Studying at Central European University with the IB

• Data Science and Society (DSS) applicants must show a clear and sustained level of achievement in mathematics; IB Math HL 5 or IB Math SL 6 is listed as a competitive score, a reference point that neither guarantees nor rules out admission.
• An IB score of 5 or more in English (HL or SL) exempts the applicant from the English proficiency proof.

Direct online application to CEU through its online application form; materials sent by email or post are not considered. Applicants may apply to up to three bachelor's programmes, each needing a complete application including references. A non-refundable application fee of EUR 30 applies per candidate.

• Proof of English proficiency is required; applicants are exempt with 5 or more in IB English (HL or SL).
• Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (88; 4.5 for tests taken after 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic (6.5), Pearson Test of English Academic (59), Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (180), Euroexam Academic English C1 (Pass) and Duolingo English Test (120).
• Other exemptions: English as first language; SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing of 650 or more; ACT of 27 or more in both English and Reading; at least two years at a high school taught exclusively in English, or a diploma from one.
• The Admissions Office may still request an English test result even if the applicant would otherwise be exempt.

• Round 1: 15 October 2026 (23:59 CET); decisions from 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027; CEU financial aid open; open to all applicants.
• Round 2: 2 February 2027 (23:59 CET); decisions 1 to 30 April 2027; CEU financial aid open; all applicants except those from visa-sensitive countries.
• Round 3: 15 April 2027 (23:59 CET); decisions 15 to 30 May 2027; CEU financial aid closed; all applicants except those from visa-sensitive countries.
• Round 4: 15 July 2027 (23:59 CET); decisions 16 to 30 July 2027; CEU financial aid closed; only applicants with visa-free entry to Austria, subject to space availability.
• Admitted students must submit their final academic records (diploma and transcript or matriculation results) by 1 August 2027.

• Applicants must have completed secondary education (a high school diploma or equivalent) or document that they will earn one before enrolment.
• Applicants must upload the last two years of high school transcripts, matriculation exam results (e.g. Matura, Abitur, A-levels) and the diploma or certificate; applicants still in school can submit predicted grades.
• IB students can have their transcripts sent to CEU through the IBO portal; CEU's IB code is 039515.
• The admission decision considers school grades, recommendation strength, English competency, intellectual merit, work and volunteer experience, program expectations, future plans and fit with the academic unit; some applicants are interviewed.
• Required documents also include a CV, a letter of motivation (max. 300 words) and one confidential recommendation letter; the BA in Culture, Politics and Society additionally requires an essay of up to 500 words.
• An unweighted GPA for the last two completed school years, on a 0.00 to 4.00 scale, must be entered in the application.
• Applications for CEU financial aid are open in Rounds 1 and 2 only.
• Applicants are expected to prepare written materials without generative AI tools, other than basic grammar and spelling checks.