Student enrolment in Croatia. A look at the coming year.
The University of Zagreb has published a call for enrolment in graduate studies, according to a report in Vecernji List on July 28, 2015. This year, there are 9.199 open places for current undergraduate students. One of them is Marija Murat, who studies social pedagogy at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences.
“It is very important for me to enrol in graduate studies, because I believe that the master’s degree will increase my chances to find a job”, said the 22-year-old student who thinks that it is important to further expand the knowledge gained at the undergraduate level.
Increased chances for employment are the leading motive for entering the graduate programmes. This year, there are 399 more open places than last year.
“The goal of the University of Zagreb is to develop graduate studies and attract best students from other universities”, according to representatives of the University of Zagreb. The quota increase was welcomed by the Student Union as well.
“Almost all students wish to enrol in graduate studies, because in Croatia actually there aren’t a lot of opportunities for undergraduates. There is almost no market for them, so it is better to study a year or two longer and then find a job”, said Peter Labrović, president of the Student Union. He says that the so-called Bologna Reform has actually prolonged studying instead of shortening it, as was the original plan.
The students will enrol in graduate studies in September, and the exact dates depend on individual faculties. At some faculties, students will be enrolled only on the basis of grades achieved during undergraduate studies, while the others will demand additional exams.
“I was relieved when I heard the news that some of the entrance exams for graduate studies have been discontinued. They have been good for average students who could get better placement, but they were also a great stress”, said Petra Mikloš, a journalism student.
The enrolment for undergraduate studies has just been completed. This year, there were 12.455 open places. The greatest number of places were once again opened at faculties of economics, philosophy and law.
