University of Rijeka
👉 One of the leading universities in Croatia, recognised for its exceptional standards for medical education
👉 The university is known for its modern approach to teaching with a strong focus on research
👉 Located in Rijeka, the third-largest city in Croatia, which is also one of the safest cities in the country
Location
Rijeka, Croatia
Courses
Medicine
Tuition
≈ €12000 per academic year
Graduate Entry
No
Entrance Exam
Yes
Living Costs
€1000/month
Introduction
The University of Rijeka Faculty of Medicine is one of Croatia’s premier medical institutions and a top choice for international students seeking to study medicine in Europe. Located on Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, this WHO-accredited medical school offers a comprehensive 6-year MD program taught entirely in English.
The faculty is renowned for its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong clinical training partnerships with leading Croatian hospitals. Students benefit from small class sizes (max 50 students per year), ensuring personalized attention and excellent professor-student ratios that larger medical schools cannot match.
Why Choose University of Rijeka?
👉 Internationally Recognized Degree: Accredited throughout Europe and beyond, ensuring global career opportunities.
👉 Modern Educational Environment: Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and simulation centers.
👉 Extensive Clinical Exposure: Early and continuous hands-on training through partnerships with top hospitals.
👉 Coastal Location Advantage: Only medical school in Croatia directly on the Adriatic Sea, offering Mediterranean lifestyle 👉 Research Excellence: Partnerships with Mayo Clinic and University of Toronto for international research opportunities 👉 High Success Rates: 95%+ of graduates pass international medical licensing exams (USMLE, PLAB) 👉 EU Recognition: Automatic degree recognition in all 27 EU countries plus UK, US, Canada, Australia
я Programs and Courses
Medicine (6-year MD program, taught in English)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements: 👉 High school diploma with minimum 75% average in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics 👉 English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, or Cambridge B2 certificate 👉 No age limit for applicants
Entrance Examination: 👉 Written exam covering Biology (40%), Chemistry (40%), and Logical Reasoning (20%) 👉 Exam dates: May, July and September 2026 👉 Alternative pathway available for graduates with science degrees 👉 Optional preparation course available (€800, highly recommended)
Required Documents: 👉 Certified high school transcripts with apostille 👉 Birth certificate with apostille 👉 Medical certificate and vaccination records 👉 Criminal background check 👉 Passport copy and photos
Tuition Fees
Medicine: Approx. 12,000 EUR per year
Accommodation
The university assists in providing dormitory housing and support for finding private accommodation.
Students can apply for housing through the university’s online registration system.
Life in Rijeka – Croatia’s Gateway to Europe
Rijeka offers the perfect balance of academic excellence and Mediterranean lifestyle. As Croatia’s largest port city, students enjoy:
City Advantages: 👉 Affordable living costs (30% less than Zagreb) 👉 Beautiful Adriatic coastline with beaches within walking distance 👉 Rich cultural scene with festivals, museums, and historic sites 👉 Direct flights to major European cities (London, Berlin, Rome) 👉 Safe environment (Croatia ranks among Europe’s safest countries)
Student Community: 👉 International student associations from 40+ countries 👉 Sports clubs including sailing, diving, and hiking 👉 Student housing available in modern dormitories 👉 Part-time work opportunities for EU students”
Medical Program Curriculum
Years 1-2: Basic Sciences
- Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology
- Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology
- Early clinical exposure in Year 2
Years 3-4: Clinical Sciences
- Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics
- Gynecology, Psychiatry, Dermatology
- Clinical rotations in university hospitals
Years 5-6: Clinical Practice
- Extensive hospital rotations
- Research thesis requirement
- Preparation for final state exams
- Optional international exchange programs
Total: 360 ECTS credits meeting EU medical education standards”
Term Dates
Fall Semester: September – January
Spring Semester: February – June
Specific dates, including holidays and examination periods, may vary annually. For the most current academic calendar, refer to the university’s official website.
Student Support Services
Students benefit from academic counseling, career guidance, and health services, ensuring a supportive learning environment
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply via our contact form here:
Accomodation Costs
RENT
~€300/Mo
UTILITIES
~€150/Mo
TRANSPORT
~€50/Mo
FOOD
~€200/Mo
FAQ
Applicants need a high school diploma with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry, along with an entrance exam and/or interview.
The deadline for Fall Semester applications is July 15.
Yes, preparatory courses are available to help students prepare for the entrance exam.
The medical program lasts 6 years and is taught in English.
Tuition fees are approximately 12,000 EUR per year.
Yes, the degree is recognized across Europe and many other countries worldwide.
No, there is currently no graduate-entry pathway for medicine in Croatia.
Estimated monthly costs range between 700-1,200 EUR, including rent, food, and personal expenses.
Yes, but with restrictions - transfers allowed in years 2-5, not in 1st or final year. Requires curriculum comparison and potentially additional courses
Specific data not publicly available (common for European schools) Graduates eligible for USMLE as WHO-accredited institution Can practice in US after passing all USMLE steps and ECFMG certification
Yes - University Excellence Scholarships available City of Rijeka scholarships (HRK 850-1,100/month) Various external scholarship opportunities
Fully EU compliant - meets 5,500-hour requirement over 6 years 360 ECTS credits following Bologna Process Automatic recognition in all EU countries
Primary partner: Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka (KBC Rijeka) Multiple locations: Rijeka, Susak, Kantrida 20+ departments including surgery, internal medicine, emergency care Students get hands-on training from early years
UK: Yes - 50 graduates already GMC registered, need PLAB tests Germany: Yes - automatic EU recognition, need German language proficiency USA: Yes - need USMLE steps and ECFMG certification Global recognition through WHO accreditation
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