the foundation of the Polytechnic. The advantages of a professional study were acknowledged as they obviously introduced elements of the West–European education into the higher education of Croatia. Although the path was by no means smooth and fast, The Polytechnic of Dubrovnik was founded two years later, by the Government Act of 12 December 1996. It was established on the basis of the education of sailors in Dubrovnik, which began in 1959, when the Higher Maritime School was founded. The Higher School became The Maritime Faculty of Dubrovnik in 1984, as a part of the University of Split, functioning till the foundation of The Polytechnic of Dubrovnik. Considering the basic preconditions for a possible foundation of the university as ripe, the Chancellor’s Office of the Polytechnic applied itself to activities aimed at the creation of a vision for development of higher education and science in Dubrovnik. Based on the forthcoming proposals and in co-operation with the Faculty of Tourism and Foreign Trade, a feasibility study for the foundation of the University of Dubrovnik was made. The study was met with full approval by the local community and all relevant institutions. It obtained a positive opinion of the National Council for Higher Education. The proposal of the Ministry of Education and Technology got a unanimous support of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Act was passed unanimously on 1 October 2003. The University of Dubrovnik was entered in the Register of the Commercial Court in Dubrovnik on 16 November 2003, thus acquiring its legal status. The foundation of the University of Dubrovnik represents a crown of success in the long and continuous effort of individuals and institutions that worked on the development of higher education in Dubrovnik. Organization The university is divided into seven departments. Department of Aquaculture Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Department of Economics and Business economics Engineering Department Maritime Department Department of Mass Communication Department of Arts and Restoration Profile and mission The University of Dubrovnik is the newest university in Croatia. It was established in 2003, on the foundations of a very long tradition which goes back to the 17th century, but also on decades of modern higher education. By its programs, its organisation and its technical equipment, the University of Dubrovnik can be stands among very modern educational institutions. The main characteristics of the University of Dubrovnik are: Organisation system which