How to Apply

Below is the list of the documents you need to prepare or arrange for submission:

1. Completed online CEU Application Form
2. Letters of recommendation
3. Academic records
4. A full curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of publications, if any
5. Department- and program-specific requirements (statement of purpose, research proposal, additional test scores, etc.)
6. Proof of English proficiency

1. Online Application Form

CEU's online application form, delivered by Embark, enables the online submission of the application form itself as well as all other relevant documentation, including academic records, CV’s and resumes, letters of recommendation, and application essays (such as statements of purpose, research proposals, etc.), eliminating all paper mailing to the Admissions Office.

In addition, candidates will be able to use this system to track their progress and learn the outcome of their admissions evaluation online. Admissions decisions will be available to the candidates as soon as they are entered into the system.

Candidates may apply to two departments simultaneously and to any number of degree programs within the selected departments. Candidates applying to two departments will be considered by each department in the order these are listed on the application form. Please note that if you are going to apply for multiple programs, you must submit a separate application for each.

Detailed user’s instructions for the new online application are included in the form itself. Should you have questions regarding the application form, check the CEU Online Application Form Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: non-degree candidates should submit the application form and documents required for non-degree and visiting students.

2. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must have two (or, to certain doctoral programs, three) letters of recommendation submitted assessing their ability to conduct graduate-level work, and potential for a successful academic or professional career. The letters of recommendation must be written by faculty members or job supervisors – i.e. people most familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional abilities and character – in English, and should be submitted by the recommenders preferably online via Embark's online recommendation form (OREC), which they can access on being registered by the applicant in his/her online application form. Should a recommender prefer to send his/her letter(s) by regular mail, s/he should provide one copy for each department the applicant is applying to, place each copy in a separate envelope, sign it across the seal, and mail it to the CEU Admissions Office. Applications will not be considered without these letters.

Mailing address:
Central European University
Admissions Office
Nador u. 9
1051 Budapest, Hungary

3. Academic Records

Applicants must submit with the online application form a scanned image of:

An official English translation* of their transcript (transcript = an official report supplied by a school on the record of an individual student, listing subjects studied and grades received);
An official English translation* of their diploma (or, if they are in the process of completing a first degree, an official letter in English from the university, stating that they are expected to complete their current course of study by August 1, 2010).

Admitted students must, on arriving at CEU, submit official hard copies of the above documents, as well as

An official copy of their diploma in the original language with the ink stamp and signature of a notary public or an authorized university official;
An official copy of their transcript in the original language with the ink stamp and signature of a notary public or an authorized university official.

Notes:

1. Applicants to Master's programs must submit academic records about the first (Bachelor’s) degree they have obtained. Applicants to doctoral programs must submit academic records about their second (Master’s) degree as well as their first degree.

2. Students holding an official diploma and transcript issued by their university in English are exempt from the requirement to submit an official copy of their diploma and transcript in the original language.

3. Students holding an official transcript containing a statement about the degree earned, including the date of graduation and the title of the academic degree awarded, are exempt from the requirement to submit an official copy of their diploma.

4. For students holding an official "Diploma Supplement," which is an additional document given with a diploma: according to EU rules, this document cannot be accepted in place of the diploma. Therefore, students holding a "Diploma Supplement" are still required to submit an official copy of the diploma in the original language with an ink stamp and signature of a notary public or an authorized university official and an official English language translation* of the diploma.

*An official translation

bears the ink stamp and signature of a sworn translator or an authorized official of the institution that issued the original;
contains the stamp and signature on each page or over a folded and fastened corner of the document;
includes a statement of authenticity on the last page.

4. A full curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of publications, if any

5. Department- and program-specific requirements

These may include a statement of purpose, a research proposal, writing samples, additional test scores, etc. Each department has different requirements, which are listed in the relevant section on the departmental websites. (Read some useful tips about writing the Statement of Purpose).

6. Proof of English proficiency

This is defined as an official score report from one of the English-language examinations listed under Language Requirements. Please submit available scores with your application, or request exemption from the English testing requirement, if applicable. Candidates applying by January 25, 2010 are eligible to take the CEU-administered institutional TOEFL. Admitted students must provide documentary evidence of their scores prior to enrollment.

All application materials must be submitted on-line with the online application form (with the sole exception of letters of recommendation, which may be mailed). CEU does not accept application documents by electronic mail or fax. Candidates who may experience difficulties with the on-line submission of their documents should contact the Admissions Office.

CEU does not return application documents, or copies thereof under any circumstances.

Inquiries:

Phone: (+36-1) 327 3009 / 327 3272 / 327 3208 / 327 3210
Fax: (+36-1) 327 3211
E-mail: admissions@ceu.hu