Thinking About Studying Psychology in Croatia? Here's What You Need to Know in 2025

francescaqvisionfa
Jun 10
4 min read

Updated: Jun 11

Author: Lorena Sabljak

So, you’re thinking of becoming a psychologist. First off—good choice. Whether it’s helping people through tough times, working in schools, hospitals, or even private practice, psychology is one of those fields where what you do really matters. And if you’re in Croatia or looking to study here, you’ve got some solid options.

But let’s be honest—figuring out where to study can be a bit overwhelming. With five or six major universities offering psychology degrees, how do you even start comparing them? Don’t worry, I’ve done the digging so you don’t have to.

How You Actually Become a Psychologist Here

In Croatia, becoming a psychologist isn’t something that happens overnight. You’ll need to complete a five-year integrated study program—basically, your undergraduate and master’s combined into one long ride. Once you’ve finished that, there's a year of practical work under supervision (called “stručna praksa”), and then the licensing exam.

Not all programs are created equal, though. It’s super important that the university you choose is accredited. Why? Because if it’s not, your diploma might not be accepted if you want to work in public institutions or go abroad later.

Universities That Stand Out for studying Psychology in Croatia in 2025

Zagreb – Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

This is the classic choice. Zagreb’s psychology program is well-established and pretty competitive to get into. It’s theory-heavy in the beginning, but by your later years, there are more hands-on opportunities. One thing to note—it’s a big faculty, so don’t expect tiny class sizes. On the plus side, there are loads of research opportunities and international connections.

Rijeka – Department of Psychology

Rijeka has a more modern feel. The department isn’t huge, and that actually works in students’ favor—more access to professors, more personal guidance, and you won’t feel like just a number. They’ve got solid ties with the local hospital and health centers, which makes getting practical experience a bit easier.

Zadar – Department of Psychology

Zadar’s program leans more into applied psychology and community work. If you're someone who’s interested in working with schools, social services, or NGOs, this could be your spot. The faculty is smaller, and they really encourage student involvement outside of just lectures and exams.

Split – Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Split offers a good middle ground. It’s got structure, but also flexibility. There’s an emphasis on student well-being and access to mentors, which can be a big help if you’re not used to the university pace yet. Plus, living in Split? Not bad at all.

Osijek – Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Osijek might not be the first name people think of, but it’s growing fast. The program is very focused on ethics, local mental health needs, and regional development. The environment is quieter than, say, Zagreb or Split—but that’s not always a bad thing. You’ll get more one-on-one time, and the cost of living is definitely easier on the wallet.

Not Sure How to Choose? Here’s What Helps

When picking a program to study psychology in Croatia, it’s not just about rankings. You’ve got to think about where you’ll feel comfortable, too.

Curriculum: Is it more research-heavy or practice-oriented?

Internships: Will you be placed in real settings before you graduate?

Location: Big city buzz or a smaller town feel?

Costs: Tuition and living expenses vary a lot between places.

If you can, visit the campus—or at least talk to a few current students. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from just chatting with someone who's already been through year one.

What Happens After Graduation?

Here’s the good news—there’s a growing need for psychologists in Croatia. Mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves. Whether it’s schools, clinics, or private counseling, there’s space for new professionals.

And if you’re thinking even bigger? Croatia’s programs are mostly aligned with EU standards, which means working abroad is totally doable. It might take some paperwork, but the door’s open.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “perfect” university—it really comes down to what you want out of the next few years. Think about your priorities. Think about the kind of psychologist you want to become.

And take your time deciding. Visit schools, read the course details, talk to someone who’s been there. The more you know, the better your choice will be.

Whatever you pick, just know that starting this journey is already a big step forward. The world needs more people who care.