Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026* | 15 March | 1 May | 2 September 2026 | ||
| Academic Year 2026-2027* | 15 March | 1 May | 2 September 2026 | ||
| Spring 2027* | 1 October | 1 November | 1 March 2027 | ||
| Fall 2025 | March 15 | September 3, 2025 | |||
| Academic Year 2025-26 | March 15 | September 3, 2025 | |||
| Spring 2026 | October 1 | January 28, 2026 |
Important dates and details can be found on the ZSEM fact sheet: 2026-2027 or 2025-2026.
*Students may be able to depart at the end of classes end (rather than after the ZSEM "Examination Period") if they adequately pass coursework and exams during the semester.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted by ZSEM and they have shared key dates with you.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Program Overview
- Population: 803,000
- Distance to Budapest, Hungary: 214 miles
- Distance to Vienna, Austria: 231 miles
Zagreb is bursting with art, history, culture, and sports. It is home to some of the most innovative museums in the world with options ranging from an Archaeological Museum to a Museum of Illusions. The most notorious is the Museum of Broken Relationships. Furthermore, Zagreb hosts many famous festivals including the Festival of Lights, Welcome Spring Festival, and a Christmas market that was voted the best in Europe three times in a row.
The city of Zagreb is divided into three parts: New Zagreb, Upper Town, and Lower Town. New Zagreb mainly contains the city’s high-rise buildings while Upper Town is defined by the presidential palace, St. Mark’s Church, the Croatian parliament, and numerous museums and galleries. Lower Town is where Zagreb’s shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, and parks are located. In the heart of the city positioned between the Upper and Lower Towns is Zagreb’s most famous open-air market, the Dolac Market.
The Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) campus is situated in a quiet, comfortable neighborhood in Northeast Zagreb and is well-connected to the rest of the city through the public transport system. It is a mixture of a lively, urban environment with a calm, suburban atmosphere. ZŠEM is among the top 5% of the best business schools and universities in the world. As part of that, ZŠEM boasts a 94% post-graduation employment rate. It also is AACSB accredited.
ZŠEM has developed a buddy program that helps students integrate by having a buddy who can answer any questions students may have about life in Zagreb and Croatia. Additionally, ZŠEM has its own sports association where students can participate in basketball, volleyball, small football, squash, and tennis. There are also many nearby recreational areas like park Maksimir and mount Medvednica for students to get active on their own.
UMD works with the ZSEM International Office to offer this program.
Academics
Zagreb School of Economics & Management
The Zagreb School of Economics & Management (ZSEM) offers a variety of courses in English in areas aligned with LSBE, plus courses in other areas, like Croatian language & culture. It is highly recommended that students take at least one course focused on Croatia.
ZSEM uses ECTS credits which are double to UMD credits (2 ECTS credits = 1 UMD credit). Enroll in up to 30 ECTS credits per semester. Understand how grades and credits abroad will be converted at UMD by viewing ZSEM Grade & Credit Equivalents.
- View ZSEM 2026-27 course offerings (or previous courses 25-26)
- Search for ZSEM courses reviewed at UMD
- Need to get a syllabus evaluated at UMD, see the ZSEM Syllabi Google Drive.
- Don’t see the syllabus in the Drive, contact Una at ZSEM directly, [email protected]; using the UMD syllabus request template
- Need to get a syllabus evaluated at UMD, see the ZSEM Syllabi Google Drive.
- This program counts for the UMD Liberal Education Global Perspectives Requirement
- Study abroad foreign courses must be reviewed at UMD prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- Entry visa guidance
- On-site staff support
- On-site staff support
- Buddy Program
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
- Compare this program cost to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
Housing Options
ZSEM does not have university housing; however, ZSEM staff will work with students to find off-campus housing. Check out the ZSEM Student Live & Accommodation page for more information on housing options.
Travel Documents
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- A Croatian temporary residence permit is required for U.S. citizens; guidance will be given after official acceptance is issued.
- The UMD Study in Croatia Handbook (Travel Documents section) has been created to assist applicants with the process. UMD Study Abroad staff routinely update this resource, however, the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs may change the process at any time.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance is issued by ZSEM.
Contact
ZSEM International Office
ZSEM semester/year program
email: [email protected]
Una Barković - ZSEM Incoming Coordinator
email: [email protected]
"Studying abroad in Zagreb Croatia was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I made amazing lifelong friends and experienced so many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life! I would recommend for everyone to study abroad."
"Studying abroad in Croatia was an incredibly transformative experience. The stunning landscapes, rich cuisine, and unique history created an inspiring backdrop for my academic career, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone and forge everlasting friendships from around the world. Immersing myself in Croatia's vibrant culture while pursuing my studies was a decision I'll always cherish."
Feel free to reach out to him with questions about the program and check out this presentation about tips and his experience abroad!
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Study in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb School of Economics & Management (ZSEM);
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
