Studying in Europe is a dream for many students around the world, but for most, the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can make this dream seem impossible. Thankfully, opportunities like the Central European University (CEU) Scholarships in Hungary make it possible for brilliant and motivated students from all corners of the globe to access world-class education in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic environments.
For the 2026 academic year, CEU is once again offering an impressive range of fully funded and partial scholarships for international students at the Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD levels. This scholarship programme has gained a strong reputation because of its generous coverage, high-quality education, and commitment to supporting outstanding talents who want to make a difference in the world.
Why Study at Central European University (CEU)?
CEU, located in Budapest, Hungary, is one of the most internationally recognized universities in Europe. It is known for:
- 🌍 Diverse Community – Students from more than 100 countries study at CEU, creating a unique global learning environment.
- 📚 World-Class Programs – CEU offers a wide range of programmes in social sciences, humanities, public policy, law, business, data science, economics, and environmental studies.
- 🏫 International Recognition – Consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in several disciplines.
- 🤝 Scholarship Opportunities – CEU is one of the few European universities that provide such comprehensive financial support to international students.
In short, CEU is not just a place to earn a degree—it’s a platform to build a career, a network, and a future of opportunities.
Scholarship Coverage
The CEU scholarships vary depending on the study level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). Below is a breakdown of what applicants can expect:
🔹 Undergraduate Scholarships (Partial Support Only)
- Scholarships are available for specific programmes such as:
- Data Science and Society
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Culture, Politics, and Society
- Tuition Coverage: Up to 50% of tuition fees, with a maximum award of €4,000 per year.
- Important Note: Undergraduate awards are partial, meaning students must still prepare financially to cover the remaining tuition and living costs.
🔹 Master’s Scholarships (Generous Support)
For Master’s students, CEU provides several levels of scholarship packages:
- CEU Master’s Excellence Scholarship
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Stipend: €1,000 per month
- Health insurance included
- CEU Master’s Distinction Scholarship
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Stipend: €750 per month
- Health insurance included
- CEU Master’s Scholarship
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Stipend: €500 per month
- Health insurance included
This level of support is particularly attractive for international students because it not only pays tuition but also helps cover daily living expenses in Hungary.
🔹 Doctoral (PhD) Scholarships (Fully Funded)
PhD students at CEU receive some of the most competitive support packages in Europe:
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered
- Stipend: €1,350 per month
- Health insurance: Included
- Support continues for up to four years, giving PhD candidates the security to focus on their research.
Who Can Apply?
CEU scholarships are open to all nationalities, including students from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Eligibility requirements vary by programme level:
- Undergraduate Applicants: Must have completed high school or equivalent.
- Master’s Applicants: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree.
- PhD Applicants: Must have completed a Master’s degree.
- Language Requirement: Proof of English proficiency is required (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Why Choose CEU Scholarships?
Unlike many universities where scholarships are limited to only a few exceptional students, CEU has a strong commitment to funding. A large percentage of admitted students receive some form of financial aid.
Some advantages include:
- ✅ Opportunity to study in Europe without the heavy financial burden.
- ✅ Access to world-class professors, libraries, and research facilities.
- ✅ Exposure to a global student community and international networks.
- ✅ Monthly stipends that allow students to focus more on academics rather than financial struggles.
- ✅ Enhanced career opportunities with a CEU degree that is recognized internationally.
Deadline and How to Apply
- Application Deadline: 4th February 2026
- Application Method: Online application through the official CEU portal.
- Documents Typically Required:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
👉 Direct Application Link: Click here to apply for the CEU Scholarships 2026
