Language Immersion Courses in Croatia

Language schools in Croatia mostly teach Croatian to foreigners, alongside English, Italian and other languages for local learners. Croatian is the official language, and the University of Zagreb advises international students to learn at least basic Croatian for everyday life and paperwork, even if their degree is taught in another language. Courses range from one-week holiday classes to university semester programmes that carry ECTS credits.

The two schools listed on SpainExchange are private schools in Pula, on the Istrian peninsula, and in the capital, Zagreb.

Types of Croatian courses

Learners can choose between private language schools and university centres. The best-known university option is Croaticum, the Centre for Croatian as a Second and Foreign Language at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which Study in Croatia describes as the oldest and largest institution teaching Croatian as a foreign language. Its main programmes are:

• a semester course of 15 weeks, with 3 lessons a day and 225 contact hours, worth 14 ECTS credits
• a one-month course of 75 lessons over 5 weeks, worth 4 ECTS credits; complete beginners can start only in the first week of a semester
• summer, autumn and winter schools of 75 lessons over 3 weeks
• individual lessons

Classes run at CEFR levels from A1 to C1, and students are placed after a test. Other options include the summer School of Croatian Language, Culture and Civilisation at the University of Rijeka (late June to early July), the University of Zagreb's summer school run with the Croatian Heritage Foundation, and the free LearnCro app.

Private language schools

Private schools are smaller and more flexible on timing:

• Byron Language School in Pula was founded in 1991 and describes itself as the first private language school in Istria. It teaches Croatian, English, French and Italian, and offers Croatian for all levels, from beginners to teachers of Slavic languages. Individual Croatian lessons can be booked on weekdays between 8:00 and 22:00, from 4 to 30 hours a week, and there are one-week group courses for visitors. Classes take place at Villa Matilde and outside the classroom
• Presto in Zagreb runs a "Croatian for Foreigners" programme aimed at foreigners living in Croatia. Its website describes individual courses of 30 school hours and summer group courses with 20 classes a week, a maximum of 16 students and English as the language of instruction

Levels and certificates

A private school usually issues its own certificate. For a formal proof of level, Croaticum runs Croatian language tests at each CEFR level, with listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking sections. Candidates contact the Croaticum office at least 10 days before the test. Some Croatian-taught university programmes ask foreign applicants for a standardised Croatian test at level B2, so students planning a degree should aim for that level.

Costs

Croatia uses the euro. Croaticum's current fees are:

• €850 for the semester course
• €450 for the one-month course
• €600 for a three-week summer, autumn or winter school
• €45 for an individual lesson
• €140 for a Croatian language test at one level

Textbooks are extra. Private schools set their own prices, so ask for a written quote. Study in Croatia estimates average living costs at €500 to €800 a month.

Visas and practical tips

EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa and can stay up to three months. Nationals of countries subject to the visa requirement need an entry visa, and a long course may also require a residence permit, so check the rules with a Croatian embassy or consulate. When choosing a course, compare the hours per week, group size, whether credits or a recognised test are included, and the start dates: university courses follow the semester calendar, while private schools often start whenever you are ready.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn Croatian in Croatia?

At university centres such as Croaticum at the University of Zagreb or the University of Rijeka's summer school, and at private schools such as Byron in Pula and Presto in Zagreb.

How much does a Croatian course cost?

At Croaticum, a 15-week semester course costs €850 and a one-month course €450; individual lessons cost €45 each.

Can I get ECTS credits for learning Croatian?

Yes. Croaticum's semester course earns 14 ECTS credits and its one-month course 4 ECTS credits.

What level of Croatian do I need for a Croatian-taught degree?

Some programmes in Croatian ask foreign applicants for a standardised Croatian language test at level B2.