Types of secondary schools
Grammar schools prepare you for the continuation of education, vocational schools for the participation in the labour market, while art schools enable you to acquire the knowledge, skills, competences and creativity in artistic areas
Depending on the type of education programme, there are three types of secondary schools in the Republic of Croatia:- grammar schools (general, language-oriented, classical, mathematics, physics and computer science-oriented, and biology and chemistry-oriented);
- vocational schools;
- art schools (music, dance, visual arts).
Gymnasiums
In high school education programs, students develop their interests and needs from general knowledge, and this is primarily a good basis for them to continue their education at higher education institutions. Gymnasium students, as a rule, learn two foreign languages and obligatory Latin in the first and second grade. The four-year general education curriculum is implemented in gymnasiums, in accordance with the adopted curricula for each subject. Gymnasium education ends with the obligatory passing of the state matura.Art schools
Art schools carry out their education plan and programme in the duration of four years. The programme consists of a general and practical part. By completing their art school education, the pupil acquires knowledge, skills and competences that enable them to participate in the labour market or continue their education in higher education institutions.If the student wants to continue their education in one of the higher education institutions after completing secondary art school education, they must take the state graduation exams.
Vocational schools
Vocational schools carry out the education of students in vocational programmes, in the duration from one to five years, during which the students acquire knowledge, skills and competences for vocational occupations. By completing their vocational school education, the students can participate in the labour market or continue their secondary or higher education by fulfilling certain conditions.The student completes their vocational school education by preparing and defending a graduation paper. The students who completed their vocational education in the duration of three years acquire the qualification level 4.1, those who completed the programme in the duration of four or five years acquire the level 4.2, and the students who completed the programme in the duration of up to two years acquire the level 3 according to the Croatian Qualifications Framework.
By completing the vocational education programme, the students acquire the knowledge, skills and competences necessary for the labour market for the purpose of professional recognition of their qualifications that also enable them to continue their education.
Education programmes in the duration of four and five years
The vocational programmes in the duration of four and five years are completed by preparing and defending the graduation paper. If you decide to enrol in this programme and after its completion, you can look for a job or continue your education in higher education institutions provided that you have taken the state graduation exam.Education programmes in the duration of three years
Vocational education programmes in the duration of three years prepare the student for their work in industry, economy and craftsmanship. The programme is completed by preparing and defending the graduation paper. The practical part of the programme is carried out in most part during the work process (at the employer’s) and to a lesser extent at the secondary school premises.If you complete the three-year vocational programme, you can look for a job or acquire the higher qualification level by continuing your education or you may continue your education at higher levels by taking additional and/or supplemental exams, and by meeting certain higher education institutions.
Education programmes in the duration of up to two years
The vocational programmes in the duration of up to two years are, in their organisation and implementation, similar to three-year programmes where the knowledge and skills are acquired in school and at the employer’s. The programme is completed by preparing and defending the graduation paper.If you complete this kind of vocational programme, you can look for a job or acquire a higher qualification level by continuing your education or by taking additional and/or supplemental exams.
Ministry of Education and Science