Central European University

Quick Facts about Central European University

• Tuition: $12,000 – $12,000/year
• Intakes: Fall

About Central European University

Academics

CEU is organized into various departments and schools, including the Department of Economics and Business, the Department of History, and the School of Public Policy. The teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and small class sizes to foster deep intellectual debate. Notable programs include its highly ranked International Relations and Philosophy tracks, which benefit from a strong multidisciplinary research culture. Students are encouraged to cross traditional academic boundaries to address complex global challenges.

International Students

The university is one of the most international institutions in the world, with students representing over 100 different countries. All programs are taught entirely in English, making it highly accessible to global applicants. Support services include comprehensive visa assistance, psychological counseling, and various cultural integration workshops. Numerous student organizations and clubs provide a vibrant social life that celebrates the diverse backgrounds of the student body.

Campus & Location

The campus is situated in Vienna’s 10th district, offering modern facilities within one of the world’s most livable cities. Vienna provides an exceptional quality of life with efficient public transportation and a rich cultural scene featuring world class museums and music venues. The campus is well connected to the city center, allowing students to easily explore historic landmarks and green spaces. This central European location also serves as a perfect hub for traveling to other major capitals across the continent.

Career Outcomes

CEU maintains a dedicated Career Services office that helps students secure internships and full time employment through workshops and networking events. Graduates find success in various sectors, including international organizations like the United Nations, government agencies, and top tier private firms. The university fosters a strong connection to the European labor market and supports a growing interest in social entrepreneurship. Many alumni also pursue doctoral studies at prestigious universities worldwide due to CEU’s strong academic reputation.

Information for International Students at Central European University

Central European University in Vienna, Austria welcomes international students.

• No visa support offered
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available

Admissions Requirements for Central European University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Central European University:

• Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)

Programs at Central European University (51 programs)

Central European University offers 51 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (2)

• Quantitative Social Sciences (BA) — 36 months · English · €12,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program equips students with strong quantitative skills to analyze social phenomena, combining social science theories with statistical and computational methods.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Data Analyst, Researcher, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst
• Quantitative Social Sciences (BA) — 36 months · English · €12,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program equips students with strong quantitative skills to analyze social phenomena, combining social science theories with statistical and computational methods.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Data Analyst, Researcher, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst

Master Programs (31)

