The Two-Pool System
Croatia runs its government scholarships through two completely separate applicant pools. Which pool you're in determines everything — which types you can apply for, what documents you need, and who nominates you.
Bilateral Countries
18 countries with bilateral agreements with Croatia. All 8 scholarship types available. Requires government nomination from your home country — you cannot self-apply.
*Bavaria only — not all of Germany
Language Students
Any nationality worldwide. But — and this is critical — only if you're currently enrolled in a Croatian language or Slavic Studies program at your home institution. And only types A1 and F are available.
- → A1: One semester of Croatian language study in Croatia
- → F: Two-week summer seminar in Dubrovnik (August)
If your country is not on the bilateral list and you're not studying Croatian language or Slavic Studies, this scholarship doesn't have a pathway for you. No workaround exists. The pools are fixed.
All 8 Scholarship Types
Pool 1 (bilateral countries) can access all types. Pool 2 can only access A1 and F.
| Code | Type | Duration | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Croatian language study (semester abroad) | 4–5 months | €300 |
| A2 | Partial BA/MA (semester exchange) | 4–10 months | €300 |
| B | Full BA or MA degree program | BA: 36–48 months / MA: 12–24 months | €300 |
| C1 | Full PhD program | 36 months | €320 |
| C2 | Partial PhD / research stay | 1–10 months | €320 |
| D | Postdoctoral research | 1–10 months | €480 |
| E | Short postdoctoral visits | 3–29 days | €30/day |
| F | Summer seminar Dubrovnik (language students) | 2 weeks (August) | Free* |
*Type F covers tuition + accommodation + meals. No monthly stipend is paid.
What This Scholarship Actually Covers
What's included
- ✓ Free tuition at the assigned public Croatian university
- ✓ Subsidized dormitory — €35–130/month depending on room type and city
- ✓ iksica/X-card — subsidized meals at student cafeterias (~€1–3/meal)
- ✓ Monthly stipend — €300 (most types), €320 (PhD), €480 (postdoc D)
What's NOT included
- ✗ Travel — flights or any transport to/from Croatia
- ✗ July and August — no stipend paid in these months
- ✗ Private accommodation — only the subsidized dorm rate is covered
- ✗ Health insurance for most non-EU/non-bilateral students
The "fully funded" myth: Many scholarship listing sites call this "fully funded." AMPEU's own documentation describes the stipend as "a contribution to living costs." It doesn't cover everything. If you're coming from abroad, factor in the flight cost yourself.
Is This Scholarship Right For You?
Are you a citizen of one of the 18 bilateral partner countries?
Yes →
Pool 1 is available to you. All 8 scholarship types possible. You need a government nomination from your home country's nominating authority — contact them first, before touching AMPEU's portal.
No →
Move to the next question...
Are you currently enrolled in a Croatian language or Slavic Studies program at your home university?
Yes →
Pool 2 applies to you. You can apply for A1 (language semester) or F (Dubrovnik summer seminar). Get a recommendation letter from your Croatian language professor and apply through AMPEU.
No →
This scholarship has no pathway for you. Look at other options for studying in Croatia.
Explore the Full Guide
Who Can Apply
The 18 bilateral countries, age limits by type, the Bavaria-only Germany rule, and who gets excluded.
What's Covered
Stipend amounts, dorm costs, the iksica meal card, what's excluded, and the monthly budget reality.
How to Apply
Step-by-step for Pool 1 and Pool 2, the nomination trap, and the AMPEU portal walkthrough.
Documents Checklist
Every document for Pool 1 and Pool 2, the Nomination Letter confusion, and the Europass CV.
Common Mistakes
The 8 mistakes that kill applications — including the July/August stipend gap nobody mentions.
FAQ
20 honest answers — the two-pool confusion, language requirements, working rights, and more.