Historical overview and principles of adult education
Adult education in Croatia has a long tradition. One of the first important moments was the introduction of public university lectures at the University of Zagreb in 1907, under the leadership of Alberto Bazala, with the aim of expanding access to knowledge beyond traditional academic frameworks. During the 20th century, various political and socio-economic changes influenced the development of adult education, especially during the socialist period, when efforts were made to increase literacy and provide professional development through labour universities.
A significant moment in the institutionalisation of adult education occurred in 1961 when andragogy − the science of adult learning − was introduced as an academic discipline at the universities of Zagreb and Rijeka. This laid the foundation for a more structured approach to lifelong learning and professional development.
Current policy priorities and documents
Croatia has a tradition of public subsidies for adult education, particularly through initiatives focused on workforce development and social inclusion. Public funding mechanisms include national budgets, EU funding (such as the European Social Fund), and support from regional and local authorities. In addition, the introduction of a voucher system has enabled individuals to access publicly funded education and training programmes, particularly for the acquisition of micro-credentials and partial qualifications aligned with labour market needs.
Adult education policies in Croatia are aimed at increasing participation in lifelong learning, improving the quality and relevance of education programmes, and aligning education with labour market needs. These priorities are highlighted in several key documents:
The Adult Education Act (OG 144/21) modernises the adult education system by aligning it with the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF) and promotes the recognition of prior learning.
The National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 emphasizes the importance of increasing the rate of adult participation in lifelong learning. The initial value of this indicator was 3.5 % in 2019, while in 2021 it increased to 5.1 %. The goal is to reach the European Union average, which was 10.8 % in 2021.
Indicators
Source: www.hrvatska2030.hr
The National Plan for the Development of Education and Training until 2027 sets strategic goals for improving access, inclusiveness and quality of adult education. Key priorities include increasing participation in lifelong learning, ensuring access for marginalised groups, and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and employers. One of the key goals is to increase the share of the adult population in lifelong learning processes. The plan foresees seven measures to achieve this goal, including the development of adult education programmes, quality assurance systems, and financial incentives for participation in priority training and professional development programmes.
The Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF) is a reform instrument that regulates the entire system of qualifications at all educational levels. It supports the development of adult education programmes that meet economic and social needs. It also enables the recognition of prior learning and the creation of micro-credentials.