ROMA SCCES PROGRAMS -CEU

Roma Graduate Preparation Program*CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2014-2015



Application deadline: 13 April 2014


The Roma Access Programs unit at Central European University is now accepting applications for the Roma Graduate Preparation Program (RGPP) for the academic year 2014-2015.

About the RGPP

The Roma Graduate Preparation Program is an intensive nine-month program that prepares promising Roma to compete for places in English-language Master's degree programs at CEU and other renowned universities. We seek to attract students with a special interest in the social sciences and humanities. The RGPP is funded by the VELUX Foundations, the Roma Initiatives Office of the Open Society Foundations, and the Roma Education Fund.
If your application is successful the program will:
  • Prepare you for further studies in your chosen field through intensive academic tutoring in economics, environmental science and policy, gender studies, history, international relations and European studies, legal studies/human rights, mathematics, nationalism studies, philosophy, political science, public policy, or sociology and social anthropology (additional disciplines may be offered)
  • Raise your level of English to the standard required for post-graduate study, through intensive English-language training
  • Develop your post-graduate level academic writing, critical thinking and study skills
  • Involve you in the core degree programs of CEU, through the auditing of CEU Master’s level classes
  • Immerse you in an environment where you can engage in critical debates and activities related to the political, economic and social situation of Roma, through seminars that combine the study of Roma history and identity with an examination of recent developments in the politics of governing Roma communities

Eligibility criteria

The RGPP accepts Roma applicants from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Besides fulfilling this requirement, you must also have the following:
 A university degree, preferably in social sciences or humanities, completed by July 2014
  • A strong interest in studying at post-graduate university level
  • At least pre-intermediate English language skills
  • A desire to study in a multicultural and international environment
  • An ambition to become an advocate for change and a role model in your own community and beyond

About CEU

Central European University (CEU) is an English-language graduate university offering degrees in social sciences and humanities, located in Budapest, Hungary. Our students come from over 110 countries and our faculty from more than 40 nations. CEU is accredited both in the U.S. and in Hungary.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:
 Completed Application Form (in English), downloadable here.
  1. CV (in English), with details of your academic background, work experience, if any, and involvement in Roma related issues, if any.
  2. Letter of Intent (in English), stating why you would like to participate in this program. Describe your academic and professional achievements, interests and plans for the future; also write about your involvement in Roma issues.
  3. Scanned copy or photocopy of your diploma or certificate of enrollment confirming that you have already graduated from university or will graduate by July 2014 (in your native language, with an English translation if possible).
  4. Scanned copy or photocopy of your transcript, the document showing the courses taken and grades received in all your university years (in your native language, with an English translation if possible).
  5. One reference letter from a university professor or your employer. The letter should preferably be in English, but if this is not possible we also accept letters written in local languages. A suggested template to be used can be downloaded here. We advise you to share this template with your referee.
  6. In addition, we strongly recommend that you provide a second reference letter from a recognized Roma organization. The letter should preferably be in English, but if this is not possible we also accept letters written in local languages.

Program dates

RGPP's academic year runs from September 2014 till the middle of June 2015. This is a full-time program and students are expected to be in Budapest for the duration of all the semesters.

Financial aid

All successful applicants will be awarded a full scholarship for the whole duration of the program. The financial aid covers travel to and from Budapest, tuition and fees, accommodation in the CEU Residence Center, health insurance, study materials, and living expenses. 

Application deadline

Your complete application must be e-mailed, or posted by 13 April 2014 to:
e-mail: rgpp@ceu.hu                         
Postal address: Central European University, Roma Access Programs
Nador u. 9, H-1051 Budapest, Hungary

General inquiries

If you have any questions please contact Georgeta Munteanu, Program Manager:
e-mail: rgpp@ceu.hu              tel: +36 1 327 3000 extension 2094

*From its establishment in 2004 until August 2012 the program was known as the Roma Access Program (RAP).
**The term "Roma" refers to Roma, Sinti, Kale, Travelers, and other ethnic groups in Europe for people of Romany heritage, including those who identify themselves as Gypsies. The term has become internationally recognized as such, and should not be confused with the Italian or Spanish spelling for Rome (Roma).