Are you a university student from Central Europe or the Western Balkans looking to gain international academic experience? The CEEPUS Exchange Program 2025-26 offers an exceptional opportunity to study, research, or teach in Hungary and other CEEPUS member countries. Whether you're pursuing a semester abroad, conducting thesis research, or attending a summer school, CEEPUS is your gateway to academic exchange in the heart of Europe.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS): eligibility, types of mobility, scholarship funding, and how to apply.
What Is the CEEPUS Program?
CEEPUS is a multilateral exchange programme aimed at enhancing academic collaboration among Central European and Western Balkan countries. It facilitates student and teacher mobility within its member states, fostering knowledge-sharing, cultural exchange, and regional integration.
The programme supports:
● Semester-long study periods (3–10 months).
● Short-term mobilities for thesis preparation, research, or internships.
● Summer schools and academic field trips (6–30 days).
● Teacher exchanges for short teaching periods.
CEEPUS is designed to strengthen academic partnerships and networks, especially within shared cultural and historical contexts in the region. It promotes network mobility, allowing participants to join collaborative research or study programs across multiple countries.
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CEEPUS Participating Countries:
Students and teachers from the following countries are eligible for the programme:
Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Why Choose Hungary for Your CEEPUS Exchange?
Hungary is a popular destination for CEEPUS participants, offering high-quality education, vibrant student life, and a central location in Europe. Hungarian universities are internationally recognized and offer a range of programs in English and other languages. Through CEEPUS, students receive full support, making Hungary an affordable and enriching choice for studying abroad.
Types of CEEPUS Mobility Opportunities:
CEEPUS offers different mobility formats for students and teachers. Here’s a breakdown of each:
1. Student Mobility (Semester Mobility):
● Who can apply: BA, MA, and PhD students.
● Duration: 3–5 months (1 semester).
● Activities: Attend lectures, participate in seminars, earn academic credits. Internships may also be included..
● Application type: Through CEEPUS networks or as a Freemover.
Students must describe their planned academic activities in the "Motivation" section of their application.
2. Short-Term Student Mobility:
● Who can apply: BA or MA students preparing a thesis, and all PhD students.
● Duration: 1–2 months.
● Activities: Research, consultations, and lab work related to thesis/dissertation.
● Application type: Through a network or as a Freemover.
Applicants must clearly outline their research or thesis topic and planned activities in the application.
3. Teacher Mobility:
● Who can apply: University teachers and lecturers.
● Duration: Minimum 5 working days (counts as 1 scholarship month).
● Requirements: At least 6 teaching or supervising hours (lectures, seminars, or consultations).
● Application type: Network or Freemover.
Note: Teacher mobility must occur during academic semesters. Activities such as conferences or research alone do not qualify.
4. Freemover Mobility:
If your institution does not participate in a CEEPUS network, you can still apply as a Freemover. In this case:
● You must independently find a host university in Hungary.
● You will need a Letter of Acceptance from the host university.
● Choosing an institution actively participating in CEEPUS is recommended to ease the administrative process.
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CEEPUS Scholarship Funding in Hungary:
The CEEPUS scholarship is fully funded by the host country, and in Hungary, it is administered by the host university through the Tempus Public Foundation. Grant amounts are designed to match local living costs.
Funding Details:
● Scholarship payments are made by the Hungarian host university.
● The amount of the grant varies based on your mobility type (student, short-term, teacher).
● Scholarship holders will be contacted by the host university's CEEPUS coordinator for payment details and timelines.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for CEEPUS Program:
1. General Eligibility:
You are eligible to apply for a CEEPUS scholarship in Hungary if:
● You are enrolled as a student or employed as a teacher at an accredited university or college in any of the CEEPUS member countries.
● As a student applicant, you must have completed at least two semesters at your home institution.
2. Additional Conditions:
● Students/teachers with a different citizenship but who are enrolled or teaching in a member country are still eligible.
● Citizens of CEEPUS countries studying or teaching in non-member ("third") countries are not eligible.
● You cannot receive a CEEPUS grant to study or teach in your own country of citizenship or residence.
● Applicants cannot receive another scholarship for the same mobility, destination, and time period.
How to Apply for CEEPUS Program 2025-26 in Hungary?
Step 1: Network vs. Freemover:
● Network Mobility: Confirm that your home and chosen host universities are part of the same CEEPUS network. Both network coordinators must approve your application.
● Freemover Mobility: You must find a Hungarian host institution independently and secure a Letter of Acceptance.
● Check the participating institutions and current networks.
Step 2: Online Application:
All applications are submitted online via the official CEEPUS application portal:
● Go to portal and create or access your My CEEPUS account.
● Use the Mobility Wizard to guide you through the application process.
● Upload all necessary documents, including motivation statements and letters.
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Step 3: CEEPUS Applications Deadlines:
1. Network Mobility:
● Winter Semester: Apply by 31 August 2025.
● Summer Semester: Apply by 31 December 2025.
2. Freemover Mobility:
● Winter Semester: Opens 1 July 2025 (rolling applications based on availability)
● Summer Semester: Deadline 30 November 2025.
● Late applications may not be considered, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion:
Participating in the CEEPUS Exchange Program 2025-26 in Hungary offers numerous advantages:
● Experience international education in the heart of Europe.
● Build academic and professional networks across borders.
● Deepen your research or thesis work with expert guidance.
● Receive fully funded support including scholarship and living expenses.
● Enhance your resume with international mobility experience.
Whether you’re an undergraduate student looking to experience life abroad, a master’s student working on your thesis, or a teacher seeking short-term teaching opportunities, CEEPUS in Hungary is an ideal opportunity. So to apply and know more visit CEEPUS Exchange Program 2025-26 in Hungary official link here.