Doctoral Scholarships in History

Shape Your Future, Apply Now!  

EARN A DEGREE ACCREDITED IN AUSTRIA AND THE U.S. 

The Department of History at Central European University (CEU) in Vienna offers students an array of programs in interdisciplinary and comparative historical research. The CEU History Department is recognized for its innovative approaches to historical studies and graduate education. Our international faculty offer expertise that extends from the early modern period to the study of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century, as well as the post-communist period; from numerous aspects of social, cultural, political, and intellectual history to religious, visual and archival studies. 

CEU is an English-language, student-focused research university located in Vienna and accredited both in Austria and the United States. CEU is committed to attracting talented students and scholars from around the world. Our student/faculty ratio (7:1) allows for small, research-driven and discussion-based seminars and close guidance from faculty members.    

PHD IN COMPARATIVE HISTORY 

Doctoral programs at CEU are fully funded study programs with a standard duration of 4 years that award a US and an Austrian degree.

The department especially welcomes students onto the Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative History program who have PhD dissertation research that contributes to:

• the integration of the study of different layers of historical processes (social, cultural, economic, political)
• the integration of history and theory (conscious reflection of the basic approaches of research)
• comparative approaches in historiography (Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe being neither "different" and "incomparable," nor a "belated copy" of developments elsewhere)

The advantages of the CEU doctoral program are the classes and discussions among students specializing in different topics, different periods, and different geographical regions, whereby new research questions can be formulated, even about one’s own national history.  The research being undertaken by our current PhD students and the successful dissertations already defended give the best idea of what is possible at the CEU History doctoral program. 

Selected Areas of Research

• Comparative history of the Habsburg, Ottoman, and Russian Empires
• Religious studies
• History of nationalism and national movements
• Comparative history of fascism
• Comparative history of communism
• Early modern history
• Diplomatic history
• Gender history
• Art history
• History of political thought
• Social and labor history
• Soviet and post-Soviet history
• History of Central Asia
• Transnational and global history
• Urban studies
• Visual studies
• History of medicine
• History of science 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

In addition to meeting the general CEU admissions requirements, applicants should submit letters of recommendation from three professors familiar with their post-graduate work and a three-page research proposal. The topic of the proposal should fall within the broad thematic focus of the program as described above, and should address issues of method and substance, as well as previous work done in the field, in appropriate detail. Applications are welcome from candidates with a Master’s degree that includes a Master’s thesis. 

Applicants interested in Nationalism Studies or Jewish Studies at the doctoral level can apply for a PhD in History and should follow the general admissions requirements for the History doctoral program; a joint committee reviews applications.  The degree received will be a PhD in History.

➜ history.ceu.edu/DoctoralPrograms 

SCHOLARSHIPS AND APPLICATION DEADLINE 

CEU has an international reputation for high-quality postgraduate education delivered in a research-led environment. In pursuit of our mission, we strive to attract the very best graduates worldwide for our doctoral program. Candidates who apply by the financial aid deadline are automatically considered for the CEU Doctoral Scholarship, covering the full cost of tuition, complete with a monthly stipend to assist with housing and living costs as well as health insurance. ➜ https://www.ceu.edu/admissions/funding-fees/finaid-applicants/phd 

The deadline to apply for admission for the 2023-24 academic year is February 1, 2023 (23:59 CET). 

WHY CEU?  

• World-ranked master's and doctoral programs in the humanities and social sciences
• Valuable degree accredited in the U.S. and Austria
• 81% of our graduate students receive financial aid
• 7:1 student/faculty ratio
• Close supervision and faculty contact with top researchers
• Students and faculty from 100+ countries
• Committed to academic freedom and open debate
• Based in Vienna, ranked among the world’s most livable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit 

STUDY IN VIENNA 

Apply now and study in Vienna, consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Located in the heart of Europe, the Austrian capital has much to offer, from a wide range of academic opportunities to vibrant student life. 

Contact 

For further enquiries, please contact:

Daniela Munteanu

Department of History

Email: history@ceu.edu