Central European University Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Information
Complete Details About Fully Funded
Scholarships Funded by CEU Supporters – Central European University
Central European University (CEU) offers a range of donor-funded scholarships to support talented students who might otherwise not have the resources to study.
Many of these are made possible through generous donations from alumni and other individuals. For a wider perspective on funding for studies abroad, you can explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students.
Yehuda Elkana Doctoral Fellowship in Higher Education Policy
This fellowship supports outstanding early-career scholars pursuing a doctoral degree with a specialization in higher education policy. The successful candidate will be admitted to a CEU doctoral program (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, History, Gender Studies) and will have their work supported by the Yehuda Elkana Center for Teaching, Learning, and Higher Education Research. The fellowship is awarded for 48 months and covers full tuition, along with a monthly stipend for housing and living costs.
To apply, you must submit a regular CEU doctoral application and a research proposal related to higher education policy, beginning your Statement of Purpose with: "Please consider this application for the Yehuda Elkana Fellowship".
Talent & Outstanding Merit Scholarships
These are merit-based tuition reductions for the MS in Finance and MS in Business Analytics programs. The "Talent Scholarship" is valued at €8,100, reducing tuition to €6,900. The "Outstanding Merit Scholarship" is more competitive, valued at €12,000, reducing tuition to €3,000.
They are awarded to a limited number of top-ranked candidates based on academic and professional achievement, with strict eligibility criteria including minimum GMAT/GRE scores and a relevant background. No full tuition waiver is available for these programs, except for the Highflyer Scholarship for MS in Business Analytics.
To apply, you must apply by the 4 February 2026 deadline.
Postgraduate Opportunity Scholarship
This scholarship supports Master's students who are citizens of specific eligible countries in Central & Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Up to nine awards are available annually, and funding is automatically renewable for two-year Master's programs, provided the student completes the previous year in good standing.
Other Donor-Funded Scholarships (Not Currently Open for Application)
At this point, it is not possible to apply for these scholarships. In case of availability, students will be informed of the awards by Admissions or the Financial Aid Office generally as part of the acceptance offer.
Dr. Elemer Hantos Scholarship: Awarded to students from Central Europe or Latin America studying in select programs who would otherwise not have the resources to study at CEU. Undergraduate and graduate students in select programs in Economics and Business, Network Science, Legal Studies, International Relations, Political Science, and Public Policy are eligible.
George Soros Leadership Fund Scholarship: Awarded to students from exceptional circumstances who embody open society ideals.
Hiflylabs CEU Business Analytics Scholarship: Covers tuition expenses for one student attending CEU's 1-year Business Analytics MS program.
Peter Hangartner Fellowship: Awarded to the Economics MA degree student with the highest-grade point average in their class during their first year.
Peter A. Nadosy Scholarship: Awarded annually to a Hungarian student entering a CEU MA program who demonstrates exceptional merit and financial need.
Why Choose CEU?
Central European University is an internationally recognized institution known for its commitment to open society values and academic excellence. With a diverse student body from over 100 countries and a faculty of world-class scholars, CEU offers a transformative educational experience in the heart of Europe.
Donor-funded scholarships make this education accessible to talented students who might otherwise not have the resources to attend.
For a broader view of funding options in Europe, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.
Final Thoughts
CEU's donor-funded scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are a doctoral researcher passionate about higher education policy, a Master's student from Central Europe, or a top candidate in finance and business analytics, there may be a scholarship for you.
Be sure to check the specific application deadlines and requirements for each award, as many have early deadlines in February 2026.
