Students, researchers, and university teachers looking to gain international academic experience in Europe now have an excellent opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, or participate in academic exchanges through the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) Scholarships 2027.
The CEEPUS Programme has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic mobility cycle, offering funded opportunities across 16 participating Central European and Western Balkan countries. Unlike many international scholarship programmes that focus on a single destination or institution, CEEPUS promotes regional cooperation by connecting hundreds of universities through academic exchange networks.
Whether you are interested in spending a semester abroad, conducting thesis research, participating in a summer school, completing an internship, or teaching at a partner institution, CEEPUS provides financial support that helps participants gain international academic exposure while strengthening collaboration among European higher education institutions.
One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Students and academics can participate either through an existing university network or independently as Freemovers, making the scholarship accessible to a wide range of applicants.
About the CEEPUS Scholarship Programme
The Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) is an international academic mobility programme established to strengthen cooperation among universities in Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
Rather than funding full degree programmes, CEEPUS supports short-term and semester-based mobility, enabling participants to study, teach, conduct research, or attend specialized academic activities in another participating country.
The programme is coordinated through National CEEPUS Offices in each participating country, while scholarship funding is provided directly by the host country.
Each year, thousands of students and university staff benefit from CEEPUS mobility grants, helping them build international experience, improve academic collaboration, and expand professional networks.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | CEEPUS Scholarship Programme 2027 |
| Full Name | Central European Exchange Program for University Studies |
| Host Region | Central Europe & Western Balkans |
| Participating Countries | 16 |
| Eligible Applicants | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD Students & University Teachers |
| Scholarship Type | Academic Mobility |
| Duration | 6 Days to 10 Months |
| Application Method | Online |
| Funding | Host Country Scholarship |
| Application Status | Open |
Why Choose the CEEPUS Programme?
Unlike traditional international scholarships that usually require students to relocate for an entire degree, CEEPUS focuses on academic mobility and collaboration.
Participants benefit from:
- International academic experience
- Research collaboration
- Cultural exchange
- Access to partner universities
- Credit transfer opportunities
- Professional networking
- International teaching experience
- Joint research activities
- Participation in academic conferences and summer schools
The programme allows students and researchers to strengthen both their academic qualifications and intercultural competencies while remaining enrolled at their home universities.
Participating Countries
The CEEPUS network currently includes 16 countries across Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
| Participating Countries |
|---|
| Albania |
| Austria |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Bulgaria |
| Croatia |
| Czech Republic |
| Hungary |
| Kosovo |
| Moldova |
| Montenegro |
| North Macedonia |
| Poland |
| Romania |
| Serbia |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
Applicants may undertake mobility at eligible universities located in any participating country, provided they meet programme requirements.
Types of CEEPUS Mobility
The programme offers several mobility options depending on the applicant’s academic level and objectives.
| Mobility Type | Eligible Applicants | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester Mobility | Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD Students | 3–5 Months | Coursework, internships, earning academic credits |
| Short-Term Student Mobility | Bachelor’s & Master’s Thesis Students, PhD Candidates | 1–2 Months | Thesis research, laboratory work, consultations |
| Summer Schools | University Students | 6–30 Days | Intensive academic programmes |
| Teacher Mobility | University Teachers | Minimum 5 Working Days | Teaching, lectures, supervision |
| Freemover Mobility | Students & Teachers | Depends on activity | Independent study or teaching outside existing networks |
This flexibility allows applicants to choose the mobility option that best supports their academic goals.
Scholarship Benefits
Unlike scholarships that provide identical funding amounts worldwide, CEEPUS scholarships are financed individually by each host country.
Although scholarship values vary, recipients generally receive financial support intended to help cover:
- Monthly living expenses
- Accommodation support
- Local transportation
- Basic subsistence costs during mobility
- Academic participation costs
For example, students studying in Hungary receive their scholarship payments through their Hungarian host university after arrival and enrollment.
Since living costs differ significantly among participating countries, scholarship amounts are adjusted accordingly.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from both students and university staff.
Eligible applicants include:
- Bachelor’s degree students
- Master’s degree students
- Doctoral (PhD) candidates
- Academic researchers
- University lecturers
- Professors
- Teaching staff
- Thesis supervisors
International applicants studying or teaching at eligible institutions within participating countries may also qualify under certain conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally satisfy the following criteria:
- Be enrolled at an accredited higher education institution within a CEEPUS member country.
- Student applicants must have successfully completed at least two semesters of university study.
- Teacher applicants must be employed at an eligible university.
- Applicants may apply through an existing CEEPUS Network or as a Freemover.
- International students studying at universities in participating countries may also apply.
- Applicants cannot receive funding to study or teach in their own country of citizenship or permanent residence.
- Double funding for the same mobility period from another scholarship programme is not permitted.
Host universities may establish additional admission or selection requirements.
Network Mobility vs Freemover Mobility
Applicants may choose between two different application routes.
Network Mobility
This option is designed for universities that already participate in an approved CEEPUS academic network.
Applicants receive support from both:
- Home university network coordinator
- Host university network coordinator
This route often provides smoother administrative processing.
Freemover Mobility
Applicants whose universities are not part of an existing CEEPUS network may apply independently.
Freemovers must first:
- Identify an eligible host university.
- Contact the host institution directly.
- Obtain a formal Letter of Acceptance.
- Complete the online application.
This option provides greater flexibility but usually requires additional preparation.
Required Documents
Although document requirements may vary depending on the host institution, applicants should generally prepare:
- Completed online application
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of university enrollment
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Learning Agreement or Research Plan
- Letter of Acceptance (Freemovers)
- Letter of Recommendation (where required)
- Proof of language proficiency (if requested)
Applicants should verify document requirements with both their home and host institutions before applying.
Application Process
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Identify an eligible host university.
- Determine whether to apply through Network Mobility or Freemover Mobility.
- Contact the appropriate network coordinator or host institution.
- Obtain all required approvals and supporting documents.
- Create an account on the official CEEPUS online application portal.
- Complete the Mobility Wizard application.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
Early preparation is strongly encouraged, as obtaining institutional approvals may take several weeks.
CEEPUS Scholarship Deadlines
Different application deadlines apply depending on the type of mobility.
| Mobility Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Network Mobility (Winter Semester) | 31 August 2026 |
| Network Mobility (Summer Semester) | 31 December 2026 |
| Freemover (Winter Semester) | Rolling applications beginning 1 July 2026 until available places are filled |
| Freemover (Summer Semester) | 30 November 2026 |
Applicants are advised to begin preparing their applications well in advance of these deadlines to allow sufficient time for institutional approvals and document preparation.
Why You Should Apply
The CEEPUS Scholarship Programme has become one of Europe’s most established regional academic mobility initiatives, providing students, researchers, and university staff with valuable opportunities to gain international experience without committing to an entire degree abroad.
Whether your goal is to complete research, attend a summer school, earn academic credits, strengthen your dissertation, build international collaborations, or gain teaching experience, CEEPUS offers a flexible and accessible pathway to academic growth across Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
With mobility opportunities in 16 participating countries, financial support from host governments, and a strong network of partner universities, the Hungary CEEPUS Scholarships 2027 remain an excellent choice for anyone seeking international academic exposure while expanding their educational and professional horizons.
