The Central European University (CEU) Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for international students aiming to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Hungary. CEU, a highly ranked private research university, offers comprehensive funding and extensive academic programs, making it one of the top scholarships in Europe for global learners.

Basic Information about the Scholarships

University: Central European University (CEU)
Country: Hungary
Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadline: February 4, 2026
Programs Start: Fall 2026 intake
Scholarship Type: Fully funded (mostly for Master’s and PhD programs), tuition fee reductions (for Bachelor’s)
Application Fee: EUR 30 (mandatory)

CEU University Application Deadline

For PhD Programs: February 4, 2026
For Master’s Programs: October 15, 2025, (February 4, April 15, July 15), 2026
For Bachelor’s Program: October 15, 2025, (February 4, April 15, July 15), 2026

University and Institution Details

Central European University is a private research institution located primarily in Budapest, Hungary. Founded in 1991, CEU enjoys strong international recognition, particularly excelling in politics and philosophy, ranked 30th and 37th globally by QS World University Rankings respectively. The university emphasizes academic excellence, fostering open societies, human rights, democratic values, and critical thinking. It draws students and faculty from over 100 countries, creating a rich multicultural academic environment.

Study Areas and Available Programs

CEU offers over 50 degree programs spread across 17 departments. Key fields of study include:

Political Science
Network and Data Science
Mathematics
Nationalism Studies
International Relations
Environmental Sciences and Policy
History
Legal Studies
Philosophy
Medieval Studies
Gender Studies
Public Policy
Sociology and Social Anthropology
Cognitive Science
Economics and Business
Religious Studies
Check out all the degree programs offered at CEU University for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs

Programs are available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, allowing students to find courses aligned with their academic and career aspirations.

Central European University Scholarship Benefits

The CEU Scholarship package varies by study level but generally includes:

Bachelor’s Scholarships: Tuition fee reductions and Presidential Awards (totaling 5,000 EUR over four years)
Master’s Scholarships:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Monthly stipends ranging from 300 to 1,000 EUR depending on merit-based categories (Excellence, Distinction, Scholarships)
Doctoral Scholarships:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend of approximately 1,350 to 1,880 EUR to support housing and living expenses
- Automatic consideration for all doctoral applicants

Benefits Not Included

While the scholarships cover tuition and health insurance comprehensively along with monthly stipends, other benefits such as:

Travel/airfare expenses
Accommodation costs (unless supplemented by stipend)
Visa fees
Meals and daily necessities

are generally not explicitly included and need to be budgeted by students.

Eligibility Criteria for Central European University Scholarship

The scholarship is open to all citizens.
No need to contact the professor. The department will automatically assign you a professor after your selection.

Bachelor’s Programs

Must have completed high school (or equivalent) or show proof of completion before enrollment.
Cannot be enrolled in another university while receiving CEU financial aid (unless on official leave from the other institution).

Master’s Programs

Must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or proof of completion before enrollment.
2-year Master’s: need at least 180 ECTS (or equivalent).
1-year Master’s: need at least 240 ECTS (or equivalent).
Exception: some 1-year Master’s programs accept applicants with 180 ECTS, but this may limit PhD options in Europe.
Cannot be enrolled in another university while receiving CEU financial aid (unless on official leave).

Doctoral Programs

Must have both a bachelor’s and master’s degree (or a 5-year master’s).
Must have a total of 300 ECTS (or equivalent).
CEU Master’s students need at least a 3.3 GPA to apply.
Cannot be enrolled in another university while receiving CEU financial aid.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents online:

Previous degree certificates and transcripts
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of recommendation
Research proposal (for master’s and doctoral programs)
Statement of purpose
Proof of English language proficiency
Standardized test scores like GRE or GMAT (only for specific departments such as Economics and Business)
Completed CEU application form
Any additional documents as requested by specific programs

Central European University Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Research Programs: Identify suitable bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs on CEU’s official website.
Prepare Documents: Collect and scan all required certificates, letters, and proposals.
Register Online: Create an account on CEU’s application portal.
Select Programs: Apply to up to 5 programs in a single application.
Pay Application Fee: Submit the mandatory application fee of EUR 30; incomplete applications without payment will not be accepted.
Upload Documents: Submit all required documents as per program guidelines.
Submit Application: Finalize and submit your application before the February 4, 2026 deadline.
Academic Evaluation: Applications undergo a formal review and academic merit evaluation by departments.
Additional Testing: Some departments may require interviews or tests for shortlisted candidates.
Acceptance and Scholarship Offer: Admission offers including financial aid will be communicated via the applicant portal.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start early and submit your application well before the deadline.
Ensure all documents are complete, authentic, and well-organized.
Focus on a strong statement of purpose demonstrating your motivation and alignment with CEU’s values.
Obtain compelling recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
If required, prepare for additional tests or interviews.
Highlight any previous academic achievements or relevant research experience.
Double-check proof of English proficiency and request exemptions if applicable.
Pay the application fee only when your application is fully ready.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Hungary (USD)

Although CEU provides stipends, students should budget for monthly living expenses estimated as follows:

Rent (shared apartment or dormitory): $300 – $600
Food and groceries: $150 – $250
Transportation: $30 – $50
Utilities and Internet: $50 – $100
Personal expenses and leisure: $100 – $200

Total Estimated Monthly Expense: Approximately $630 to $1,200 USD depending on lifestyle and location.

Why Choose This Scholarship?

Fully Funded Opportunity covering tuition fees, health insurance, and monthly living stipends.
Global Recognition: Degrees accredited in Austria and the United States with excellent global rankings.
Diverse Academic Programs: Over 50 programs across humanities, sciences, social sciences, and business.
No IELTS/TOEFL Required for some applicants due to exemptions based on language of prior education.
Dynamic International Community with students and faculty from over 100 countries fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Opportunity to Study in Hungary, a vibrant European country with a rich cultural heritage and a growing academic hub.
Automatic Scholarship Consideration for doctoral candidates and multiple scholarship categories for other levels.
Strong Career Prospects due to CEU’s academic reputation and extensive alumni network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the application deadline for the CEU Scholarship 2026?
A: The deadline for all programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) is February 4, 2026.

Q: Are international students eligible?
A: Yes, the scholarship is open to applicants from all countries.

Q: Is an English proficiency test required?
A: Generally yes, but exemptions apply if your previous degree was taught in English or you are a CEU student/alumnus.

Q: Can final-year bachelor’s students apply for master’s scholarships?
A: Yes, they are eligible to apply.

Q: What financial support is provided?
A: Tuition coverage, health insurance, and monthly stipends varying by program level.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Via the CEU online application portal with a required EUR 30 application fee.

Official Link:

This scholarship presents a golden opportunity for talented students worldwide to experience world-class education in Hungary while receiving substantial financial support. Interested applicants should prepare their documents carefully and apply early through CEU’s official channels to secure a chance at this rewarding academic journey.

Central European University Scholarship 2026: Study in Hungary