Central European University Scholarship in Hungary

Applications are now open for the Central European University (CEU) Scholarships 2026 in Hungary. Students from all over the world are eligible to apply. The scholarships are offered for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs at one of Hungary’s top universities. For the academic year 2026–2027, CEU provides fully funded scholarships for postgraduate degrees and tuition fee scholarships for undergraduate programs.

CEU offers over 50 degree programs across 17 departments, with all courses taught in English. The scholarships cover full expenses for master’s and PhD students, while bachelor’s students receive tuition support. Importantly, the university does not charge an application fee, and students can apply without IELTS/TOEFL by submitting an English Proficiency Certificate. This makes it an exceptional opportunity for talented students to study in Hungary without standardized language test requirements.

Founded in 1991, Central European University is a leading private research institution. It holds a strong global reputation, ranked 30th worldwide in politics and 37th in philosophy by QS World University Rankings. The CEU Scholarship is among the most prestigious opportunities for international students to pursue higher education in Europe.

Details of Central European University Scholarship in Hungary

Key Points

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Financial Benefits: A Fully Funded Opportunity (For Most)

The funding is exceptionally generous, especially for postgraduate students.

For Postgraduate Students (Master’s and PhD):

• Tuition Fee: Covered up to 100% for all scholarship recipients.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is provided.
• Monthly Stipend:
  • Master’s Students: Awarded on a competitive basis. The stipend level depends on the strength of your application.
    • Excellence Scholarship: 1,000 EUR/month
    • Distinction Scholarship: 750 EUR/month
    • Scholarship: 500 EUR/month
  • Doctoral Students: All admitted students receive a full scholarship with a stipend of 1,350 EUR/month.

For Undergraduate Students (Bachelor’s):

• Funding is more limited. The main award is the Presidential Award.
• Presidential Award: Only two are awarded to outstanding incoming undergraduates.
  • Total Value: 5,000 EUR per student, distributed over four years to cover tuition fees.
  • Distribution:
    • Year 1: 500 EUR
    • Year 2: 1,000 EUR
    • Year 3: 1,500 EUR
    • Year 4: 2,000 EUR
• Other partial tuition awards and need-based aid may be available, but full scholarships for undergraduates are rare.

Available Study Fields

CEU is renowned for its programs in the social sciences, humanities, law, and public policy. The list of departments includes:

• Department of Cognitive Science
• Department of Economics and Business
• Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy
• Department of History
• Department of International Relations
• Department of Legal Studies
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Medieval Studies
• Department of Network and Data Science
• Department of Philosophy
• Department of Political Science
• Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology
• Department of Gender Studies
• Nationalism Studies Program
• School of Public Policy
• Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies
• Center for Religious Studies

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Open to all international students from any country outside Hungary.
• Academic Background:
  • Bachelor’s: A high school leaving certificate/diploma.
  • Master’s: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • PhD: A master’s degree or its equivalent.
• English Language Proficiency: Proof is mandatory for non-native speakers. CEU accepts:
  • TOEFL iBT (minimum score required varies by department, typically 88+)
  • IELTS Academic (typically 6.5+)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) (typically 59+)
  • Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) / Advanced (CAE)
  • Some applicants may qualify for an exemption.

Required Documents

The application package is standard for competitive postgraduate programs:

1. Online Application Form
2. Academic Records: Transcripts and diplomas from all prior universities attended.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
4. Statement of Purpose: A critical document explaining your academic interests, why you want to study at CEU, and your career goals.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Typically two or three academic references.
6. Proof of English Proficiency: Official test scores.
7. Research Proposal: Essential for PhD applicants and may be required for some research-focused Master’s programs.

Application Deadline

• February 4, 2026 (for programs starting in the Academic Year 2026-2027).

Important Note: Always check the official CEU website for the specific program you are interested in, as deadlines for PhD programs or certain master’s tracks might differ slightly.

How to Apply For Central European University Scholarship in Hungary

The application process is entirely online.

1. Visit the Official CEU Admissions Website: This is the only official source for applications.
2. Create an Account: On the Online Application Portal.
3. Select Your Program:Choose the specific bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program you wish to apply for.
4. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal and educational details.
5. Upload Required Documents: Ensure all files (PDFs are best) are clear and within the specified size limits.
6. Submit Application: Pay attention to any application fees and submit before the deadline.

Crucial Advice:

• Start Early:Gathering documents, securing recommendations, and writing your purpose statement take time.
• Contact Potential Supervisors (for PhD): It is highly recommended to identify and contact a faculty member whose research aligns with yours before applying.
• Tailor Your Application: Your statement of purpose should be specific to CEU and the department you are applying to, not a generic letter.

Official Website: For the most accurate and detailed information, always refer to the official CEU Admissions website.

Conclusion

The Central European University Scholarships 2026 in Hungary offer one of the most generous funding opportunities in Europe. With fully funded postgraduate programs, tuition support for undergraduates, no application fee, and IELTS/TOEFL exemptions, CEU continues to attract top global talent. If you’re ready to pursue higher education at a globally ranked university with excellent academic resources and financial support, now is the time to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions