University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine

Rijeka is a port city, and it shows. Cranes, shipyards, a ferry terminal, and beyond them the mountains of Kvarner Bay — this is a city that lives by industry rather than tourism. The Faculty of Medicine was founded in 1955 and is housed in a palazzo from the early twentieth century, surrounded by a park. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings at the University of Rijeka, which is not an entirely trivial detail for a faculty where you will spend six years of your life.

The English-language programme

The Medical Studies in English programme lasts six years, comprises 360 ECTS credits, and concludes with the title of Doctor of Medicine. No more than 50 students are admitted per cohort, and roughly 246 students are enrolled across the English-language programmes in total. Rijeka is a manageable place: you are not just a name on an attendance list, but part of a small cohort where people get to know one another within a few weeks. Clinical teaching takes place in collaboration with Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre, where many graduates go on to work. In addition to the three integrated degree programmes, the faculty runs a doctoral school in Biomedicine and Health as well as 25 postgraduate specialisation programmes.

Croatian is not a recommendation here — it is a requirement

Rijeka does something in this regard that other faculties leave open: before you enter the fourth year of study, you must provide a certificate demonstrating Croatian language proficiency at a minimum of B1 level. The relevant language course is included in the tuition fee. This may be inconvenient, but it is honest — by the time you reach the clinical phase, you will be speaking with patients who have no English. Students who factor this in from the outset will find things considerably easier than those who put the language off until their third year.

How the programme is structured

The first two years cover the foundational subjects: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology. The third year adds Pathology, Pharmacology, and clinical propaedeutics, after which the programme shifts towards clinical training. Throughout the entire course of study, you choose from a range of electives spanning from advanced Anatomy to emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Regenerative Medicine. There is plenty going on student-wise: events such as Humanijada, the Bal medicinara, and initiatives like Kapi života all feature in the academic year, alongside subject-specific groups and work within the student network CroMSIC.

Entrance Examination

Admission is based on a written examination in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Three sittings are scheduled for 2026: 8 May, 3 July, and 4 September. A maximum of 150 points can be awarded, with up to 120 coming from the entrance examination and up to 30 from academic school results. Exemption from the examination may be granted to applicants who can present a pre-medical degree, a relevant bachelor's degree, MCAT results of at least 125 points per section, or a MediTest EU result above 70 per cent. It is also required that applicants have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or related subjects for at least two years at secondary school.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency: TOEFL with 500 points in the paper-based version, 60 in the internet-based test, or 170 in the computer-based version; IELTS with a score of 6.0; or alternatively Cambridge or Oxford examinations, or a B2 certificate. Before entering the fourth year of study, a certificate of Croatian language proficiency at B1 level is additionally required.

Fees

Tuition fees amount to €12,000 per academic year. The entrance examination fee is €200, and an optional preparatory course costs €800. The Croatian language course is included in the tuition fee. Enrolment takes place exclusively at the start of the winter semester.

Living in Rijeka

Rijeka is a working port city rather than a holiday destination, which means the rental market is less driven by seasonal demand than in the southern Adriatic. The faculty does not publish reliable average figures for living costs.

Programme Structure

Six years, 360 ECTS credits, leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The first two years are devoted to the foundations: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology. The third year introduces Pathology, Pharmacology, and clinical propaedeutics, and from the fourth year onwards the focus shifts to clinical training. Electives accompany you throughout the entire programme, ranging from advanced Anatomy to Artificial Intelligence and Regenerative Medicine.

Language of Instruction and Clinical Practice

Teaching is conducted in English. Clinical training takes place in the setting of Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre, where a large proportion of the teaching staff work. Croatian is essential there, and the faculty states this with unusual clarity: before entering the fourth year of study, you must provide a certificate demonstrating a minimum B1 level. The course required to achieve this is included in the tuition fee.

Degree and Recognition in Germany

The degree qualifies graduates for medical practice within the meaning of EU Directive 2005/36/EC. As Croatia is a member of the EU, the degree is automatically recognised in Germany, meaning the content of your studies is not subject to separate review. You must still apply for a licence to practise medicine from the responsible state authority and demonstrate proficiency in German — typically general language skills at B2 level plus a specialist language examination administered by the relevant medical chamber. Requirements vary between the individual federal states.

The City on the Kvarner

Rijeka is Croatia's major port and was European Capital of Culture in 2020. The Korzo is the city's main promenade; Trsat Castle looks down from above the city; the sea is right on your doorstep; and in winter the Bura wind sweeps through the narrow streets. It is a more understated city than Split — more everyday life, less picture-postcard.

Accommodation

Rijeka stands out among Croatian universities: unlike most, the university offers places in student halls of residence to international full-time students as well. This takes some of the pressure off finding accommodation, particularly in the first year. Those who prefer to rent privately will find a normal market in the city, one that has not been entirely reshaped by tourism.

Getting There and Getting Around

Rijeka's airport is located on the island of Krk and operates mainly seasonal flights. Year-round, travelling via Zagreb or by car through Slovenia and Austria is more reliable — from southern Germany, Rijeka is a manageable day's drive. Croatia has been part of the Schengen Area and the Eurozone since 2023, and a national identity card is sufficient for entry.

How many students does Rijeka admit each year?

A maximum of 50 places are available per academic year in the English-language programme. Approximately 246 students are enrolled across the faculty's English-language programmes in total. Cohorts are therefore small and close-knit.

How does the entrance examination work?

There is a written examination in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. In 2026, sittings take place on 8 May, 3 July, and 4 September. A total of 150 points can be achieved: 120 from the examination and 30 from your academic school results.

Is it true that I have to demonstrate Croatian language proficiency?

Yes. Before the start of the fourth year, the faculty requires a certificate of Croatian language proficiency at a minimum B1 level. The language course needed to achieve this is included in the tuition fee. Other faculties are less explicit about this requirement; here it is a hard prerequisite.

How much does an academic year cost?

Tuition fees amount to €12,000 per academic year. The entrance examination fee is €200, and an optional preparatory course costs an additional €800. Rent and living expenses are not included in these figures.

Can I get a place in student accommodation as an international student?

Rijeka is one of the rare exceptions in Croatia and offers places in student halls of residence to international full-time students as well. This does not mean you are automatically entitled to a place, but your chances are considerably better than in Zagreb or Split. Clarify the details with the university well in advance.