Dubrovnik University, Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik University was officially founded in 2003, but that doesn’t really tell the story of higher learning in this Croatian city. There has been a long and distinguished history going back to 1458. Beno Kotruljević wrote several books on how to be the perfect merchant, which was ground breaking for its time.

In 1624, the Jesuits started Collegium Ragusinum where the arts and sciences were taught. Ruđer Bošović studied here and in Rome. He wrote an important piece of work on the dynamic theory of atoms. Many men studied maritime law and traditions there before setting sail on the Adriatic Sea, as well as how to prosper in a merchant maritime economy.

Pursuant to its long maritime tradition, the University still has a focus on the sea along with the other sciences. Currently, the focus areas for studies include navigation, electrical engineering, business, information technology, economy, tourism, and aquaculture that deal with both domestic and marine disciplines. This diverse curriculum will certainly increase in the next several decades. It does seem certain that the education will be high quality in keeping with the long tradition here as well as have a focus on the maritime needs of the area.