The Croatian Government adopted a package of decisions on July 23, 2026, financing school needs for the 2026/2027 school year. A total of €103 million has been allocated for textbooks, meals, transport, and educational materials. Here’s who qualifies for what.
1. Free Textbooks for Secondary School Students
The state fully covers mandatory textbooks for secondary school students from households recognized as recipients of the guaranteed minimum benefit by August 31, 2026.
Students who receive textbooks through another program, those receiving the full cash amount for purchase, and students repeating a grade do not qualify.
In 2025/2026, 440 students were covered at a cost of €89,877. For the new school year, around 500 beneficiaries are expected, with €100,000 allocated.
2. Educational Materials for Primary School Students
The government also finances other educational materials (workbooks, task collections, technical culture materials, art folders) for primary school students.
Eligible are:
- students from households receiving guaranteed minimum benefit
- students from households receiving benefits for unemployed veterans or civilian victims of the Homeland War
- students in schools participating in the experimental “Full-Day School” program
The Ministry of Education estimates materials will be funded for ~1,500 students (€90,000 allocated), with the Veterans’ Ministry adding €2,500 for ~40 students.
3. School Meals — €1.33 per Day
Meal financing continues in 2026/2027 at the following rates:
- €1.33 per school day for regular students
- €2.00 per school day for students in the experimental full-day school program
Funds are disbursed monthly to school founders based on attendance. Estimated coverage: ~297,000 students, with over €70 million budgeted.
4. Transport Subsidies — 75% or 100%
Secondary school transport subsidies continue under the following conditions:
- 75% of intercity transport costs — for students buying monthly bus or train passes, living more than 5 km from school.
- 100% of costs — for students from households receiving guaranteed minimum benefit, unemployed veteran benefits, civilian victims, and students without parental care.
€13.1 million is allocated (September–December 2026) plus €19.6 million (January–June 2027). Estimated: ~45,000 students.
Total: €103 Million
All four government decisions were published in the Official Gazette (Narodne novine) No. 81/2026 on July 24, 2026. Total package value: €103 million.
| Purpose | Amount | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Textbooks (secondary) | €100,000 | ~500 students |
| Educational materials (primary) | €92,500 | ~1,540 students |
| Meals (primary) | €70M+ | ~297,000 students |
| Transport (secondary) | €32.7M | ~45,000 students |
Deadline for free textbook eligibility: August 31, 2026 — households must be recognized as guaranteed minimum benefit recipients by then. Applications for other programs go through schools.
Source: Official Gazette (Narodne novine) No. 81/2026 (decisions NN-968 to NN-971), published July 24, 2026.