The University Specialist Study Program Health Economics – MBA is aimed at educating decision-makers within the healthcare system. The program is intended for current and future managers of hospitals, clinics, and organizations in both public and private healthcare sectors. It provides knowledge, tools, and skills necessary for the efficient management of limited healthcare resources and for making high-quality business decisions. Special emphasis is placed on improving the efficiency of healthcare institutions and contributing to the health and well-being of the population.
The program is intended for employees of healthcare institutions, private clinics, pharmaceutical and consulting companies, insurance providers, ministries, and professional associations, as well as students. Its goal is to upgrade existing knowledge and introduce participants to contemporary aspects of organization, financing, and resource allocation in healthcare. Participants gain an understanding of healthcare policies in EU member states, business analysis, and monitoring of healthcare service quality. The program equips participants to objectively assess the justification of investments, improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, and develop managerial skills. Special attention is given to measuring health outcomes, strategic planning, and crisis management.
The program also enables participation in international professional workshops and networking with distinguished domestic and international experts, thereby contributing to strengthening human resources and building a high-quality professional network within the healthcare system.
Program duration: 1 year
ECTS credits awarded: 60 ECTS
Language of instruction: Croatian
Location: EFZG
Mode of delivery: Hybrid (online and in-person lectures)
Academic title awarded: Specialist in Economics (spec. oec.)
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND CRITERIA
Applicants eligible to enroll in the University Specialist Study Program Health Economics – MBA are those who have completed an undergraduate university study program under the old system or a graduate university study program under the Bologna system and have obtained at least 300 ECTS credits.
Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the program within the field of social sciences, it is primarily intended for graduates of faculties of economics and medicine, as well as other faculties in the fields of social and natural sciences.
Applicants without practical experience may enroll in the program if they have achieved a grade point average above 3.5 in their graduate studies or provide recommendations from two university professors.
All applicants should have an active command of the English language.
In the case of a higher number of applicants than the optimal intake in a given academic year, priority will be given to candidates with higher grade averages in graduate studies and demonstrated professional achievements.
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION (CALL FOR APPLICATIONS, ONLINE APPLICATION, AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION)
Applications are submitted by completing the online application form.
In addition, for a successful application, candidates must submit the required documentation in person or by post:
- list of required application documents (DOC / PDF)
- curriculum vitae (CV)
- certified copy of the diploma (applicants who graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, or those with a digital diploma are not required to certify the copy)
- transcript of grades from graduate/undergraduate studies
- certificate of personal identification number (OIB)
- applicant’s statement or employer’s statement (in written form) confirming payment of tuition fees
- electronic employment record (e-work booklet)
- applicants who obtained their degree at a foreign university must, at their own expense, submit a decision from the competent authority on the academic recognition of their foreign higher education qualification
TUITION FEE: €8,000.00
Payment is possible as a one-time payment or in installments, as well as via student loans.
Application deadline: December 31, 2025
Applications should be submitted to:
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF RIJEKA
Office for Postgraduate Studies
(Application for admission to the Specialist Study Program Health Economics – MBA)
Ivana Filipovića 4
51000 Rijeka
Note: Upon enrollment, a Study Contract is signed with the student.
If an insufficient number of eligible applicants apply, the Faculty reserves the right not to run the program in the academic year 2025/2026.