Incoming students

• Application Form 1a (will be provided at the local Police Station in Varaždin or Koprivnica upon arrival)
• Acceptance Letter issued by University North (provided by UNIN upon arrival)
• 1 biometric photo in color
• Copy of the passport or ID card
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (scholarship confirmation issued by your Home University)
• Proof of secured accommodation – Confirmation of accommodation if you will be staying in the dormitory. In case of private accommodation, you will need a contract of rent and a proof of landlord’s ownership
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other health insurance valid in the EU
• non-criminal record (required for non-EU students only; it is issued by home town court or police stating that a student did not commit crime)

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): students may use health care services in Croatia if having a valid EHIC.
• If you are coming from a country that has closed an international agreement on health security with the Republic of Croatia, you are entitled to use the health care services during your temporary stay in Croatia. Before coming to Croatia, you should check with your health insurance provider at home under which conditions you can use your home health insurance in Croatia. If possible, your health insurance provider will issue a relevant document, which you should bring with you to Osijek. Upon arrival you will be assisted in contacting the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance, in order to replace the certificate attesting your right to use the health care with a paper-based health insurance record card.
• You should possess an international travel and health insurance issued by an insurance company in your home country that is valid in Croatia. Such insurance must includes repatriation coverage (the cost of the health-care service is covered by the student, who will later be refunded by the insurance company).
• You can regulate your health insurance upon arrival at the Croatian Health Institute. Such insurance costs around 60 EUR and entitles you to use all medical services that are available to Croatian citizens.

Accommodation

Varaždin offers modern and comfortable student accommodation, providing a safe and supportive environment for both local and international students.

The dormitory features:

• Fully furnished single and double rooms

• Shared kitchen and common areas

• High-speed internet access

• Laundry facilities

• 24/7 security and reception services

All incoming students are encouraged to apply for accommodation early, as spaces are limited. The Confirmation of Accommodation is required for the regulation of residence permits for non-EU students.

Living in the dormitory provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students, participate in social activities, and enjoy a convenient location close to classrooms, libraries, and the city center.

For more detailed information about the dormitory, including application procedures and available rooms, please visit this link.

A new student dormitory is currently under construction in Koprivnica and is expected to be completed by 31 January 2027.

Until the dormitory is ready, incoming students can arrange alternative accommodation in private apartments or shared housing within the city. The International Relations Office can provide guidance and support in finding suitable housing.

For more information about the construction and progress of the dormitory, please visit this link.

Other useful information

The Study in Croatia portal provides comprehensive information for students about living and studying in Croatia.

ESN Sjever

ESN Sjever is a local branch of the Erasmus Student Network, active in northern Croatia. It focuses on supporting international students, promoting cultural exchange, and organizing social, educational, and recreational events. By connecting local and international students, ESN Sjever fosters a sense of community and helps newcomers integrate into student life in cities like Varaždin and Koprivnica.

The organization hosts a variety of activities, including city tours, cultural workshops, sports events, and themed parties. Special attention is given to events that highlight Croatian culture, such as visits to historical sites, participation in local festivals like Špancirfest in Varaždin, and excursions to natural attractions in the region.

ESN Sjever plays a key role in creating memorable experiences for exchange students, while also promoting intercultural understanding and friendship across the northern Croatian university communities.

More about ESN Sjever: www.esn.hr

THE CITY OF VARAŽDIN

Historical Overview

Varaždin’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, first mentioned in documents from the 12th century. The city grew in importance during the 14th and 15th centuries as a key fortification on the trade routes connecting Hungary and Central Europe. By the 16th century, Varaždin had become the administrative and cultural center of northern Croatia. During this period, it was frequently attacked by the Ottoman Empire but managed to withstand invasions, thanks to its fortifications.

In the Baroque period of the 17th and 18th centuries, Varaždin flourished, becoming known as the “Little Vienna” for its elegant architecture and urban planning. Many palaces, churches, and public buildings date from this era, giving the city its distinctive historical charm.

Varaždin was the capital of Croatia until 1776, after which it continued to play an important cultural and administrative role. Today, it is celebrated for its baroque buildings, music festivals, and as a center of textile and IT industries.

Varaždin Today

Varaždin is a small yet vibrant city in northern Croatia, situated on the Drava River. Its historic center is exceptionally well preserved, characterized by baroque palaces, churches, and squares. The city is renowned for its music festivals, textile fairs, and cultural heritage events, including the famous Špancirfest, making it a lively hub for both residents and visitors.

Key sites include:

• Varaždin Castle, housing the City Museum
• Main Square (Trg kralja Tomislava), the heart of the city
• The Old Cemetery and several baroque churches
• Varaždin Cemetery Chapel and Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Multiple parks and green areas, preserving the city’s nickname “the garden city”

Some Facts about Varaždin

• Latitude: 46°18’
• Longitude: 16°20’
• 172 m above sea level
• Population: 35,000
• Number of streets in the city: 220
• Number of squares: 10
• Number of city parks: 12
• More about Varaždin: www.varazdin.hr; www.tz-varazdin.hr

THE CITY OF KOPRIVNICA

Historical Overview

Koprivnica has a long history dating back to the 13th century, first mentioned in 1272 as a small settlement on the Drava River. Over time, it developed into a fortified town, playing a crucial role in defending the northern Croatian border against Ottoman incursions. The city received market town status in the 16th century, which helped it grow economically and culturally.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Koprivnica developed as an industrial and administrative center, known for its agricultural and textile production. The city also became a hub for education and culture, with several schools, theaters, and cultural societies emerging during this period.

Koprivnica Today

Today, Koprivnica is the administrative and economic center of the Koprivnica-Križevci County. It is famous for its food and beverage industry, particularly the Podravka company, as well as for cultural events like the annual “Picokijada” festival celebrating local folklore and history, and the Renaissance Festival, which brings the city’s historical heritage to life with reenactments, music, and traditional crafts. The city is also a regional hub for education and sports, with a mix of historic architecture and modern urban facilities.

Key sites include:

• The Renaissance-era Fort of Koprivnica, now housing the City Museum
• Nicholas Church, dating back to the 18th century
• Podravka Museum and company headquarters
• City parks and green promenades along the Drava River
• Main square (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića), hosting cultural events and markets

Some Facts about Koprivnica

• Latitude: 46°09’
• Longitude: 16°49’
• 135 m above sea level
• Population: 30,000
• Number of streets in the city: 180
• Number of squares: 7
• Number of city parks: 8
• More about Koprivnica: www.koprivnica.hr; www.tz-koprivnica.hr

----------------------------------------------------

Croatian Public Holidays

• New Year’s Day: January 1

• Epiphany (The Three Kings): January 6

• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday: March or April (dates vary each year)

• Labor Day: May 1

• Corpus Christi: June (date varies each year)

• Anti-Fascism Day: June 22

• Statehood Day: June 25

• Assumption of Mary: August 15

• Independence Day: October 8

• All Saints’ Day: November 1

• Christmas: December 25, 26

Important Telephone Numbers in Croatia: 

• Emergency (all services): 112

• Police: 192

• Fire Brigade: 193

• Ambulance: 194

• Information Center: 9985

• Road Assistance (HAK): 9987