examination and submit a health form upon arrival.

General Terms

• Age: The school is open to individuals over 17 years old.
• Program cancellation: If fewer than 20 students apply, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the program, with a full refund of any payments made.
• Refund of tuition fees: Fees are partially refundable if a participant cancels their attendance by June 1, 2026.

Important Dates

• May 22, 2026: Deadline for submitting applications
• May 31, 2026: Deadline for paying tuition fees
• June 8, 2026: Deadline for returning questionnaires and admission tests in Croatian
• June 22, 2026: Official opening of the school
• July 10, 2026: Exam in Croatian Culture
• July 16, 2026: Final written exam in Croatian language
• July 17, 2026: Final oral exam in Croatian language and diploma ceremony