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Central European University brand identity

Central European University

Austria • QS 2027 #239

Updated May 2026 · Source: ceu.edu

Overview

English Name: Central European University
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: None
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #239 SCImago 2026 #2518
Central European University academic facilities
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Established in 1991 as a multi-campus university offering graduate level programs chiefly in the social sciences, law and the humanities in Prague, Budapest, and later Warsaw.

Students came primarily from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Later, all activities were gradually moved to Budapest, which became the main campus by 1995.

The university finally relocated to Austria in 2019.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Central European University are summarised below.

Address: Quellenstraße 51
Postal Code: 1100
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Central European University are listed below.

Academic Year: autumn term: August to December; winter term: January to March: spring term: April to June.
Accrediting Agency: Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate; Certificate of English Proficiency; Curriculum Vitæ; ApplicationEssay; Letter of Recommendation
Total Students: 1,419

Faculties & Divisions

The schools and divisions inside Central European University, with subject coverage, are listed below.

Cognitive Science (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cognitive Sciences
Economics and Business (Department/Division) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Business Computing
  • Economic and Finance Policy
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Industrial Management
  • International Economics
Environmental Sciences and Policy (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
Gender Studies (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Gender Studies
  • Women's Studies
History (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Central European Studies
  • History
  • Political Sciences
  • Religious Studies
International Relations (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
Legal Studies (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
  • Comparative Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Human Rights
  • Law
Mathematics and its Applications (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematics
Medieval Studies (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Central European Studies
  • Heritage Preservation
  • History
  • Medieval Studies
  • Religious Studies
Network and Data Science (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Networks
  • Data Processing
Philosophy (Department/Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Philosophy
Political Science (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Comparative Politics
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
Public Policy (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Comparative Politics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
Sociology and Social Anthropology (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
Doctoral School of Political Science, Public Policy and International Relations (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Comparative Politics
  • Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration

Programs Offered

Below are Central European University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

46 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Austria

Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Data Science and Society
Social Sciences & Education · 180 ECTS credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 11 programmes

Showing 10 of 11.

Scholarships in Austria

Funding routes available to students in Austria are listed below.

Ernst Mach Follow-up Grant
OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation · Government funded · International students
Follow-up grant for a further research stay in Austria. Amount not stated on the source page.
Ernst Mach Grant - ASEA-UNINET
OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation · Government funded · International students
Scholarships for full PhD studies (up to 36 months), post-doc research stays (4 to 6 months) and music practice studies (up to 9 months) at an ASEA-UNINET member university in Austria.
Ernst Mach Grant - worldwide
OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation · Government funded · International students
Grant for a research or study stay of 1 to 9 months at a university in Austria; extensions are not possible. Amount not stated on the source page.
Ernst Mach Grant for Studying at an FH
OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation · Government funded · International students
Grant for a 4 to 10 month stay at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences; extensions are not possible. Amount not stated on the source page.
Franz Werfel Fellowship
OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation · Government funded · International students · Combined
Fellowship of 4 to 9 months including financial and material follow-up support, promoting research and teaching in Austrian literature.
ÖH Sozialfonds Hardship Grant
ÖH Sozialfonds (Austrian Students' Union Social Fund) · Other funded · International students
One-off support payment for ÖH members in a special financial emergency, available once every 12 months. Amount not stated on the source page.
Studienbeihilfe (State Study Grant)
Studienbeihilfenbehörde (Austrian Study Grant Authority) · Government funded · 787 EUR per monthly · Living Stipend · Covers Living
Means-tested state study grant; the maximum is EUR 9,444 per year (EUR 787 per month) for 2026/27, with supplements of EUR 161 monthly per child, EUR 324 monthly from age 24 and a further EUR 40 monthly from age 27.

How to apply to Central European University

A five-step path through the application process at Central European University.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Central European University

    Central European University's catalogue includes 46 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Central European University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Central European University's official website at www.ceu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Central European University

A short Q&A covering Central European University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

In which city is Central European University?

Central European University is based in Wien, Austria.

What is Central European University's control type?

Central European University operates as a private institution.

How many students study at Central European University?

Central European University has approximately 1,419 students.

How is Central European University ranked?

It ranks QS 2027 #239.

What programmes are available at Central European University?

Central European University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Is Central European University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria; Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Where can I learn more about Central European University?

You can find Central European University online at www.ceu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in Austria

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Central European University overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Where Else to Study Social Sciences & Education

Other institutions in Austria teaching Social Sciences & Education are listed below for comparison with Central European University.

Universities Compared with Central European University

Comparable universities to Central European University are listed below.

Browse all articles →

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