The academic year 2024/2025 at Algebra University started with Welcome Day, a traditional event marking the first step for new students in their higher education journey. This year, Algebra has recorded a milestone of 800 freshmen, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous year and confirming the growing interest in its academic programs.

Welcome Day was held at the Spark Event Space on Algebra’s Zagreb campus, which spans over 12,000 square meters and represents the most modern private educational infrastructure in Croatia. Students were welcomed by Hrvoje Josip Balen, a member of Algebra’s Board, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as the foundation of the institution: “The institution you are in today was built on entrepreneurship. We want to help you stand out in that entrepreneurial spirit, with the support of professors and mentors who will guide you towards excellence in education, innovation, and research.”

Balen also highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication with people from diverse backgrounds: “Here, you will meet people who are very different from you. You will learn to work with those who are not like you and come from entirely different fields, and that is one of the greatest qualities you will gain during your studies.” He added that the number of freshmen this year exceeded 700, with significant growth in enrollment in the MBA program, which saw almost 50% more students compared to last year. With an additional 100 students enrolled from Edward Bernays University College, the total number of new students reaches 800.

This year, Algebra University is launching new study programs, including Cybersecurity, Business Economics and Digital Business, and Communication Management, in collaboration with Bernays. During Welcome Day, students were also introduced to Algebra’s Student Support Center – a place where they can find everything they need from enrollment, throughout their studies, to securing their first job. The center offers education, counseling, internships, and support for student initiatives, actively contributing to their professional development.

Additionally, Algebra University has an active International Cooperation Department, which, through the Erasmus+ program, has established over 100 bilateral agreements with universities across the European Union, as well as over 40 agreements with universities outside the EU. Students wishing to further develop their entrepreneurial skills can join activities at Algebra LAB, presented by Assistant Professor Maja Brkljačić, PhD. She emphasized that the LAB offers opportunities to participate in various thematic hackathons in areas such as artificial intelligence, space technologies, and smart and green industries.

Significant interest in Algebra’s academic programs this year was confirmed by 446 students who listed Algebra as their first choice, placing Algebra University high on the list of the most desirable universities in Zagreb, ranking 11th out of 52 higher education institutions.

Freshmen at Algebra can be optimistic about their future – over 96% of Algebra graduates find employment in their field within three months of graduation, and many start their careers during their studies, working for prestigious international companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and IBM.