Overview
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.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Central European University are listed below.
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
Master's Degree 32 programmes
Showing 10 of 32.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Scholarships in Austria
Funding routes available to students in Austria are listed below.
How to apply to Central European University
A five-step path through the application process at Central European University.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Studying in Austria: guides and resources
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