University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry
University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry

University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry


About

The University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry is a leading institution in Croatia dedicated to advancing knowledge and training professionals in pharmacy and medical biochemistry. With over 140 years of history, the faculty combines deep tradition with progressive research and education.

The University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry is a leading institution in Croatia dedicated to advancing knowledge and training professionals in pharmacy and medical biochemistry. With over 140 years of history, the faculty combines deep tradition with progressive research and education.

The faculty offers an integrated 5-year undergraduate-plus-master program in Pharmacy (in Croatian and English) and Medical Biochemistry (in Croatian). In addition, there are seven postgraduate specialist programmes and a doctoral programme in biomedical and health sciences. The faculty staff is engaged in numerous national and international scientific projects. The Pharmacy program's academic curriculum is structured to provide 300 ECTS credits, equivalent to five years of full-time study including Degree Thesis (10 ECTS) and Professional Training for Pharmacists (30 ECTS).

About the University of Zagreb

  • Established in 1669
  • Over 67,300 students at all levels of study
  • 31 faculties and 3 art academies

About the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry

  • Established in 1882
  • Over 1,150 students at all levels of study
  • Collaboration with over 30 international institutions

    Modern facilities in the center of Zagreb

    The faculty conducts its teaching and research activities at four locations in the city of Zagreb. The main building is located right in the heart of Zagreb. The modern central lecture hall is situated in the main building along with well-equipped student laboratories. Moreover, the newly established and fully equipped to undertake modern drug discovery and development research Centre for Translational Research and Innovation in Pharmacy is located in the main building, provides a scientific and educational environment of the highest standard. The central Faculty building is currently undergoing complete renovation. Classes will be held in the Faculty buildings at the locations Domagojeva 2 and Schrottova 39. The return to the renovated and modernly equipped main building is expected by the end of the AY 2025/2026.

    Our newly renovated faculty building, situated in Scrottova 39, within the serene environment of our botanical garden "Fran Kušan", offers an inspiring setting where courses are actively underway.

    Student facilities

    • Accommodation
    • Public transportation & taxis near the campus
    • Pharmacies
    • Drinking water
    • Electricity

      The application of the candidates goes through two parallel tracks. You must register/apply through both tracks!

      First track

      All applicants for the program must register through the portal of the Central Application Office at the Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE). There, they must follow the instructions and submit the required documents as well as apply for the desired program. Registration will be open from 1 December 2024, and selection of the study programs will be open from 1 February 2025.

      Applicants who have completed their education abroad must provide a certificate of recognition of their foreign educational qualifications in Croatia.

      Applicants who are still in their final year of secondary education at the application deadline may also apply, with the obligation to submit certified copies of their final high school transcripts and certificates before enrolling at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry.

      Second track

      All applicants must submit their application through the online form on the following link in the application rounds.

      Required documents (documents in Croatian do not need translation; documents not in English or Croatian must be translated into English):

      • Completed application form, which will be available on the study program website during the application rounds.
      • Proof of payment of the application fee of 200€ (excluding bank fees) to the account of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb.
      • Original or certified copy of the Croatian citizenship certificate and certified double-sided copy of the ID card (for Croatian citizens) or certified copies of the relevant pages of the passport showing identification and photo (for foreign citizens) or a certified double-sided copy of the EU citizens’ ID card.
      • Proof of secondary education (in Croatian or English):
        • For applicants in the final year of high school at the time of application: originals or certified copies, along with certified English translations (if not originally in Croatian or English) of transcripts for all completed years of high school or the last three years of schooling (reports for all completed years or the last three years with clearly indicated subjects and grades).
        • For applicants who have completed high school at the time of application: originals or certified copies along with certified English translations (if not originally in Croatian or English) of transcripts for all completed years of high school or the last four years of schooling (reports for all completed years or the last four years with clearly indicated subjects and grades) and final certificate of high school education with official transcript of grades/national exam results (if applicable in the country where the applicant completed high school).
      • Proof of English language proficiency (one of the following): Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Testing System (IELTS), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or other relevant certificates (e.g., Cambridge and Oxford). The required level of English proficiency is B2. If previous education was in English (either fully or partially, such as in IB programs or high school programs with some subjects taught in English), the certificate will be accepted as proof.
      • A short CV in English
      • Motivation letter: must be written in English. It serves to assess the candidate’s motivation for studying pharmacy. Length: 400-600 words. In the motivation letter, candidates should clearly state and explain their reasons for choosing this study program, their academic and professional goals, and how studying in this program aligns with these goals. They should elaborate on their interests in the field of pharmacy, any relevant experience, and accomplishments from prior education that, in their opinion, have prepared them for this study program (e.g., extracurricular activities, volunteering, achievements in school competitions, sports successes, courses, micro-qualifications, studies at higher education institutions, etc.). Where possible, candidates should support these statements with evidence. We advise candidates to focus on clarity, sincerity, and consistency.
      • Original certificate of health and psychophysical fitness for the study of pharmacy, issued by a general or school physician.

      Candidates who have submitted a complete application and met all the criteria will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted live or online.

      The interview will be conducted in English. During the interview, the candidate’s motivation, experience, additional relevant knowledge, critical thinking skills, and communication skills will be assessed. In more detail, for assessing candidates during the interview based on their motivation letter, the committee will be focused of the following key areas:

      1. Genuine Motivation – to verify if the candidate’s reasons for choosing the program are clear and align with their stated goals.
      2. Understanding of the Program – to assess if the candidate has a good understanding of the program and how it fits with his/hers career ambitions.
      3. Relevant Experience – to explain how any practical experience, coursework, or extracurricular activities and other achievements mentioned in the motivation letter are connected to their future studies.
      4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – discussion about challenges they expect to face during studies and how to overcome them.
      5. Communication Skills and Authenticity – to evaluate how clearly and confidently they articulate their ideas, and ensure their responses reflect their own words and motivations, as expressed in the motivation letter.

      If a high number of applications are received, only a portion of candidates will be selected for the interview based on the assessment of their motivation letter.

      Scoring System for Ranking Candidates

      • High school academic record: does not carry points (only evaluated as pass/fail)
      • State exam results: do not carry points (only evaluated as pass/fail)
      • Motivation letter: maximum 5 points
      • Interview: maximum 25 points
      • Minimum points required: 15

      The faculty reserves the right to cancel the program if there is an insufficient number of applicants.

      • Total number of graduates: 11,498
      • Total number of PhDs: 424
      • Postgraduate specialists: 280

        Rina Musić - MPharm, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Managing Director of Croatia & Slovenia

        "When I started studying at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of the University of Zagreb, never have I thought that this will open so many opportunities for me in both professional and private life. When it comes to my professional life, different roles have led me to my current position as the managing director for MSD Croatia & Slovenia, one of the most renowned pharma companies in the world. My university experience also brings so many nice memories with fellow students, and some of them became my friends for life! All you need is curiosity, willingness for constant learning and to follow your passion - success is granted for sure!"

        Marieta Duvnjak Romić - Project Leader, Novartis Pharma, Switzerland

        "During my graduate programme in Pharmacy, I gained solid knowledge in the basic and pharmaceutical science, significant lab experience and, most importantly, I have discovered my passion for science. PhD study at the Faculty broadened my perspective in pharmaceutical technology and reaffirmed my chosen career path – making medicines out of molecules is amazing!"

        Kristina Skender - MPharm, MSc in Public Health and Epidemiology, PhD candidate at Karolinska Institute Pharmacy Advisor at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

        "Studying pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of the University of Zagreb has sparked my curiosity for science and made me more resilient for life challenges. Not only was I given the knowledge but also good principles of pharmacy profession were ingrained in me, which I was later able to share with others."

