A Roma track of the Global Invisible University at Central European University
Are you Romani and interested in higher education?
Have you studied at a university or college, or are you thinking about starting?
Do you want to learn more about Romani history, identity, and social justice?
Would you like to connect with Romani students, researchers, and allies from across Europe?
If yes, the Invisible University for Romani Access and Empowerment is for you.
Part of the Global Invisible University
From September 2026, our program is part of the Global Invisible University (GIU) — CEU's non-degree educational program supporting students and scholars affected by war, authoritarianism, political repression, and exclusion. GIU brings together regional programs for Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, and the Western Balkans, together with the Roma academic networks. The Roma track itself is not limited to these regions: it is open to Romani participants and allies from any country, including beyond Europe.
For you, this means:
- You join a transnational academic community of several hundred students and instructors, not only a single course.
- You can express interest in GIU courses and workshops offered by the wider program
- Your research work connects to GIU mentoring, research seminars, and publication support.
The program is offered by the Romani Studies Program at CEU and builds on the experience of the Roma Graduate Preparation Program and the Invisible University for Ukraine.
What We Offer
1. Online course
Roma Identity, History, and Social Justice in Europe
- One online seminar per month (approx. 75 minutes), November 2026 – June 2027
- Interactive sessions led by CEU alumni, scholars, journalists, writers, and civil society activists
- Topics include Romani history and cultural diversity, antigypsyism and discrimination, education, media, gender, politics, and human rights
- Emphasis on critical thinking, academic discussion, and confidence in expressing your ideas — not on exams or grading
- Certificate upon successful completion
The course is fully online so that you can join from anywhere. We know that life circumstances differ, so you are invited to attend as many sessions as you can.
2. Research scholarship
Up to €1,200 per semester, awarded competitively.
- Open to Romani PhD students and PhD graduates who want to carry out an empirical or theoretical research project related to the themes of the Invisible University
- Projects should build on your academic background and engage with the thematic focus of the course: Roma history, education, media, gender, politics, or human rights
- Scholarship holders take part in the course and in mentoring sessions
- Deliverable: a 4,000–7,000 word research paper by the end of the semester
- Selected papers may be published in Critical Romani Studies journal
3. Summer school
A short, intensive in-person program, building on the year's online discussions.
- Interdisciplinary lectures, seminars, and workshops led by Roma and allied scholars, artists, and civil society actors
- Focus on Roma history, identity, culture, education, and social justice
- A space to strengthen peer networks, mentoring relationships, and collective capacities for research, advocacy, and public engagement
- A separate application will open in January 2027, with priority given to active participants of the online course and to research scholarship holders
Program Details
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Cost |
Free of charge — no fees |
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Format |
Fully online (summer school in person) |
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Language |
English; lower-intermediate level is sufficient, fluency is not required |
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Dates |
November 2026 – June 2027 |
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Commitment |
One seminar per month, plus optional mentoring and workshops |
Who Can Apply
The program is designed primarily for Romani participants. We also welcome a limited number of dedicated non-Roma allies with a genuine, demonstrated commitment to Roma history, identity, and social justice.
- Present or former Romani university and college students, from any field of study and any country
- Romani individuals interested in higher education — planning to start, return to, or continue their studies. Current enrollment is not required.
- Dedicated non-Roma allies with a genuine, demonstrated commitment to Roma history, identity, and social justice
- For the research scholarship: Romani PhD students and PhD graduates
Why Join
- Strengthen your academic and professional skills
- Explore topics that matter to Romani communities
- Build confidence and prepare for higher education or research
- Become part of a diverse, supportive, and international learning community
How to Apply
- Fill in the online form: https://forms.gle/d1roNsejKE3pjATq5
- Application deadline: 10 October 2026
- Results announced: 15 October 2026
- Program starts: November 2026
Applications for the online course and for the research scholarship are submitted through the same form. The summer school has a separate application in January 2027.
Questions? Write to us at romanistudies@ceu.edu
Apply now and join the Invisible University — a place to learn, grow, and connect.