Application Deadlines 2024/25

NOTE: Fee payments to CEU are processed by Flywire, and for us to receive your (first) application, Flywire must verify the receipt of your application fee. With bank card payments, this usually happens instantly. Therefore, card payment is strongly encouraged.

If, however, you are paying the application fee by another method such as bank transfer, verifying your payment may take several days. In that case, we recommend that you submit your application with your fee payment one week before the deadline to avoid any issues.

Application deadlines for undergraduate programs

February 1, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time):

This is the priority deadline for all applicants and the final deadline for applicants to bachelor’s degree programs who:

    • require a student residence permit* and a tourist visa to enter Austria
      Student residence permit applications may take 3-6 months to process and delays are possible.
      *In several countries, acquiring an Austrian residence permit takes longer than usual (up to 9 months) due to a lengthy document legalization procedure. Therefore, applicants from these countries may, in case of their acceptance, receive deferral of admission to fall 2025 to ensure that they have sufficient time to obtain the necessary documents for the residence permit and study visa. This deferral is considered on a case by case basis.
    • wish to be considered for CEU financial support opportunities
      We strongly encourage applicants to our bachelor’s programs to submit their application(s) by the priority deadline due to the small class size and a limited number of study slots available.

April 15, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time):

This is the final deadline for applicants who:

    • have citizenship or permanent residency in an EU/EEA country
    • require a student residence permit but do not require a tourist visa to enter Austria

Please note that if you apply by this deadline, but the class is already full, your application can only be considered for the waiting list. Moreover, we will not be able to consider you for any financial support.

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Application deadlines for graduate programs

PhD programs:

February 1, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time)

Application deadline for doctoral programs for applicants from all countries. 

All applications must be complete with any applicable standard test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.). 

Master’s programs:

October 18, 2024 (23:59, Central European Time)* 

Priority application deadline for applicants to master’s programs** from visa-sensitive countries (i.e. countries where it may take 9 to 12 months to obtain a study residence permit and visa).  

Early application deadline for applicants to master’s programs** seeking an early decision because they either need no CEU financial aid or wish to apply for external funding.  

All applications must be complete with any applicable standard test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.). 

*Applicants will receive a response in December 2024. Applicants applying after this date will receive a response in April 2025.

**Please note: this deadline does NOT apply to Erasmus Mundus (MESPOM, Mundus MAPP and HIPS) programs.

February 1, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time)

Application deadline for applicants for master’s programs who wish to be considered for CEU financial aid (where available).

Application deadline for Erasmus Mundus (MESPOM, Mundus MAPP and HIPS) programs for all candidates seeking financial aid.

All applications must be complete with any applicable standard test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.).

March 15, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time)

Application deadline for self-financing applicants for master’s programs who are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA area and require a  study visa (except applicants from visa-sensitive countries). All applications must be complete with any applicable standard test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.).

August 15, 2025 (23:59, Central European Time)

Application deadline for self-financing applicants for master’s programs with citizenship or permanent residency in an EU/EEA country. All applications must be complete with the applicable standard test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (subject to spaces available).

How to apply

In order to apply, applicants need to complete and submit the online application form, along with the required application documents.

General admissions requirements

  • Completed online application form
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Letters of recommendation
  • CV

For program-specific requirements, check out the individual program pages.

What our students say

“I greatly value my time at CEU, not only for the technical skills I gained, but also for the soft skills and intercultural competences. As you go through your studies, you will learn about politics, life, work and culture across the globe. I feel that I can be at home and start my future anywhere in the world. Any university can teach you basic skills. But CEU offers a whole package.”

Hager Ali
Germany

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