RGPP FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

Below are some of the questions that we are often asked by interested applicants who want to join RGPP. If you still cannot find the answers to your questions here, please write to us at RGPP_Enrollment@ceu.edu

General Information about RGPP

Q. Can ethnic groups other than Roma apply to RGPP?

The Roma Graduate Preparation Program targets specifically Roma individuals. Persons who belong to other ethnic groups are not eligible to apply. For the purposes of determining eligibility, Roma refers to diverse groups of people with similar cultural characteristics. The term has become internationally recognized as such, and should not be confused with the Italian or Spanish spelling of Rome (Roma) city.

Q. Do you only accept applications from citizens of the countries listed in the Call for Applications, or can citizens of other countries also apply?

RGPP applicant often come from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine. Applicants from other countries will also be considered.

Q. Is there an age limit for applying?

There is no age limit for applicants. We encourage you to apply regardless of age if you fulfill the requirements.

QDo I need to pay the application fee of 30 Euro ?

No, you do not have to pay any fee to apply for RGPP. The application portal system is designed to receive many types of application.

Step 1: Hit "SUBMIT" and "PAY" buttons on your application. Only then can we receive your application.

Step 2: The system guides you to a bank payment page. Please simply CLOSE this page WITHOUT making any payments.

COVID-19

The RSP, as an academic unit of the Central European University, follows CEU’s COVID-19 Protocol and that of the relevant country (Hungary and Austria). Both RGPP and CEU are committed to the wellbeing and the safety of our community. We continuously monitor the pandemic and make adjustments as needed. Whenever we are allowed, we teach classes on-site with safety precautions in place. To learn more about the campuses' COVID-19 Protocol, please visit: https://www.ceu.edu/covid-19 .  

QUALIFICATIONS

Q. I graduated from a field other than social science. Can I still apply to RGPP?

Individuals with various academic backgrounds can apply. However, they should be aware that the tutoring fields the RGPP can offer are mainly related to social sciences.

Q. Do I need to have an English language exam for applying?

Intermediate English language skills are required for our program. You DO NOT need to have any English language exam prior to the application.

Q. I graduated from vocational college. Can I still apply to RGPP?

Because RGPP aims to prepare students for study at graduate (master's) level, we can only consider applicants who will be eligible to apply for places at graduate universities. For this reason, RGPP is only open to individuals who have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Q. I am in the final year of my undergraduate program and will earn my university degree at the end of the current academic year. Can I begin studies with you in September, 2024?

You can certainly  apply and be admitted. Please note, however, that if you are accepted, you will be required to have graduated (earned your degree) by June 2024. In place of the diploma, upload a certificate of enrollment stating, if possible, your expected date of graduation. Please note that if your application is successful, you will have to provide an official English version/translation of your Bachelor's diploma (or graduation certificate if it takes too long to issue the diploma) and transcript  PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR RGPP STUDIES.

Q. I graduated last year but my university hasn't yet issued my official diploma. Does CEU accept a certificate of graduation that certifies that I have completed my bachelor studies?

Yes, a certificate of graduation is acceptable for application purposes if the diploma is not yet  available. You will have to provide an official version of your Bachelor's diploma and transcript  PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR RGPP STUDIES.

Q. I have already earned a master’s degree, can I still apply?

The minimum admissions requirements require a bachelor’s degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree are also eligible.

Q. I have started a PhD degree/ I hold a PhD degree from another university, can I still apply?

The program prepares for MA-level studies, which is below of your current of studies. Therefore RGPP might not be the right fit for your skills.

Q. Do translated documents in my application have to be official translations?

The first stage of the online application form requests that you upload only an unofficial copy of your documents, if possible with an English translation. This translation does not have to be an official translation. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official (hardcopy, certified) translations of  proof of having completed your studies.

Q. If my application is not ready by the deadline, can I submit the missing documents later?

Please be aware that you should submit your online application form only once it is 100% completed. Once the application form is submitted you can no longer edit it. It is not possible to submit your application after the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Q. Can I write to you in my own language?

We have a policy of using English for general correspondence and inquiries relating to the program. 

