Diplomski stručni studij (graduate professional studies)

Programmes leading to the degree of Professional Specijalist (Stručni Specijalist) are open to students who have completed a professional baccalaureus programme. The nominal duration is usually 1 to 2 years.

 

The Bologna process

The bachelor’s-master’s degree structure has been implemented in nearly all study programmes in Croatia. The country has also adopted legislation for the implementation of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The majority of higher education institutions and programmes now apply the ECTS. The award of ECTS credits is based on the number of contact hours or on a combination of these and the study load. All these are very well applicable to the international education system in Croatia and each one of the prospective and aspiring international candidates are expected to go through this process.

Quality Assurance and Accreditations

The Agency for Science and Higher Education is responsible for national quality assurance within Croatian higher education. Acting as an independent body, the Agency monitors the quality of programmes at both public and private higher education institutions. It submits its evaluations and recommendations for quality improvements to the National Council for Higher Education of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, which subsequently compiles a definitive report for the minister, with recommendations as regards awarding or withholding accreditation.

Accreditation

Applications for the accreditation of programmes must be submitted to the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports by the higher education institution at which the programme is offered. The website of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports provides an overview of accredited programmes.

The large majority of higher education programmes automatically issue graduates with a Diploma Supplement free of charge in the language of instruction and/or multiple languages. Croatia uses the European model of the Diploma Supplement.

A complete file for secondary education consists of a diploma and a grade list. The result of each examination subject is stated on the diploma certificate, together with an average final grade ranging from satisfactory to excellent. The stamp of the school that issued the diploma is always provided at the bottom centre of the certificate.
A complete file for higher education consists of a diploma, transcript and diploma supplement.