• Business Analytics (MSc) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program combines business knowledge with data analytics skills to help organizations make data-driven decisions and gain competitive advantage.
  Field: Business Analytics
  Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Data Scientist, Consultant, Market Researcher
• Economic Policy in Global Markets (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of economic policy-making in an international context, focusing on global economic challenges. Graduates work in government, international organizations, financial institutions, and research.
  Field: Economics, Public Policy, International Relations
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, financial institutions, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Economics (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods, preparing students for analytical roles in various sectors.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Data Scientist, Researcher
• Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program focusing on interdisciplinary environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. Graduates work in environmental management, policy-making, research, and consulting for international and national organizations.
  Field: Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Management
  Career outcomes: environmental management, policy-making, research, consulting for international and national organizations
  Deadline: Varies, typically in January for the following academic year.
• International Relations (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  A program focusing on global politics, international security, and foreign policy, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and research.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Organization Officer, Policy Analyst, Journalist
• International Public Affairs (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the practical aspects of public policy and international affairs, preparing students for leadership roles. Graduates pursue careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and policy consulting.
  Field: Public Policy, International Relations, Governance
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, NGOs, policy consulting
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Nationalism Studies (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program critically examines nationalism as a political ideology, social movement, and cultural phenomenon. Graduates work in research, policy analysis, journalism, and international organizations.
  Field: Nationalism Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: research, policy analysis, journalism, international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Environmental Sciences and Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, policy-making, and scientific approaches to sustainability challenges.
  Field: Environmental Studies
  Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Policy Advisor, NGO Program Manager, Researcher
• Visual Culture (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program explores visual phenomena across different media and historical periods, analyzing their cultural and political significance. Graduates pursue careers in arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, and research.
  Field: Visual Culture, Art History, Media Studies, Cultural Studies
  Career outcomes: arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Public Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program trains students in policy analysis, design, and implementation, equipping them with the skills to address complex public challenges.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Government Official, Consultant, Advocacy Manager
• Economic Policy in Global Markets (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of economic policy-making in an international context, focusing on global economic challenges. Graduates work in government, international organizations, financial institutions, and research.
  Field: Economics, Public Policy, International Relations
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, financial institutions, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Economics (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods, preparing students for analytical roles in various sectors.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Data Scientist, Researcher
• Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program focusing on interdisciplinary environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. Graduates work in environmental management, policy-making, research, and consulting for international and national organizations.
  Field: Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Management
  Career outcomes: environmental management, policy-making, research, consulting for international and national organizations
  Deadline: Varies, typically in January for the following academic year.
• International Relations (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  A program focusing on global politics, international security, and foreign policy, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and research.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Organization Officer, Policy Analyst, Journalist
• International Public Affairs (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the practical aspects of public policy and international affairs, preparing students for leadership roles. Graduates pursue careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and policy consulting.
  Field: Public Policy, International Relations, Governance
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, NGOs, policy consulting
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Nationalism Studies (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program critically examines nationalism as a political ideology, social movement, and cultural phenomenon. Graduates work in research, policy analysis, journalism, and international organizations.
  Field: Nationalism Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: research, policy analysis, journalism, international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Environmental Sciences and Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, policy-making, and scientific approaches to sustainability challenges.
  Field: Environmental Studies
  Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Policy Advisor, NGO Program Manager, Researcher
• Visual Culture (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program explores visual phenomena across different media and historical periods, analyzing their cultural and political significance. Graduates pursue careers in arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, and research.
  Field: Visual Culture, Art History, Media Studies, Cultural Studies
  Career outcomes: arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Public Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program trains students in policy analysis, design, and implementation, equipping them with the skills to address complex public challenges.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Government Official, Consultant, Advocacy Manager
• Sociology and Social Anthropology (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  An advanced program exploring social structures, cultural practices, and human behavior through critical theoretical perspectives and empirical research methods.
  Field: Sociology
  Career outcomes: Researcher, Academic, Social Analyst, NGO Program Coordinator
• Business Analytics (MSc) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program combines business knowledge with data analytics skills to help organizations make data-driven decisions and gain competitive advantage.
  Field: Business Analytics
  Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Data Scientist, Consultant, Market Researcher
• Economic Policy in Global Markets (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of economic policy-making in an international context, focusing on global economic challenges. Graduates work in government, international organizations, financial institutions, and research.
  Field: Economics, Public Policy, International Relations
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, financial institutions, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Economics (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods, preparing students for analytical roles in various sectors.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Data Scientist, Researcher
• Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program focusing on interdisciplinary environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. Graduates work in environmental management, policy-making, research, and consulting for international and national organizations.
  Field: Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Management
  Career outcomes: environmental management, policy-making, research, consulting for international and national organizations
  Deadline: Varies, typically in January for the following academic year.
• International Relations (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  A program focusing on global politics, international security, and foreign policy, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and research.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Organization Officer, Policy Analyst, Journalist
• International Public Affairs (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the practical aspects of public policy and international affairs, preparing students for leadership roles. Graduates pursue careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and policy consulting.
  Field: Public Policy, International Relations, Governance
  Career outcomes: government, international organizations, NGOs, policy consulting
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Nationalism Studies (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program critically examines nationalism as a political ideology, social movement, and cultural phenomenon. Graduates work in research, policy analysis, journalism, and international organizations.
  Field: Nationalism Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: research, policy analysis, journalism, international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Environmental Sciences and Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, policy-making, and scientific approaches to sustainability challenges.
  Field: Environmental Studies
  Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Policy Advisor, NGO Program Manager, Researcher
• Visual Culture (MA) — 12 months · English · €12,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program explores visual phenomena across different media and historical periods, analyzing their cultural and political significance. Graduates pursue careers in arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, and research.
  Field: Visual Culture, Art History, Media Studies, Cultural Studies
  Career outcomes: arts and culture management, curatorial work, media, research
  Deadline: January 30 annually (for early admission and scholarship consideration), April 1 annually (for regular admission)
• Public Policy (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  This program trains students in policy analysis, design, and implementation, equipping them with the skills to address complex public challenges.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Government Official, Consultant, Advocacy Manager
• Sociology and Social Anthropology (MA) — 12 months · English · €14,000/yr · Scholarship available
  An advanced program exploring social structures, cultural practices, and human behavior through critical theoretical perspectives and empirical research methods.
  Field: Sociology
  Career outcomes: Researcher, Academic, Social Analyst, NGO Program Coordinator

