As an ambitious student dreaming of a world-class education in the heart of Europe, the Central European University (CEU) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Hungary and Austria without the burden of tuition fees.
CEU is globally recognized for its excellence in social sciences, humanities, law, and public policy. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the university continues its mission of fostering academic brilliance by offering fully funded packages that cover not only tuition but also living stipends and health insurance.
Let’s break down the eligibility requirements, funding benefits, and a step-by-step application strategy to help you secure this life-changing award.
Scholarship Overview: What is Covered?
The CEU funding model is tailored to provide maximum support based on academic merit. While the specific benefits vary by degree level, the graduate awards are among the most generous in Europe.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Central European University (CEU) |
| Location | Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Nationalities | Open to all countries (International) |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (postgraduate) & Partially Funded (undergraduate) |
The Benefit Breakdown
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Master’s Students: CEU offers several tiers of master’s funding. The CEU Master’s Excellence Scholarship covers 100% of tuition, health insurance, and provides a monthly stipend of €1,000. Other tiers range from €300 to €750 monthly stipends.
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Doctoral Students: CEU doctoral scholarships are fully funded. They cover the total cost of tuition and include a gross monthly stipend of approximately €1,680 (around €1,880 for some candidates) to cover housing and living costs for up to 48 months.
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Undergraduate Students: Funding is primarily merit-based, offering partial tuition waivers (up to 50%) and Presidential Scholar Awards valued at roughly €5,000 over the course of the program.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Applicants
To be considered for the 2026 intake, you must meet the general entry requirements of the university and specifically follow the financial aid deadlines.
General Requirements
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Nationality: Candidates from any country are welcome. CEU is a truly international university with students from over 100 nations.
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Educational Background: Undergraduate: Must hold a high school diploma with an excellent academic record.
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Master’s: Must possess a recognized bachelor’s degree.
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Doctoral: Must have a master’s degree in a relevant field.
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Language Proficiency: Since all programs are taught in English, proof of proficiency is required (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, you might be eligible for a waiver.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
The application for admission and the application for scholarship are processed through the same portal. There is no separate application form for the general CEU scholarship; you must indicate your interest within the main application.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Visit the official CEU website to browse current departments. Ensure your chosen course is full-time, as part-time programs are generally ineligible for financial aid.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
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Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all previous degrees.
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Statement of Purpose (SoP): A compelling essay (typically max 2 pages) explaining your academic goals and why CEU is the right fit.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated resume highlighting research or professional experience.
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Letters of Recommendation: Usually two references are required.
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Proof of English Proficiency: Scores must be valid at the time of submission.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Access the CEU online system. In the “Funding” section, you must explicitly check the box indicating that you wish to be considered for financial aid.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The application usually involves a non-refundable fee (approximately €30), though some specific programs or target demographics may qualify for waivers.
Critical Deadlines for 2026
Missing a deadline is the most common reason for scholarship rejection. Note that the “general” deadline is often different from the “financial aid” deadline.
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Round 1 (Financial Aid): October 15, 2025 — This is the recommended round for all international applicants seeking full funding.
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Round 2 (Standard Financial Aid): February 4, 2026 — This is the final deadline to be considered for master’s and doctoral financial aid.
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Round 3 (Non-Funding Round): April 15, 2026 — Applicable only to self-funded students or those from non-visa-sensitive countries.
Proven Strategies for a Winning Application
Securing a fully funded scholarship at CEU is competitive. To stand out from thousands of global applicants, follow these expert tips:
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Tailor Your Statement of Purpose: Don’t just list achievements. Explain how CEU’s unique focus on “Open Society” values aligns with your career path.
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Early Submission: Aim to submit by the October deadline. Admission committees tend to have more funding flexibility earlier in the cycle.
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Refine Your Writing Sample: Many programs require a piece of academic writing. Ensure it demonstrates analytical depth and clear communication.
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Engage with Referees early: Choose professors who know your work intimately and can speak to your potential as a researcher or leader.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
A: For master’s programs, no. For doctoral programs, while not strictly mandatory for all departments, it is highly recommended to check if your research area aligns with current faculty expertise.
Q: Is the GRE or GMAT required?
A: Only for specific programs, primarily in the Department of Economics and Business. Check your specific program requirement list.
Q: Can I apply for more than one program?
A: Yes, but you must submit separate applications for each, including a tailored Statement of Purpose for each course.
Q: How will I receive the stipend?
A: Stipends are paid monthly into a SEPA-eligible bank account (like Wise or Revolut) after you physically arrive and register at the campus.
Final Thoughts
The Central European University Scholarship 2026 is more than just financial aid—it is an entry into a global network of scholars and leaders. By starting your application today and focusing on a strong statement of purpose, you take a major step toward a career shaped by international perspective and academic excellence.
Would you like me to help you draft a high-impact Statement of Purpose for your CEU scholarship application?
Step-by-Step CEU Scholarship process
This video provides a detailed, step-by-step visual walkthrough of the CEU online application portal to ensure you fill out the funding section correctly.
