FAQ

1. Which MA program should I apply for: the One-year or the Two-year MA in Politics*?

• One-year MA Program: Apply if you have completed a four-year undergraduate degree, or if you have a three-year BA and either a one-year MA or two separate three-year BA degrees (not just two specializations within the same three-year BA). Exceptionally qualified candidates may be considered for the one-year program under special circumstances.

• Two-year MA Program: Apply if you have a three-year undergraduate degree without additional qualifications.

2. Do I need a background in Political Science to apply?

No, you do not need a political science background to be eligible for our MA programs. We welcome applicants from various academic disciplines.

3. I am enrolled in a four-year BA program but plan to graduate in three years. Can I apply for the One-year MA program?

Yes, you can apply for the One-year MA program, but your admission will be contingent upon your successful graduation within the intended timeframe.

4. What areas of specialization are available in the Political Science Department?

We offer a variety of specialization certificates. For details on the areas of specialization and how to pursue them, please visit our Specializations page.

*Title subject to approval by AQ Austria

1. What are the deadlines for submitting an application to the Master’s programs?

For detailed information on deadlines, please visit our Application Deadlines page.

2. Can I submit a delayed application?

Late applications are generally not accepted except in very exceptional cases. If you are facing difficulties meeting the deadline, please contact us via email as soon as possible. If a late application cannot be accommodated, we encourage you to apply during the next application season.

1. Do I have to pay the application fee?

Yes, the application fee is required for all applicants and cannot be waived. It must be paid using a bank card through the CEU online application form. Your application will not be processed until the payment is confirmed. For payment details, visit CEU Application Payment Instructions. Ensure your card is accepted, has sufficient balance, and complete the transaction within 5 minutes.

2. What financial aid packages are available?

For information on available financial aid packages, please visit CEU Financial Aid.

3. Can I get a preliminary acceptance letter from CEU to apply for external funding?

Yes, CEU can provide documentation for external funding applications. To receive this, you must submit a competitive admissions package and notify the department of your intention to apply for preliminary acceptance in advance. Please submit your online application form to CEU as early as possible. For information on external funding, visit CEU External Funding Opportunities.

4. Are there part-time job opportunities at CEU for students to cover study costs?

Part-time job opportunities at CEU are limited and highly competitive. These positions are usually temporary, and students should not rely on them for financial support. We recommend looking for external scholarships available in your home country. MA students may work with the Head of the Department’s permission, provided it does not interfere with their academic requirements. Legally, students can work up to 20 hours per week. For job openings, please contact the Career Office.

1. What academic records do I need to submit with my application?

You need to upload the following documents:

1. Scanned Transcripts: A scanned copy of your original Bachelor's and Master's transcripts (if applicable) in the original language.
2. Official English Translations: An official English translation of your transcripts, including an explanation of the grading system. This translation must be done by a sworn translator or an authorized official from the issuing institution and should include:
   • A stamp and signature on each page or on a folded and fastened corner of the document.
   • A statement of authenticity in English.

Note: If your application is accepted, you must also provide the original transcripts and translations (not electronic copies).

2. I am in the final year of my Bachelor's/Master’s program and don’t have a diploma or final transcript yet. What should I do?

If you are completing your degree but don't yet have your diploma or final transcript, submit the following:

1. An interim transcript showing your current academic progress.
2. A certificate of enrollment confirming your student status and, if possible, your expected graduation date.

Important: You must graduate before the academic year at CEU begins to enroll.

3. I have completed my Bachelor's/Master’s studies but have not received my diploma yet. What should I do?

If you have completed your degree but have not yet received your diploma, submit a certificate of graduation from your home university.

4. Who should write my letters of recommendation?

You need two confidential letters of recommendation that evaluate your ability to perform graduate-level work and your potential for a successful academic or professional career. These letters should be written by:

• Faculty members or job supervisors who are familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities and character.
• Written in English.

Note: Recommendation letters must be submitted directly through the online application system. CEU does not accept recommendation letters where the candidate knows the content.

1. What are the language requirements at CEU?

To be admitted to CEU, you must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting standardized test scores, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an equivalent test. For specific minimum score requirements for Master's programs, please visit: CEU English Language Requirements.

2. I completed my studies in English. How can I get a waiver for the English proficiency requirement?

If you completed your Bachelor's or Master's program in English, you can request a waiver by submitting a certificate from your institution confirming that your program was conducted entirely in English. If you studied only certain subjects in English, you may still need to provide official language test scores. For details, visit: CEU Application Checklist (Point 6). The department has discretion over accepting such certificates.

3. My TOEFL score is below the required minimum. What should I do?

You must meet the English language requirements to be admitted to CEU. If your score is close to the required minimum, your application might be considered pending approval from the Provost Office. However, if you do not meet the English requirements, your application cannot be processed.

4. I am a native English speaker. Do I need to submit English test scores?

Native English speakers are generally exempt from the English proficiency requirement. Indicate your status as a native English speaker on the application form to request this exemption.

5. I took a language exam but haven’t received the official certificate yet. What should I do?

If you have not yet received the official certificate but can view your results online, you can upload a screenshot of your results with your application. Additionally, you can request that your official results be sent directly to the CEU Admissions Office using CEU’s institution code: 0069.

1. How can my application stand out and be unique?

CEU values diversity and seeks applicants with unique backgrounds. To stand out, emphasize your fit with the program and highlight your past experiences, non-academic activities, and international exposure.

2. What do the evaluators look for in an application?

Evaluators assess if your application is tailored to CEU and if you have a genuine interest in the program. Demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched CEU and understand what the Department offers. Avoid sending the same statement of purpose to multiple universities.

3. What are the department-related admission criteria?

In addition to general admission documents, you must submit:

• A 100-word statement of purpose explaining why you are applying to the program.
• A 500-word essay on a political science issue or problem that interests you.
• Samples of previous writings or a list of scholarly publications and relevant research experience, all in English.

4. Are there guidelines for the writing sample?

You can submit any paper, but it should be 10-15 pages long (excluding theses). You may submit multiple samples, but the total should not exceed 30 pages or approximately 10,000 words. Ensure attachments do not exceed 2 megabytes in the online application system.

5. Any advice on the statement of purpose, exposition, and writing sample?

Highlight your strengths, potential, and how CEU's programs align with your goals. Make your statement personal and relevant to your past and future plans. Your exposition should reflect an issue that could lead to an engaging research study. Carefully select your writing sample to demonstrate how you formulate and argue your thoughts.

6. How to excel in the Political Science Department application?

Given the competitiveness, clearly demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the program. Show how you would benefit from what CEU offers. The admissions committee looks for candidates who will thrive in the program.

7. Does the word limit for written sections refer to a minimum or maximum?

The word limits are maximums. You may go slightly over or under (by 5-10%) if necessary, but significantly longer submissions may not be considered.

8. What are the recommendations regarding word limits?

Adhere to word limits to ensure fairness and to force yourself to be concise. Write, review, and edit your materials to meet the limits. Writing concisely can be challenging, so allocate enough time for revisions.

9. What are the most common mistakes in applications?

Common mistakes include missing documents. Ensure you provide all required documents and present your application neatly and professionally.

10. When is the ideal time to submit my application?

Submit your application before the deadline. While timing doesn’t affect your chances, avoid last-minute submissions to ensure you have time to review and perfect your application.

11. Is there an entrance exam?

After passing the initial pre-selection, candidates must participate in a 30-minute phone interview. This includes an oral discussion and a questionnaire to assess general knowledge. There is no need to study specifically for this interview. Selected candidates will receive details about the interview in advance.