Questions and Answers

Based on questions we often receive, DIU has developed a question and answer section to provide further information on important issues. If you are unable to find certain information on our website or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For admissions & financial aid: admissions@diu.hr or +385 (0)20 414 111

For all other questions: diu@diu.hr or +385 (0)20 414 111

 

1. What is the Bologna Process?

The Bologna Process was established in 1999 by European Ministers of Education with the purpose of making education and academic degrees in Europe more compatible. Based on a 3+2+3 cycle, students receive an undergraduate degree in three years, a Master’s degree in two years and a Ph.D in three years. A point system, known as the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), provides a certain number of points based on the 3+2+3 cycle. Under the Bologna Process, students would be able to transfer to other universities in Europe as well as continue their graduate and postgraduate studies based on the standardization of degrees.

 

2. Does DIU subscribe to the Bologna Process?

Yes, DIU does follow the Bologna Process. Our undergraduate degrees are structured over the course of three years (six semesters), providing at least 180 ECTS points. Students will then be prepared to continue their studies at DIU, in Croatia, in other parts of Europe as well as in the United States. Additionally, if a student chooses not to continue their studies past the BA level, the Bologna process will also allow them to work in Croatia or internationally.

 

3. What are the advantages of the Bologna Process and why does DIU subscribe to it?

In April of 2009, a conference of European Ministers Responsible for Higher Education was held to establish priorities for the Bologna Process until the year 2020. Citing the challenges of globalization and the economic recession, the ministers stressed the importance of mobility, employability, student-centered learning and international openness in European education. In a competitive job market, European educational institutions must prepare students to work in different countries/areas, have an understanding and respect for diversity and other cultures, have the skills necessary to succeed in the professional world as well as provide an individual approach to learning.

DIU’s programs are compatible with the goals of the Bologna Process in preparing students for a competitive international job market. Our students will be equipped with the professional skills necessary for success. As an international university, DIU students will not only be exposed to different cultures as an international student body, but they will also have the opportunity to study abroad. At DIU, students can expect to receive individual attention and support from the commencement of their studies and the option to create their own study plan.

This type of student-centered, international education is one of the advantages of the Bologna Process as well as Dubrovnik International University.

 

4. Is it realistic that 80% of students studying at DIU, under the Bologna process, finish their undergraduate degree in three years?

Yes, an 80% graduation rate is realistic for a number of reasons. Firstly, the quality of programs at DIU as well as the organization of our programs and lectures will allow for students to finish their undergraduate degrees in three years. Also, both students and professors at DIU are highly motivated and are expected to work hard continuously throughout their programs. At DIU, we offer our students many opportunities to receive good marks and much support along the way. Unlike most universities in Croatia, DIU will only allow for 40% of a student’s marks to be based on final exams. Students will have many opportunities throughout their program to improve their marks, such as essays and presentations. Our goal is to have a graduation rate of 95%, similar to other top international universities.

 

5. What are the advantages of studying at DIU ?

As a private university, DIU provides students with individual attention and support from their first days as a student. At DIU, our students are people, not just a number. You can expect your professors and teaching assistants to remember your name and to always be available for support and guidance. Because we accept no more than 30 students per program, class sizes are small, which not only allows for individual attention, but also for a rigorous and in-depth education.

Usually, at a large university students tend to be just a number. Classes are large, contact between professor and student is minimal and support can be hard to find. Because students may not have regular meetings with an advisor to develop a study plan, graduating in the standard three years is not always possible.

In addition to small class sizes and individual attention, students at DIU will also have flexible programs, a large number of international professors as well as the opportunity to complete part of their studies in other countries. If a student chooses to continue their education at the graduate and post graduate level, they can do so at DIU or in other parts of Europe and the United States. A student’s relationship with DIU does not end upon graduation. We will always be there to support our students and alumni in their studies and in their careers.

 

6. What is the cost of tuition and how is it calculated?

Tuition for undergraduate programs at DIU is 7,000 euros per year (3,500 euros per semester). As a private university, we are completely self-supporting in that we do not receive any funds from the state. Therefore, tuition costs are set in order to provide a superior education, by providing for a small student body and world class professors, and to meet our expenses.

