What is CEU-FOCUS?
FOCUS is a program for adult learners in the European Union or EEA to prepare for future study at university or to use their existing university studies in new contexts. It is offered both online and in-person (in Vienna). It provides free courses, workshops, one-to-one or small-group tutoring, and events to help you to explore different study opportunities and to be successful by building on your existing knowledge, education, and skills.
Most importantly, CEU-FOCUS promotes a supportive community for learners whose paths to university have been more difficult due to migration, displacement, being the first in your family to study, or other circumstances.
Courses in the program are FREE of charge.
Applications are now open for the next cohort (deadline Monday, January 13, 2025). Learn more by attending an informational webinar on December 18th at 16:00 or on January 8th at 16:00. Click on the corresponding links to register.
Receive individual application support on January 10th at 16:00. Registration available soon.
Program dates: February 3, 2025- May 3, 2025
Find out more
What does CEU-FOCUS offer?
CEU-FOCUS offers courses and workshops to help you:
- Improve your academic and professional English or German skills
- Prepare for further studies at university
- Enhance key academic and transferrable skills (e.g., data analysis or critical thinking)
- Introduce university-level courses on important issues
- Help you explore various disciplines/study programs and universities
Who can apply for CEU-FOCUS?
You can apply if you answer yes to all of the following questions:
- Are you over 18 and have completed at least a high school degree?
- Are you interested in university studies but circumstances have made it difficult (for example, due to migration, displacement, or being the first in your family to attend university)?
- Do you speak English at least at an advanced B1 or B2 level?
- Do you reside within the EU or European Economic Area and your citizenship or legal status allows you to attend university courses?
If you answered YES to all questions, please apply!
How do I apply?
Applications are open for the second cohort of the CEU-FOCUS program. Further details are available on our application page.
Where can I see a list of current course times and activities?
Please see a list of current course and workshop times and activities here.
Where do courses and activities take place?
Courses and activities take place either online, or in CEU’s home in the multicultural district of Favoriten, Vienna (10th district). Please consult the current list of courses for further information about times and whether they are held online or in-person. The CEU address is Quellenstrasse 51, and the nearest tram stops are Schrankenberggasse (lines 6 and 11) or Absberggasse (D).
Do I receive a certificate or other recognition?
Participants can receive a Certificate of Completion subject to terms and conditions specified in the program handbook. The certificate is not a degree or other accredited program of study and does not qualify you for admission to CEU or other universities. However, it recognizes the hard work you put into the program, your enthusiasm and motivation for learning.
How much does the program cost?
There is no fee or other charge to participate in the courses or program. However, any travel, technology, or other costs that you incur cannot be reimbursed by CEU.
What makes CEU-FOCUS unique?
- Flexibility of learning
- Interactive classroom environment
- Experiential learning methods using interdisciplinary texts
- International students and faculty
What else does CEU offer?
CEU offers a wide range of degree programs at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level. CEU has recently expanded its initiatives to enable a broader range of individuals to access higher education, whether at CEU or at other universities. The Yehuda Elkana Center is proud to organize the CEU-FOCUS program and Matura Support Program (MSP) within this framework. Other initiatives at CEU include:
- The Roma Graduate Preparatory Program (RGPP) has recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary
- The Invisible University for Ukraine (IUFU) is an award-winning, transnational solidarity network of universities and students
- Multiple units collaborate to provide robust financial aid and academic support to students admitted to CEU.
We invite you to learn more about these initiatives or to apply directly to a CEU degree program.
How do I learn more?
Please browse our website or contact focus@ceu.edu for more information.
