The Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega is a part of the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, representing the culmination of a long journey from inception to the opening of a higher education institution in Požega. This fulfills a historical obligation to this region dating back to the 18th century, based on the foundations of Academia Possegana. In 1761, the Jesuits established an academy for philosophy and moral theology known as Academia Possegana, positioning Požega among university cities. The newly established Faculty continues this educational legacy.
Tourism is one of the key strategic priorities of the European Union's Programming Period 2021–2027 and a focal point of public policy within Strategic Objective 1: A Competitive and Innovative Economy in the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030. As a result, studying in this field has significant potential. Rural-green-sustainable-digital - engage in educational topics for secure employment opportunities!
In the tourism and rural development sector, the Faculty provides higher and lifelong education in biotechnical and social sciences, focusing on scientific and professional work, quality assurance, international cooperation, and collaboration with the local community to ensure the rapid employability of students. Emphasis is placed on training experts for operational and managerial tasks in selective forms of tourism, within both profit-oriented and non-profit organisations as well as public entities related to tourism. Additionally, students are trained to perform operational tasks in other interdisciplinary areas related to tourism: electronic business and software engineering, accounting and enogastronomy. The curriculum offers opportunities for students to learn from concrete business models while developing innovative business plans in tourism and hospitality with mentorship from professionals along with practical training.
The Faculty is continuously working to improve study and working conditions, as seen in their provision of adequate facilities. These include spatial capacities across multiple sites, such as the main building in Požega, a wine cellar and storage in Podgorje, a vineyard, a wine shop, a sports hall, the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Student Dormitory and the Student Centre.