The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia has published a Public Competition for admission to the cadet service for the autumn enrollment period of the academic year 2025/2026 for the first year of undergraduate university studies:

1. Undergraduate University Study Programme in Military Engineering – until the enrollment quota of 70 candidates is filled
2. Undergraduate University Study Programme in Military Leadership and Management – until the enrollment quota of 40 candidates is filled

Candidates who did not meet the selection criteria of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia during the summer enrollment period cannot apply for the autumn enrollment period, since the prescribed medical and psychological criteria are valid for one year.

All candidates who meet the selection requirements of the Ministry of Defence are ranked on the candidate list for the selected study programme on the postani-student portal according to the points achieved in the state matura exams and secondary school performance, within the enrollment quota.

All candidates who gain the right to enroll in the military study programme during the autumn enrollment period in September 2025 will be admitted into the cadet service.

The application deadline is August 14, 2025.
It is mandatory to carefully read the detailed terms of the Competition available here and here.

Required Documents for Enrollment

1. Completed Registration Form and Cadet Questionnaire (available in Documents)
2. One photograph
3. Original birth certificate or electronic record from the state registry issued via the e-Citizens service
4. Copy of a valid ID card and/or certificate of residence
5. Applicants who have previously studied at a public higher education institution in Croatia must submit, at enrollment, a certificate issued by the institution previously attended indicating the level of study, prescribed duration of study, the year of first enrollment, and the date of withdrawal from the programme (Withdrawal Certificate)
6. Students who studied in the previous academic year 2024/2025 at another programme in the Republic of Croatia as full-time students must pay the full tuition fee, unless they are changing their programme for the first time and achieved at least 55 ECTS credits in the previous academic year.

Preparatory Camp

Before the start of classes, cadets attend a three-week preparatory camp which includes military service and training procedures, physical exercise, psychological preparation, and handling of personal weapons. The camp is conducted by the Cadet Battalion “Predrag Matanović”.

During the Preparatory Camp, cadets are introduced to the military profession and cadet service, and begin to acquire fundamental military knowledge and skills. They are also trained in selected topics from the Regulations on Service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, the Regulations on Training Procedures in the Croatian Armed Forces, and infantry weaponry.

The goals of the Preparatory Camp are to help cadets adapt to the military environment and cadet service, as well as to the working methods of a military organization. Cadets are introduced to the rules of military service, rights, duties, obligations, restrictions, and prohibitions, as well as basic military knowledge and skills necessary for performing cadet duties. In addition, the camp develops in cadets a sense of belonging to the military community, patriotism, and pride in being part of the Croatian Armed Forces.

After the Preparatory Camp, cadets take the solemn oath and begin the new academic year.