The Croatian Employers’ Association has called on the government to implement student visas in order to increase the nation’s appeal as a study abroad destination. Croatian Employers’ Association has urged the authorities to make the country a more attractive destination for international students by introducing student visas.
The Association stated in a letter to Davor Božinović, the Minister of the Interior, that the nation must change the Aliens Act and begin granting student visas to individuals who wish to study in Croatia.
The Association claims that the use of study visas will help Croatian universities draw in more foreign students while also making the nation a more appealing travel destination
Many people, including rectors, have backed the concept of granting student visas, stating that it is a crucial step for Croatian universities.
According to Srednja, students from non-EU nations who wish to study in Croatia are now granted temporary visas. After that, they receive one-year residence permits for the purpose of studying, but they are subject to several limitations
International Students Are Being Driven Away by the Absence of Student Visas
Ana Tecilazić, the rector of Algebra Bernays University, stated that the two biggest obstacles to Croatian higher education institutions’ international appeal are the absence of student visas and the difficulty of health insurance.
She emphasized that Croatia is driving away international students in the absence of long-term visas. Additionally, it showed that fewer international students are choosing the nation.
According to data from Tecilazić, there are 7% fewer students in Croatia now than there were seven years ago. The challenges are further compounded by the fact that only 147 of the 1,848 study programs are approved for delivery in other languages.
Stjepan Lakušić, the rector of Zagreb, also offered his thoughts on the subject. According to Srednja, he stated that it is crucial that the nation address the problem and grant student visas to international students
Arguing that highly-educated foreign individuals do not constitute a security danger, Lakušić noted that the scarcity of student visas is not a setback only for international students but also for the Croatian community, which is in need of workers in various industries across the country.
However, Ivica Lučić, the rector of the University of Defence and Security, was not entirely in favor of the concept. He said that Croatia should instead concentrate on drawing in students from EU member states.
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