Central European University

The Central European University (CEU) is a private interdisciplinary undergraduate- and graduate-level university. Located in the heart of Central Europe, CEU has a distinct academic and intellectual focus, combining the comparative study of the region's historical, cultural, and social diversity with a global perspective on good governance, sustainable development and social transformation.  

Similarly to LSE, CEU attracts students from around the world. Though the university is rather small (made up of around 1,400 students) with students from 108 countries.

Website: Central European University   

Students and Alumni | Central European University 

2 places are available at the Vienna campus, with a priority for CIVICA students. This is open to PPE students.  

The scheme is open to all second year LSE undergraduate students (or third year BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics students). Generally we require applicants to have passed all of their first year exams (without resits) and to have achieved a 2:1 average across their courses. 

Teaching at CEU is conducted exclusively in English.  

Courses are available at: Airtable - Open BA Course List 

The year begins in mid-September, and ends in mid-June. 

CEU is accredited in both the US and EU systems. 60 ECTS credits per year are the equivalent of a full year of study.  

Students should check the module information sheet to ascertain what prerequisites there might be for classes: TE Study guide 

CEU uses a system of letter grades and grade points for evaluating student work. The lowest passing grade is C+. At the end of each course, course instructors distribute a detailed breakdown of the course grade components.  

Orientation week takes place in early September. This includes the opportunity to meet department coordinators and pick up their Student ID card.  

CEU offers career development services For Students | Career Services Office. 

CEU offers confidential student psychological counselling services, providing professional help and support for your personal concerns. Psychological Counselling | Central European University  

The CEU Medical Centre is open to all students, faculty, and staff.  Medical Services | Central European University 

Students are eligible to apply for a number of CEU residences, although accommodation is not guaranteed. Further information can be found on CEU's accommodation webpage. This can vary greatly but is expected to be at least 450 EUR per month.  

Food: 

A cup of coffee/tea in a café , 3.50 EUR  

A sandwich at a bakery , 3.50 - 5 EUR  

A dinner in a typical student restaurant , 10-15 EUR  

A beer in a bar , 4 EUR  

1l milk , 1.30 EUR  

1kg rice , 1.85 EUR 

Public Transportation:  

Students under the age of 26 who are enrolled at CEU PU in Vienna (BA, MA and PhD) and have residency in Vienna are eligible to purchase a semester pass for 75.-EUR per semester (the winter semester lasts from Sep 1 until Jan 31 and the summer semester from Feb 1 until June 30). You will need an Austrian Student ID (Matrikelnummer) and proof of address registration document (Meldezettel). Please find further ticket options below:   

Student semester ticket (up to the age of 26), 75 EUR  

Singel ticket, 2.40 EUR  

Annual pass, 365 EUR (or 33 EUR if paid monthly)  

Monthly pass, 51 EUR 

Miscellaneous Expenses  

- Replacement of CEU ID card 15 EUR  

- Replacement of locker key 30 EUR  

- Transcript fee per official copy 4 EUR  

- Austrian Student Union Fee 49.40 EUR/academic year 

EU citizens can use their valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

There is a Camus Emergency Line Vienna: 7111, 7911 available 24 hours (from non on campus CEU phones: +43 1 25230-7111, +43 1 25230-7911 

Campus Security Vienna: 7111, 7911 qs_reception@ceu.edu ( from non on campus CEU phones: +43 1 25230-7111, +43 1 25230-7911, Mobile: +43 676 841 58 2224 

General (European emergency number): 112 

Ambulance: 144 

Police: 133 

Fire Department: 122 

Security, Fire, and Safety | Central European University 

There are a range of CEU Student Clubs, this ranges from the CEU Tea Tasting Society to the CEU Bouldering and Climbing Club. CEU Student Clubs | Central European University 

There are eight annual events, which are hosted by CEU’s Student Services Office: Annual Events | Central European University 

Non-EU/EEA students will need a Residence Permit.  

Email erasmus@ceu.edu or erasmusincoming@ceu.edu 

I remember how thrilled I was upon first learning of LSE’s new exchange program with CEU, and having lived in Vienna for almost a year now, I can firmly say that I have hugely enjoyed my study abroad experience. Due to advances in both my personal and academic development, I shall head into my final year at LSE feeling much better prepared and with a much clearer vision for the future.

Firstly, studying abroad has enriched me academically, for CEU’s offering of interdisciplinary courses has not only given me a broader education, but also enabled me to experience a completely new style of teaching. These courses were facilitated by the university’s highly international community, allowing me to gain an insight into the perspectives of people from a range of different countries on numerous social and political issues, thus enhancing my intercultural awareness. 
In addition to the academic aspect, living in Vienna, often hailed as “the world’s most liveable city”, has enabled me to become familiar with a new culture and a more laid-back attitude towards life.

I shall now return to the UK having acquired a better sense of what I appreciate and value in a city, and with the ability to view my own culture through a different lens. One of my main goals during my time abroad was to improve my German skills, and whilst my ability to do so was in part impeded by English being the dominant language at CEU, I do now feel more confident at speaking the language in an everyday setting. Furthermore, Vienna’s strategic location at the heart of Europe meant that I was able to travel to places that I otherwise may never have visited; in doing so, I was able to improve my previously limited historical knowledge of the region.

Looking to the future, the break from my studies at LSE has enabled me to reflect on where my true interests and strengths lie, and I now have a much clearer mindset regarding my future career plans. Furthermore, I have become much more open into looking at career opportunities outside of the UK upon graduating, as I feel more confident in my ability to live and work in a foreign country.

All in all, the past 10 months in Vienna have absolutely flown by, and upon reflection I am hugely grateful for the opportunity LSE gave me to study abroad. It has truly been an invaluable experience, and I would recommend all future students to apply.

By David Parsonage GO LSE student (2022/23)