New prestigious U.S. Cybersecurity degree launched at RIT Croatia in Zagreb: A top career of the future
https://www.croatiaweek.com/u-s-cybersecurity-degree-rit-croatia-zagreb/
Publish Date: 2026-05-28 07:24:00
Source Domain: www.croatiaweek.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
(Photo: RIT Croatia)
In an era where digital threats are outbalancing technological advancements, the question for global businesses is no longer if they will be attacked, but when. As the world economy faces a massive shortage of experts capable of defending critical systems, an exciting educational opportunity is opening in Croatia that is a game-changer for the next generation.
RIT Croatia, the global campus of the prestigious US university Rochester Institute of Technology, is launching a new undergraduate degree program in Cybersecurity at its Zagreb campus. Enrollment for the inaugural generation, starting classes in the Fall of 2026, is now officially open.
For diaspora parents looking to give their children a world-class education with a seamless bridge back to Croatia, this program represents one of the smartest investments in their future career.
Why Cybersecurity is the smartest career investment
The data is undeniable. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), cybersecurity was named the fastest-growing skill required by the global market. While demand skyrocketing, supply cannot keep pace—it is predicted that by 2030, the need for “cyber” experts will heavily outstrip the available talent pool.
Here is what makes this field so lucrative for young professionals:
Two degrees and American standards in the heart of Zagreb
What sets this program apart in the region is its unique international prestige. Upon graduation, students earn two degrees: an American degree from RIT and a Croatian degree. The curriculum is built on the foundations of RIT’s globally recognized US program, but it is fully adapted to the European context and aligned with the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF).
The Language Advantage: All classes are conducted entirely in English, preparing students from day one for a borderless, global job market, while allowing diaspora students to study comfortably in their native or primary academic language.
Beyond coding: Educating leaders who see the big picture
(Photo: RIT Croatia)
Modern hackers do not discriminate—hospitals, banks, government institutions, and startups are all targets. Because of this, RIT Croatia doesn’t just teach students technical coding skills; it focuses on ethics, law, and risk management.
“The goal of the program is to educate experts who will possess top-tier technical knowledge, but who will also understand the broader context of cybersecurity—from technology to the legal, ethical, and societal consequences of security decisions,” emphasizes Dr. Alan Mutka, Web and Mobile Computing Department Chair at RIT Croatia.
800 hours of work placement while studying: The jobs are waiting for students
While the modern job market heavily favors practical experience over theory, RIT Croatia leads the way with its mandatory cooperative education (internship) model. Students do not have to wait for graduation to step into the corporate world; they must complete a minimum of 800 hours of hands-on work placement within real-world tech environments, while studying.
Through close collaboration with leaders in the Croatian and European cyber industries, students will tackle real and simulated security scenarios.
The result? Graduates will be immediately ready to step into high-paying, in-demand roles such as:
SOC Analyst
Application Security Analyst
Digital Forensics Analyst
Security Consultant
GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Analyst
How to apply
Enrollment for the first generation of Cybersecurity students is open until August 15, 2026. Given that this is one of the most sought-after professions today, early application is highly recommended.
Fast facts about the program:
Duration: 4 years (undergraduate program)
ECTS Credits: 240
Location: RIT Croatia, Zagreb Campus
Language of Instruction: English
Outcome: Dual Degree (American & Croatian)
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity / prvostupnik/prvostupnica (baccalaureus/baccalaurea) kibernetičke sigurnosti
Experiential Learning: Minimum of 800 hours of mandatory industry internship
For more info about admission, please contact: [email protected], phone: +385 1 643 9100, + 385 (0) 20 433 000 or visit this website
Scholarships that make a difference
RIT Croatia is committed to helping students achieve their potential by offering non-refundable scholarships and financial aid.
Notably, all candidates who completed their high school education with excellent grades automatically qualify for a scholarship worth €4,000. Furthermore, over 90% of applicants who requested financial aid last year successfully received a scholarship or financial support from RIT Croatia. The opportunities to secure funding are exceptionally high—making this the perfect time to apply.
*This article contains sponsored content
