The Adult Education Act (OG 144/2021) stipulates that adult education can be performed by an institution established exclusively for the purpose of adult education, a school institution, a university, as well as an institution that performs other activities in addition to adult education. 

In order for the institution to start implementing formal education programmes, it is necessary to obtain an Ordinance on the Minimum Technical and Hygienic Requirements. This is adopted by the competent state administration office in the county, and the conditions to be met are laid down in the Ordinance on Standards and Norms for the Implementation of Adult Education Programmes (OG 14/2023) and the Rulebook on Amendments to the Rulebook on Standards and Norms for the Implementation of Adult Education Programmes (OG 71/2024)

The adult education system in Croatia encompasses various categories of institutions that offer publicly subsidised adult education and training programmes. Institutions differ in terms of legal status, target population, and the type and level of education programmes they provide.
 

Public Open Universities (POU)

Public open universities constitute the largest category of institutions in the adult education system. According to The Open Universities Act, they offer formal and non-formal education programmes, including primary and secondary adult education, training and further education programmes, and various cultural and social activities. Currently, there are more than 60 public open universities in Croatia, distributed across larger cities and regional centres.
 

Secondary schools with adult education programmes

Numerous secondary schools have adult education departments and implement programmes for acquiring secondary vocational qualifications, as well as reskilling and upskilling programmes. These programmes are aligned with the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF) and adapted to the needs of the labour market. Around 120 secondary schools in Croatia offer adult education programmes, with vocational schools being the most common.
 

Higher education institutions and universities

Some universities and polytechnics implement lifelong learning programmes for adults, including specialist and postgraduate programmes, seminars and workshops. These programmes often involve collaboration with industry and are geared towards professional development. The main centres of such programmes are located at the University of Zagreb, the University of Split, the University of Rijeka and other higher education institutions.
 

Vocational education and training institutions and centres

Specialised vocational education centres implement adult training and professional development programmes in various sectors, such as construction, hospitality, IT and healthcare. These institutions often cooperate with employers and provide tailored training for the workforce.
 

Institutions for the education of the unemployed and marginalised groups

The Croatian Employment Service (CES) implements training and development programmes for the unemployed through funding from the European Social Fund. These programmes include verified vocational education programmes, soft skills workshops and reskilling. The programmes are available in different regions of Croatia.
 

Private education providers and non-profit organisations

Numerous private educational institutions offer verified lifelong learning programmes, often with the support of state or European funds. 

Some institutions offer distance learning and hybrid learning models adapted to adult learners. These programmes allow for flexibility in learning and are particularly useful for the employed population.

Also, associations and civil society organisations implement various non-formal education programmes, especially in the areas of digital literacy, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.

Croatia has a diverse network of publicly subsidised adult education providers, which ensure the availability of education at different levels and in different sectors. Although formal programmes are mainly focused on vocational education, there is also a wide range of non-formal lifelong learning programmes. Geographically, most institutions are concentrated in urban areas, but distance learning programmes enable greater accessibility of education in rural areas as well.