Austria flag

Vienna, Austria

Central European University (CEU)

#301 QS World RankingPrivateEurope

QS World Ranking

#301

Acceptance Rate

40%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$14,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#17

Vienna

Application Deadline

February 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

1,500

students

International Students

72%

US Students

8%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

A unique US-accredited university in Vienna offering interdisciplinary graduate education entirely in English.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#101–150Politics & International Studies#101–150Social Sciences

Notes for US Students

Fully accredited US and EU university. All programs in English. Strong scholarships. Vienna is EU's most liveable city.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Central European University (CEU)

Acceptance Rate

40%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

February 1

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Private

Annual Tuition

$14,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via CEU portal by February 1
  • Bachelor's degree required (CEU is primarily graduate level)
  • All instruction in English: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
  • Personal statement, writing sample, and two recommendation letters required
  • Most admitted students receive full fellowship (tuition + stipend)
  • GRE not required

Class Size

Avg. Lecture40 students
Avg. Seminar15 students
Student : Faculty8:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTrimester (3/yr)
Fall TermEarly OctoberMid-December
Spring TermEarly JanuaryLate March
BreaksApr, Jul–Sep

Three 10-week terms plus a summer session.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$14,000 / year
Application Deadline
February 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Private
Acceptance Rate
40%
QS Best Student City (Vienna)
#17 globally

Programs Offered

Social SciencesBusinessLawArts & HumanitiesEnvironmental Sciences

Scholarships to Explore

  • CEU Scholarship
  • Need-based Fellowship

Cost of Living — Vienna, Austria

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$950/mo
Groceries & dining$310/mo
Transportation$60/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$230/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,550

vs. avg US college student

18% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Vienna is one of the world's most livable cities. CEU provides housing support. Most students receive full fellowships covering tuition and a stipend.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Central European University (CEU) as a US Student

Central European University (CEU) is located in Vienna, Austria and is ranked #301in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Social Sciences, Business, Law, Arts & Humanities, Environmental Sciences. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$14,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 40%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of February 1. Scholarships available include the CEU Scholarship.