The Level of Digital Competencies Among Students at Two Croatian Universities: A Comparative Study

This research evaluates the digital competencies of students at the University of Osijek and the University of Rijeka, with the goal of enhancing digital skills across Croatian higher education. Using the DigComp framework, the study assesses students’ abilities in digital technology use, critical data evaluation, and problem-solving. The research addresses several key questions: Are there differences in digital competencies between male and female students, and among students enrolled in different study programs? How do digital competencies compare between university students across various competence areas? Is there variation in digital competency levels among students from different faculties or study programs? Additionally, does prior completion of relevant training correlate with higher levels of digital competencies? By exploring these questions, the study identifies variations and institutional strengths and weaknesses, offering insights essential for developing targeted educational strategies. It also examines the impact of formal training on digital skills, underscoring the need for structured digital literacy programs within curricula. The findings contribute to expanding theoretical knowledge, improving digital literacy, and reinforcing the integration of formal digital literacy initiatives into university programs, thereby fostering the continuous development of university students’ digital skills.