Q. In the "Qualifications" section, I would like to list a Study Abroad, summer school, informal training program I have attended, but I cannot because no such entry is found in the degree list. What can I do?
In the "Qualifications" section, we need you to list your bachelor’s, master’s degrees completed (or to be completed in this academic year). Any other program such as Study Abroad programs, non-degree programs, and unfinished degree programs should be listed only in your CV.

Q. I would like to upload several additional documents but there is only one upload field (Other Supporting Documents). What should I do?
If you wish to upload several documents please merge them into one pdf file, making sure that the file does not exceed 2 MB. 

If your file size exceeds 2 MB, you can find free pdf compressors online. These will decrease the size of your documents and you will be able to upload them.

Scholarship

Q: What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fee, one time travel to and from Budapest and Vienna,  VISA costs, medical insurance, a monthly stipend to assist with the cost of meals and "basic living expenses", and single or shared housing in the CEU Residence Center or other student housing in Vienna.

Scholarship recipients, who are awarded housing in CEU's Residence Center, have the option to decline the housing award. In such cases, however, RGPP does not cover the costs of alternative accommodation or offer any kind of compensation.

Q. Do you offer any scholarships or support for continued studies after completing the program?

We do all we can to help our students choose and apply for a place of study after the program, including advice on how to identify suitable funding opportunities, but we cannot provide any financial support or scholarships relating to further studies.

Q. Can I work while studying at RGPP?

RGPP is a full-time, intensive 10-month long program, which requires full attention and occupies most of the time of the students.  Please consider this before accepting an offer of acceptance.

Q. Can I apply for other financial assistance to supplement the CEU Fellowship provided to RGPP students?

The financial aid provided to RGPP students is intended to cover most of the costs of living and studying during the program. However, you are free to seek additional, outside sources of funding if you wish. In this case it is your responsibility to comply with the rules of eligibility for such aid.

Q. If I successfully complete RGPP, will I automatically progress to an MA program at CEU?

While RGGP does aim to improve your chances of securing a place in postgraduate education by providing you with the essential skills and supporting you throughout the application process, it does NOT guarantee you a place at CEU or any other university, and you will be competing on equal terms with other non-RGPP applicants. The Romani Studies Program unit has no say in the CEU admissions process.

Q: I still have questions. How can I get more answers?

  • We have monthly info sessions via Zoom!
  • Our RGPP recruitment ambassadors are happy to talk to you! Reach out to us via email to set up a time with Serkan or Simona!
  • Email us! RGPP_enrollment@ceu.edu

AFTER YOU APPLY

Q. How long after the closing date will a decision be made?

Please check the Admission Timeline

Q. How will I find out whether my application was successful?

The admissions decision will be posted in the Applicant Portal. You will also be notified by email of the results. 

Q. I see that my application has been rejected. Can I know the reasons?

If your application has met all general and program-specific entry requirements, then it has been rejected for academic reasons by the departmental selection committee, based on a thorough review of your academic and professional credentials. These include the quality of your program-specific submissions (essay, statement of purpose etc.), past academic performance, strength of recommendations, general compatibility with the department and program and the admission interview and/or any test results you have submitted or achieved during the admission process. We review a large number of applications each year, which makes for an extremely competitive selection process. This means that from all the qualified candidates that apply, only a few can be accepted. 
Please note that CEU does not provide information on the reasons why an application has been rejected; if, however, you choose to apply again next year, you will be competing against a different applicant pool, and may receive a different decision.

Q. Once accepted, can I request deferral to postpone the start of my studies?

Deferring enrollment is not an option for admitted students. 

Q. Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Due to limited space availability and competition, some candidates are placed on the waiting list, which is shown on their Applicant Portal
Having been waitlisted is no guarantee for eventual acceptance.

Q. Can I know my position on the waiting list and my chances of acceptance?
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, we can't provide you with that information.

Q. I have applied and received  a notification that I have been accepted. Where can I read the details of my Acceptance Offer?

Log in to your Applicant Portal, go to the section of the relevant application, then click on "View Offer":

Q. I have applied and received a notification that I have been accepted. How can i accept/decline the offer?

Log in to your Applicant Portal, go to the Actions section, then click on "Respond to offer". You will then be taken to a screen where you can choose to accept the offer :