Ten reasons why one should study at Central European University (CEU)

By: Tenzin Dolma 2014 MA Legal Studies


Central European University came into existence (1991) after the disintegration of the Soviet Union with the goal to challenge the problems in the path of democratization which was at its initial stage that time. The university is based in Eastern Europe and the majority of departments under this university are in the field of humanities, for the dissemination of democracy being one its main objective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oScyuMt2X4

1. CEU is very less known among people as it is one of the newest universities not only in Europe but also in the entire world, yet with its service of 25 years till date, it has taken students from various countries with severe problems in dealing with democracy. Currently, CEU with its departments, especially the ‘Political Science’ is at the 29th position in the world ranking. Follow the link for details. http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2015/politics#sorting=rank+region=+country=+faculty=+stars=false+search=

2. CEU is situated at the heart of Budapest, the capital city of Hungary and one can say that Budapest is the most beautiful city in Europe. The following video clip of a famous song will help you get a glimpse of the Budapest city. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcvO2t8Ntg

3. As per student’s need, Budapest is one of the cities in Europe with lowest cost of living. 

4. Even though CEU is based in Hungary, Europe but it is also accredited in United States with affiliation to University of the State of New York. Moreover, it got accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee in 2004, which lets students graduate with a degree having two accreditations. 

5. CEU finances scholarship of 90% of its enrolled students every year, this leaves students free from the scholarship hassle. Follow the link for details. http://www.ceu.edu/sites/default/files/attachment/basic_page/13693/scholarshipbrochureweb2015.pdf

 6. The number of students in CEU is not as high as compared to many other big universities and this leaves the students with good opportunities in classes to voice out their opinions freely. This also helps the students to receive equal attention from the professor. 

7. The syllabus of CEU departments are heavy and challenging, with no exaggeration, its one month’s syllabus is almost equivalent to one year’s syllabus in Indian universities. Those willing to join CEU must come with a prepared mindset to give their best for the studies. 

8. CEU has got all the necessary facilities in abundance as it is one of the richest universities in the world. Students with scholarship are accommodated in the CEU residence center which is equipped with facilities like private single room, shared kitchen, internet, computer labs, multi-purpose ground, swimming pool, gym, sauna, cafeteria, bar etc. Many universities do not have accommodation included in the scholarship package so CEU scholarship is very student friendly one. It is not affordable for Tibetan students in general to rent a room in european cities. Follow the link for details. http://residence.ceucenter.hu/?q=en/content/facilities

9. ‘The heavy workload and challenging syllabus’ is the line repeated every year by majority of the students. The work load and heavy syllabus is incomparable to other universities, yet with hard work and determination, one can come out as a changed person. 

10.CEU political science department is also known as a laboratory for democracy. Follow the link for details. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30271801 If you are interested in various democratic theories/systems in the world in general and if you are interested in future of democracy, please join at Central European University, Budapest.