Quick Summary
Since 1991, Central European University has been one of Austria's prominent privates, based in Vienna. Ranked #695 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 1450 students including 85% from outside Austria. Known for strengths in Politics and International Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
CEU offers a world-class research environment specifically focused on the social sciences and humanities within a highly diverse and international student body.
Subject Strengths
Politics and International StudiesPhilosophySociologyHistorySocial Policy and Administration
Founded1991
TypePrivate
Total Students1450
Intl Students85%
Faculty Ratio7
CampusUrban
Campus SizeUrban
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (USA), AQ Austria
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#695
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
Programs
12
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Center for Media, Data and Society, Center for Ethics and Law in Biomedicine, Center for Religious Studies, Vera and Donald Blinken Open Society Archives
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA), AQ Austria
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3
GRERequired for Economics and Business programs
GMATAccepted for Business programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline Β· February 1 (with financial aid), April 15 (international self-funding), August 15 (EU self-funding)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the statement of purpose and academic writing sample; emphasize critical thinking and alignment with the mission of promoting open societies.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
β¬9,000/yr
per year Β· EUR
Living Cost
β¬12,500/yr
per year Β· EUR
PG Tuition
β¬14,000/yr
per year Β· EUR
Application Fee
$33
one time Β· USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
β¬21,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials Β· EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MA in International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| MA in Political Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| BA in Culture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Politics and Society | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| MSc in Business Analytics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with global NGOs, UN agencies, and European Union institutions.
Industry Connections
Open Society FoundationsUnited NationsEuropean Parliamentvarious international think tanks
Notable Alumni
Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Anna BrzeziΕska, Monica Macovei, Alexei Navalny (Fellow)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Access to partner fitness centers and sports clubs in Vienna
Student Clubs
Human Rights Students Initiative, Debate Club, Film Club, Sustainability Committee
Library Resources
Extensive social sciences library, over 250,000 volumes, and the Open Society Archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, CIVICA network, Bard College network
Summer Programs
CEU Summer University (SUN)