 

7. Does DIU provide any type of financial aid and how do I apply?

Yes, DIU does provide both partial scholarships and a loan program. While there is no question that a private university can be costly, our financial aid program is committed to providing all qualified students with a chance to achieve a top-rate education. We therefore strongly encourage students to consider DIU regardless of their financial means. We will do the utmost to meet our student’s financial requirements throughout their studies.

An 'Excellence’ Endowment Fund has been created to provide students with 20-50% off tuition costs. The criteria for receiving a scholarship are based on academic excellence and financial need. Additionally, we have created a loan program in partnership with Zagrebačka Banka. Under this program, students will be responsible for paying back the loan starting one year after their graduation. The loan can be used for tuition or living expenses. This program only applies to students who are permanent residents of Croatia.

Prospective students can find all, financial aid information and applications under the Admissions page of our website. We ask that students submit the initial financial aid application as soon as they have formally applied for admissions to DIU.

 

8. Why are the courses taught primarily in English?

As an international university, our goal is to attract and international student body as well as to prepare students for the international job market. Therefore, English language abilities are of utmost importance.

 

9. What should I do if my English is not advanced enough for the university level?

We encourage potential students to apply regardless of their English language abilities. As part of our admissions process, applicants are not required to speak a certain level of English nor are they required to submit TOEFL scores. However, we do encourage students to submit TOEFL scores as it will help us assess a student’s level of English upon commencement of their studies.

DIU will provide additional English language courses for those that need additional coursework in the subject once they are enrolled in our programs. As long as a student is prepared to work hard in order to increase their English language abilities, we will be there to help at every stage.

 

10. How are the programs organized?

Our undergraduate programs consist of six semesters over the course of three years. Students can expect to take 5 courses per semester. From the very beginning of their studies, students will be assigned both an academic advisor and a student advisor that will assist them in developing a study plan to ensure that they graduate in the requisite three year period.

 

11. What type of support can I expect to receive from my professors?

At DIU, we aim to foster a supportive learning environment. On a daily basis, students will be working with both world class professors and teaching assistants in seminars and on an individual basis. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisers on a regular basis to discuss any matters that are important to them, whether it be academic or personal.

 

12. Does DIU help students find accommodation?

Yes, DIU does assist students in finding accommodation. Our students stay in private apartments near the university. The prices of accommodation will range between 150 and 250 euro per person, depending on the option you choose and the location of your accommodation.

 

13. What are the first steps in the application process?

Students are initially required to submit a completed application form, official high school transcripts, nostrification certificate (for non-Croatian students), a copy of certificate of nationality (domovnica) or a copy of passport (for non-Croatian students), birth certificate (an original or certified copy), two photos (6x4), two essays in Croatian or English (a personal statement and an analytical essay), two recommendations from those familiar with your work and a certification of payment of 500 kn for admission costs.

After your application has been received, you can expect to be contacted by a member of our staff for an interview. All formal admissions decisions will be sent by post shortly after the interview.

 

14. Does DIU accept transfer students?

Yes, Dubrovnik International University accepts credits earned at other accredited universities around the world. Each application will be reviewed individually and evaluated by the admission office. For further information about the transferring process, please click here.

 

15. Does DIU require the state graduation exam?

For Croatian citizens, the state graduation exam accounts for only 20% of the application. This does not apply to foreign students, and Croatian students who graduated before this exam was implemented.
However, if an equivalent exam exists in the student’s home county, DIU will take this into consideration.

 

16. Does DIU accept part-time students?

No, all of our students have to be enrolled full-time. Programs at DIU are created in a way that they require constant participation, attendance and assignments to be submitted.

 

17. Where can I continue my education after graduating from DIU?

Students can continue their education at DIU, or any other universities in Europe or the rest of the world. Our undergraduate programs are accredited and are in accordance with similar programs at other world renowned universities.