        Alen Marijam - MPharm, HEOR Lead for Europe, GSK Vaccines

        "My university experience in Zagreb provided me with a width of knowledge and enabled me to achieve my future passion. I also gained a handful of great friends without whom I would never be able to grow. All you need for success is passion, preparation and a bit of good luck. Luck is always there, passions might change, so make sure you are ready when those opportunities come, and do not forget, university is both an academic and personal experience."

        Marin Banovac - MPharm, Risk Management Specialist at the European Medicines Agency

        "Having graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry in Zagreb, I started working in the pharmaceutical industry and later on moved towards the area of patient safety and pharmacovigilance. While working for the Croatian Medicines Agency I had the honour to represent Croatia as a member of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC). Building on the solid foundations provided by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, I pursued postgraduate studies in clinical pharmacology at the University of Surrey in the UK and began working at the European Medicines Agency. Today I am grateful and happy to return the favour to our Faculty by transferring my knowledge and experience to future pharmacists as the lecturer of Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry in Zagreb provides students with the up-to-date knowledge and skills enabling them to choose between a multitude of professional paths."

        Marina Marušić Fojs - MPharm, founder and director, Pharmacy Marušić Fojs

        "Thinking about my university years spent at the Faculty makes me proud because I can see how it evolved throughout years. I am astonished to see these amazing new generations of students coming out of the Faculty and I find great satisfaction in believing that all those previous generations, including my generation, contributed to their evolution."

        Natan Koraj, 4th year student

        "The initial reason why I decided to work in a lab was my interest in pharmaceutical analysis. I also wanted to test if science is the right fit for me. Once I’ve got used to working in a lab, that curiosity transferred to daily experiments and became my source of motivation for all the hard work. During my time in the lab, my colleagues were always ready to give advice and good company. During those few months of practice, I've learned much more than I expected."

        Miranda Sertić, Associate Professor & Natan's mentor

        "I find that my role as a university professor exceeds the primary teaching mission and extends to supporting our students in finding their career paths, encouraging them to follow their dreams, and shape them into future professional experts, valuable members of the community and even future leaders. Many students want to explore the possibility of working on a research project, and this experience is an excellent opportunity for them to consider a career in science."

        Elizabeta Paar, 5th year student

        "I decided to conduct a scientific research at my faculty because it is something I want to do in the future. In this way, I gained the necessary experience and learned about the process. I was able to combine the research with my internship in a community pharmacy. Research while being a student is essential for anyone planning to enrol in a PhD program, so I strongly recommend it."

        Eleonora De Lai, 4th year student

        "I decided to start scientific research because of my interest in the field of clinical pharmacy. The research was at the same time challenging and exciting. I find the whole experience very useful and motivating. The skills I have improved by doing this research are focus, patience and attention. I would definitely recommend it to students who are driven to learn constantly."

        Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, located at the historical and political threshold between the East and the West, illustrates both the continental and Mediterranean spirit of the nation it spearheads. Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political, and administrative centre of the Republic of Croatia, and home to the Croatian Parliament, Government, and President.

        • Zagreb has culture, arts, music, architecture, gastronomy and all other things that make an interesting capital city.
        • Zagreb can be described as a city with the biggest lounge. The moment the sun appears in the sky in spring, restaurant, cafés and coffeehouse terraces open for customers. Streets become promenades, places to get a cup of coffee, relax or have a business meeting.
        • A population of little under one million citizens
        • High quality of life
        • Lower living costs than other EU capitals
        • A wide variety of cultural and social events
        • The safest EU Member State
        • Infrastructure for sports and recreation
        • Excellent air quality, good quality drinking water, and a mild climate
        • A large number of parks and green areas
        • Possibility to enjoy hiking in Medvednica Mountain (1035 m), only 30 minutes away 
          from the city centre
        • You can enjoy a day at the beach by the Jarun Lake
        • Just a short ride away from the Adriatic, one of the most beautiful sea coasts in the world
        • Possibility to enjoy (one of) the best Christmas market(s) in Europe

        • City of Zagreb

          Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, 10000, Zagreb

          University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry