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Central European University

Vienna, 🇦🇹 Austria
#3 National #251 THE
Central European University campus
€12k/yr

About Central European University

Central European University (CEU) is a premier graduate institution that specializes in the social sciences, humanities, and law. Originally founded in 1991 and now primarily located in Vienna, it is recognized for its commitment to open society and academic freedom. The university offers a research intensive environment where students from around the globe engage with pressing contemporary issues.

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.

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

Subject Areas

Social SciencesHumanitiesLawPublic Policy

Student Life & Support

Campus Housing

Photos

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Programs Offered at Central European University (32)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Humanities Law Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (3)

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
austriabacheloreconomicsphilosophy,politics,
36 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Quantitative Social Sciences

STEM

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
social sciences degreesocial sciences university viennastudy social sciencesstudy social sciences in viennaenglish-taught bachelor social sciences
36 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Bachelor in Culture, Politics, and Society

Culture, Politics, and Society

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
austriababachelorbsbsc
36 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Master Programs (17)

Business Analytics

STEM

Business Analytics

Business Analytics
study business analyticsin business analyticsbusiness analytics degreebusiness analytics programstudy business analytics in Austria
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Cognitive Science

STEM

Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science
cognitive sciencemaster in cognitive sciencestudy cognitive science in austriacognitive science degreecognitive science program
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
masters in economicseconomics masters programstudy economics in austriamasters economics austriaeconomics program in vienna
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Economic Policy in Global Markets

Economics, Public Policy, International Relations

Economics
austriaeconomiceconomicsglobalgraduate
12 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management

STEM

Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM)

Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Management

Environmental Science
environmental science program Austriamaster's degree environmental scienceMSc environmental scienceenvironmental science degreeecology program
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Environmental Sciences and Policy

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies
austriacentralenvironmentaleuropeangraduate
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Gender Studies

Gender Studies

Gender Studies
Gender Studies master'sGender Studies MSgender studies degreefeminist studieswomen and gender
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

History

History

History
graduatemaster's degreehistoryhistorical researchcultural studies
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
International Relations in Viennainternational International Relations programmasters International Relations abroadstudy abroad International Relations Viennagraduate International Relations
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Comparative Constitutional Law

Law

Law
austriacomparativeconstitutionalgraduatelaw
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Legal Studies

Law

Law
master in legal studiesmaster of legal studiesstudy legal studies in austriamasters legal studiesmasters legal studies in austria
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Mathematics and its Applications

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
applicationsaustriagraduateitsma
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Nationalism Studies

Nationalism Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History

Nationalism Studies
masters in nationalism studies, sociology, political science, history in austriastudy nationalism studies, sociology, political science, history in viennama nationalism studies, sociology, political science, historystudy nationalism studies, sociology, political science, history in austriamasters nationalism studies, sociology, political science, history
12 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Public Policy

Public Policy

Public Policy
msc public policypublic policy program in viennamasters public policyenglish masters public policypublic policy degree program
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

International Public Affairs

Public Policy, International Relations, Governance

Public Policy
affairsaustriagovernanceinternationalmaster
12 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

Sociology and Social Anthropology

Sociology

Sociology
anthropologyaustriaenglishmastersocial
12 months English Full-time

€14,000/yr

Scholarships

Visual Culture

Visual Culture, Art History, Media Studies, Cultural Studies

Visual Culture, Art History, Media Studies, Cultural Studies
masters in Visual CultureVisual Culture mastersmaster's degree in Visual Culturestudy Visual Culture in AustriaVisual Culture program in Austria
12 months English Full-time

€12,000/yr

Scholarships

PhD Programs (12)

Doctoral Program in Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
phd in economicseconomics phdstudy economics in austriaphd in economics in austriaeconomics program in vienna
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Economics and Business

STEM

Economics, Business, Finance

Economics, Business, Finance
Central European University Economics and BusinessEconomics and BusinessEconomics and Business abroadEconomics and Business at Central European UniversityEconomics and Business phd Austria
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Doctoral Program in Environmental Sciences and Policy

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies
environmental studies in viennaphd in environmental studiesstudy environmental studies in austriastudy environmental studies in viennaecology program
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Comparative Gender Studies

Gender Studies, Sociology, Political Science, History

Comparative Gender Studies
austriacomparativedissertationdoctoralfeminism
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Doctoral Program in History

History

History
best history programsphd in historyhistory degreehistory abroadPhD history
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Comparative History

History

History
austriacentral european universitycomparativedoctoraldoctorate
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Doctoral Program in Legal Studies

Law

Law
austriadoctoraldoctoral program in legal studieslawlegal
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Medieval Studies

Medieval Studies, History, Art History, Literature

Medieval Studies
phd in medieval studiesdoctorate in medieval studiesstudy medieval studies in austriamedieval studies phd in viennaenglish-taught phd medieval studies
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy
austriadoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratephd
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
political science at central european universitydoctoral degree in political sciencephd in political science in austriaphd in political scienceinternational phd political science
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Doctoral Program in Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
political science PhDCentral European UniversityVienna Austriapolitical theoryinternational relations PhD
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Doctoral Program in Sociology and Social Anthropology

Sociology

Sociology
english-taught phd sociology austriastudy sociology in viennadoctorate in sociologysociology degreecentral european university sociology
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Central European University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall
Tuition (per year) €12k/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions About Central European University

Common questions from international students considering Central European University.

What is the acceptance rate at Central European University?

Central European University is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Central European University cost for international students?

Tuition at Central European University ranges from €12k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Central European University ranked globally?

Central European University holds the following rankings: Times Higher Education #251, #3 in Austria. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

When does Central European University start its semesters?

Central European University has intakes starting in Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Central European University offer?

Central European University offers 32+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Central European University located?

Central European University is located in Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to Central European University?

For specific details about Central European University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Central European University offer?

For specific details about Central European University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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