The secondary and high education in Zagreb in early 19th century was organized within academy with gymnasium (Regia Scientiarum Academia cum Archigymnasio). The two-year study of philosophy served as obligatory preparation for studies of theology and law. Most students of philosophy were therefore at the age between 16 and 20. Zagreb was at the time relatively significant educational centre, although of limited (regional) scope, so there had been students who stemmed from the Duchy of Krain. By analyzing the school directories and other sources, we shall try to assess their conditions of living in Zagreb, grounds for decision to study in Zagreb, their wishes about their future professions and how all these issues had been influenced by the general political situation in the turbulent era of Napoleonic wars, when the Duchy of Krain temporarily became, as well as some Croatian lands, part of the Illyrian Provinces of French Empire.