PhD Programs (18)

• Political Science (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research training in political science, covering political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in think tanks, or expert roles in government and international organizations.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in think tanks, expert roles in government and international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative Gender Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in gender studies, with a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or expert roles in international organizations and NGOs.
  Field: Gender Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, expert roles in international organizations and NGOs
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative History (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in historical studies, encouraging comparative approaches and interdisciplinary engagement. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural institutions and archives.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural institutions and archives
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Medieval Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research opportunities in medieval history, art history, literature, and other related fields. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural heritage institutions.
  Field: Medieval Studies, History, Art History, Literature
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural heritage institutions
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Economics and Business (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods, preparing students for academic or research careers. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, or the private sector.
  Field: Economics, Business, Finance
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, private sector
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Philosophy (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in various philosophical areas, with a focus on contemporary issues and critical theory. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in ethical consulting and public discourse.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in ethical consulting and public discourse
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Political Science (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research training in political science, covering political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in think tanks, or expert roles in government and international organizations.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in think tanks, expert roles in government and international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative Gender Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in gender studies, with a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or expert roles in international organizations and NGOs.
  Field: Gender Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, expert roles in international organizations and NGOs
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative History (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in historical studies, encouraging comparative approaches and interdisciplinary engagement. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural institutions and archives.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural institutions and archives
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Medieval Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research opportunities in medieval history, art history, literature, and other related fields. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural heritage institutions.
  Field: Medieval Studies, History, Art History, Literature
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural heritage institutions
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Economics and Business (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods, preparing students for academic or research careers. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, or the private sector.
  Field: Economics, Business, Finance
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, private sector
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Philosophy (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in various philosophical areas, with a focus on contemporary issues and critical theory. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in ethical consulting and public discourse.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in ethical consulting and public discourse
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Political Science (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research training in political science, covering political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in think tanks, or expert roles in government and international organizations.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in think tanks, expert roles in government and international organizations
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative Gender Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in gender studies, with a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or expert roles in international organizations and NGOs.
  Field: Gender Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, expert roles in international organizations and NGOs
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Comparative History (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in historical studies, encouraging comparative approaches and interdisciplinary engagement. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural institutions and archives.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural institutions and archives
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Medieval Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced research opportunities in medieval history, art history, literature, and other related fields. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in cultural heritage institutions.
  Field: Medieval Studies, History, Art History, Literature
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in cultural heritage institutions
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Economics and Business (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods, preparing students for academic or research careers. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, or the private sector.
  Field: Economics, Business, Finance
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions in central banks, international organizations, private sector
  Deadline: January 30 annually
• Philosophy (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in various philosophical areas, with a focus on contemporary issues and critical theory. Graduates typically pursue academic careers, research positions, or roles in ethical consulting and public discourse.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: academic careers, research positions, roles in ethical consulting and public discourse
  Deadline: January 30 annually

Scholarships & Tuition at Central European University

Annual tuition for international students: $12,000 – $12,000/year

Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.

Rankings of Central European University

• National Ranking: #3 in Austria
• Times Higher Education (THE): #251
• Ranking tier: Top 500

Campus & Facilities at Central European University

• Student housing available
• No sports facilities
• No disability support info

Key Highlights

• Premier graduate social sciences and humanities institution
• Strong commitment to open society principles
• Research intensive environment with global perspective
• Diverse student body from over 100 countries
• English language programs in the heart of Vienna
• Modern campus located in a livable city

Fields of Study at Central European University

• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Public Policy

Frequently Asked Questions about Central European University

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