About Central European University (CEU) About Central European University (CEU) In this section About CEU Board of Trustees Leadership at CEU Senate Campus Accreditation Facts and Figures Research and Academic Cooperation Students and Alumni Careers Institutional Factbook Central European University is a private university located in Vienna, Austria. CEU was established in 1991 as a multi-campus university offering graduate level programs chiefly in the social sciences, law and the humanities in Prague, Budapest, and later Warsaw. Since the beginning, CEU has been championing the values of open society and self-reflective critical thinking to educate new generations of pioneers, dreamers and problem-solvers. CEU is a unique institution where students and faculty from over 100 countries come together to challenge conventional wisdom and address critical societal issues of the 21st century. CEU blends the research tradition of great American universities with the most valuable Central European intellectual traditions. With its internationally diverse community, CEU uncovers new ways of solving the most significant challenges to emerging and established democracies all over the world. CEU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the social sciences, humanities, law, data science, political science and public policy, exploring established knowledge and promoting the creation of new knowledge. All programs at Central European University are taught in English. CEU in numbers Academic Excellence CEU is globally recognized for excellence in fields such as political science, international relations, philosophy, history, legal studies, and economics. Facts & Figures Bachelor’s Degree Programs 35 Master’s Degree Programs 11 Doctoral Degree Programs 49 Degree Programs offered What Makes CEU Unique Explore different subjects and perspectives to enrich your specialized training, fostering intellectual growth and critical thinking. Gain a broad understanding of the world at one of Europe's most international universities while focusing on the historical, cultural and social diversity of various geographical regions. Become part of a community that values critical discussion, the pursuit of truth, wherever it leads, and respect for diversity. CEU bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs are accredited in the United States and Austria, creating opportunities for students interested in international work and academic experience. CEU attracts practitioners and scholars at the forefront of interdisciplinary research who actively contribute to the discourse on the most pressing issues of our times. CEU's Mission Since its founding in 1991 by George Soros, CEU has become the leading anglophone university for the social and behavioral sciences and humanities in Central Europe. CEU is a distinctive institution—independent of government, sustained by visionary private philanthropy, committed to research excellence with a strong social mission, and both international in outlook and accessible to diverse perspectives and communities. Our mission has never varied and is as relevant as ever: we strive to be an inclusive academic community committed to excellence in teaching and research in service of liberal democracy and the values of open society. The History of CEU Founded in 1991 by George Soros In 1989, a group of visionary intellectuals—most of them prominent members of the anti-totalitarian democratic opposition—conceptualized an international university that would help facilitate the transition from dictatorship to democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Among them was George Soros, the Hungarian-American financier and philanthropist who founded Central European University two years later in 1991. George Soros championed the project because he understood that open societies can only flourish with people in positions of responsibility who are educated to promote them. His vision was to recruit professors and students from around the world to build a unique institution, one that would train future generations of scholars, professionals, politicians and civil society leaders to contribute to building open and democratic societies that respect human rights and adhere to the rule of law. CEU was established as a multi-campus university offering degree programs chiefly in the social sciences, law, and the humanities in Prague, Budapest, and later Warsaw. Students—initially just over 100—hailed primarily from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Later, all activities were gradually moved to Budapest, which became the main campus by 1995. CEU Founder George Soros CEU Moves to Vienna, Austria, in 2019 CEU left its original home in Budapest due to the actions of the Hungarian government, which implemented legislation in April 2017 that restricted academic freedom for CEU and other international universities in Hungary. During this turbulent time, the international community rallied around CEU, recognizing its mission to empower societies where citizens have the freedom to scrutinize competing theories and openly evaluate and drive legislative change. CEU moved its main campus and administration to Vienna in 2019, resuming its operations from the capital of Austria. CEU's Vienna Campus at Quellenstrasse 51, 1100 Vienna. CEU Budapest site continues to exist and serves as the base for the non-degree and research arm of the institution: the CEU Democracy Institute , the Institute for Advanced Study , the CEU Summer University , and The Vera and Donald Blinken Open Society Archives (OSA) Explore the conditions of CEU’s move to Austria in the #istandwithCEU own archive, which includes a detailed timeline of all events that led to CEU leaving Hungary. CEU - One of the Leading Universities in Austria for International Students Today, CEU is a new model for international education, a center for the study of contemporary economic, social and political challenges, and a source of support for building open and democratic societies that respect human rights and human dignity. Since its foundation in 1991, CEU has grown from its regional roots to become a global institution, with students from over 150 countries, many of whom devote special attention to emerging democracies worldwide. CEU's faculty represent more than 30 countries, enabling an extraordinary exchange of perspectives. Get Inspired by CEU’s Vision At the core of CEU’s mission lies a set of principles: the pursuit of truth wherever it leads, respect for the diversity of cultures and peoples, and commitment to resolve differences through debate rather than denial.  Our vision is a world of open societies with leaders encouraging dialogue and collaboration. If you are ready to join us and contribute to a better world through your work and research, see which of our programs is right for you. Bachelor's Programs Explore Master's Programs Explore PhD Programs Explore We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your aspirations. Each submission is carefully reviewed as we seek individuals who share our commitment to open societies, dialogue and collaboration. We appreciate your interest and hope to welcome you to our community. Image Want to Learn More? We’re here to help! Reach out today to get the answers you need. Chat with CEU Students