The promotion of the interdependence of fundamental human rights, peace, security, and sustainable development is a focus of the National Strategy for Development Cooperation of the Republic of Croatia for the years 2017–2021 (Official Gazette No. 107/17; hereinafter: National Strategy). Government of Croatia Scholarships 2021–2022).
Such a strategy is incorporated directly into the first sectoral aim of the National Strategy—the dignity of every human being—as well as the majority of the sectoral priorities of Croatia's development cooperation programs.
It implies that international development cooperation programs and projects are fully committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while also advancing respect for human dignity, basic human rights, and wellbeing, as well as the development of human potential, regardless of gender, status, affiliation, or place of residence. Government of Croatia Scholarships 2021–2022).
The inistry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia (Ministry) and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA) are awarding the Croatian Government Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate university study to young Christians from developing countries.
The National Strategy for Development Cooperation of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2017-2021 (Official Gazette No. 107/17: hereinafter: National Strategy) pays particular attention to the promotion of the interdependence of fundamental human rights, peace, security and sustainable development. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022)
Such an approach is contained within most sectoral priorities of the Croatian development cooperation policies and it is explicitly integrated into the first sectoral goal of the National Strategy: the dignity of every human being.
It implies full commitment of international development cooperation programs and projects in achieving Sustainable Development Goals while simultaneously promoting dignity, fundamental human rights and well-being, developing human capabilities and realizing full potential, regardless of gender, status, affiliation, belief or place of residence. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022)
As a specific area of this sectoral priority, the National Strategy points out the right to education, based on the principle of equality, regardless of religious, national or other affiliation.
There is a clear link and complementarity of the promotion of fundamental human rights in terms of protection of freedom of thought, conscience, opinion or religion with the development cooperation policies which, in relation to this Program, aim to ensure conditions for long-term sustainable growth and development of the community and the individual through the educational programs1. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022).
As a specific area of this sectoral priority, the National Strategy points out the right to education, based on the principle of equality, regardless of religious, national or other affiliation.
There is a clear link and complementarity of the promotion of fundamental human rights in terms of protection of freedom of thought, conscience, opinion or religion with the development cooperation policies which, in relation to this Program, aim to ensure conditions for long-term sustainable growth and development of the community and the individual through the educational programs1. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022).
One of the most vulnerable groups in the globe is the religious minority, particularly the Christians. The Republic of Croatia has acknowledged this unfavorable trend on a worldwide scale and has pledged to respect and preserve religious groups' rights as vulnerable populations in developing nations as part of its efforts in the area of international development cooperation.
The scholarship recipients are required to return home once their studies are finished. When they return to their home countries, they are expected to use the information they have gained in Croatia to help their communities develop, as well as to help build capacities and enhance resilience at the local level. Government of Croatia Scholarships 2021–2022).
STUDY LEVELS – Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022
The normal length of undergraduate university studies is three to four years. Students who successfully complete their studies are given the academic title of baccalaureus or baccalaurea with regard to their area of specialty, qualifying them for specialized work in either the arts or sciences.
The normal length of graduate university education is one to two years. Students receive an academic title of Magister or Magistra with reference to a specialism upon completion of graduate study. Government of Croatia Scholarships 2021–2022).
PROVISIONS COVERED BY THE SCHOLARSHIP
The awarded scholarship includes full board and lodging, a monthly allowance of 1.600 kuna, as well as basic health insurance coverage and costs of one-year preparatory Croatian language course.
The student will be placed under supervision of the administrating chief at the dormitory and the Department for international cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Education. The cost of travel to and from Croatia is included.
The grant (monthly financial support) is meant to cover the living expenses for one person and there is no available financing or visa exemption for accompanying family members or any other persons. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022).
ELIGIBILITY
For the 2021/22 academic year, the scholarship is announced for the citizens of the developing countries from the Middle East, Asia and Africa.AVAILABLE HOST INSTITUTIONS AND STUDY PROGRAMMES
Information about the Croatian higher education institutions and programs can be obtained on http://www.studyincroatia.hr/. The complete list of Croatian accredited academic institutions can be found on http://mzos.hr/dbApp/pregled.aspx?appName=ustanove_Z.Selected candidates will be provided with a full academic year of Croatian language preparation course.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Potential candidates are invited to apply for the Scholarship by submitting their applications via the e-mail addresses: stasa.skenzic@mzo.hr and mateoante.bosnic@mzo.hr.
The preliminary selection of applications will be performed by the end of May 2021.
Applicants should submit a write-up/letter of motivation with a minimum of 250 words concerning the first choice of study and append therewith the medical certificate of candidates. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022)
Applicants should also submit their Curriculum Vitae (in Europass format) and a scan of their high school or university diploma and report cards for the two previous academic years.
Applicants should attach a letter of recommendation from local parish or church community. (Croatian Government Scholarships 2021/2022)
Applicants should submit their applications before 17 May 2021.
VISA APPLICATIONS
The scholarship holders are requested to start visa application process immediately after receiving the positive decision about the scholarship. Officially, it may take 30 days until a visa is issued.In order to apply for visa to Croatia, you need to contact the competent consular office. For more information please contact the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs http://www.mvep.hr/en/