FAQ

Getting familiar with CEU Business School
Q: How can I sign up for a campus tour?
Please contact the Student Recruitment Department at info@ceubusiness.org or call +36 1 887 5014.
Q: How can I sign up for a classroom visit and is there a limit to how many I can attend?
To schedule a class visit please contact the Student Recruitment Department (info@ceubusiness.org or call +36 1 887 5014) at least one to two weeks prior to your expected arrival date.
Q: How can I connect with a CEU alumnus?
Our alumni are always happy to share their experience. They regularly attend our MBA events around the world, and the best way to connect with them is to ask our recruiters to put you in touch with one of them.

Application - General
Q: What does CEU Business School look for in a candidate for admission?
We are looking for intellectual curiosity coupled with a desire to learn and stretch your limits in a rigorous academic program, as well as personal qualities to contribute to the many activities of the School. We evaluate each applicant against four central criteria: leadership potential and work experience; academic capacity; motivation to join the program and ability to contribute to the CEU Business School experience. For more information, visit our Admissions Requirements.
Q: How long is the MBA program?
The CEU Executive MBA is a 48-credit degree program which starts at the end of February every year. Classes are offered in the winter, summer and fall semesters; each semester is comprised of two modules, making six modules for the academic year. Classes run intensively from Friday afternoon to Sunday noon (sometimes to Sunday afternoon) every second weekend over six residential weekends of study and exams. The program’s structure is the same as in the Full-time MBA. However, given the bi-weekly format, completion requires a minimum of 22 months. If you join the February intake, you will complete your MBA by December of the following year.
Q: Who is the Executive MBA designed for?
The Executive MBA is targeted primarily at working professionals who wish to develop and broaden their business understanding and acquire relevant management competence and skills. The program has been tailor-made to accommodate the needs of professionals, and to assist in the acceleration of their corporate career and entrepreneurial success without career interruption.
Q: Is there an application fee?
CEU Business School does not charge an application fee.
Q: What is the timeline for applying?
CEU Business School has three application deadline dates. For the class entering in 2011, the deadlines are:
-early application deadline: October 31, 2010
-general application deadline for those who need a visa to Hungary: December 15, 2010
-general application deadline for those who do not need a visa: January 15, 2011.
Q: How will my application be evaluated?
Each application received is reviewed in depth by the Admissions Committee. When selecting students we put an emphasis on leadership potential, strong academic ability, and personal qualities and characteristics. To find out more, read about our Admissions Requirements.
Q: How do I add new information if I have already submitted my application?
If invited to interview, applicants may inform the Admissions Committee of updates at that time.
Q: Does CEU Business School accept transfer credits?
We do not accept transfer credits from other schools.

Application - Transcripts
Q: What undergraduate degree subject should I have?
At CEU, we value diversity at every level. We welcome applications from people with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds, including the arts, law, non-profit, etc. No matter the field of your professional and academic background, we will be looking for you to demonstrate your potential as a leader, and we will consider your professional experience and past performance when assessing your application.
Q: Does the reputation/history or my undergraduate institution or company affect my chances of being accepted?
Our goal is to admit a class that offers a variety of perspectives. Therefore, we carefully consider individuals from a wide spectrum of academic and work experiences.
Q: How can I submit my transcript?
You may upload a photocopy of your transcript; however, we will request an official certified copy for verification purposes should you be admitted to CEU Business School.
Q: If my transcript and diploma are not in English do I need to have them translated?
Yes. You need to provide a certified or notarized English translation.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?
No. Although our students often have competitive undergraduate GPAs, there are many other equally important components of the application. GPA is just one factor the Admissions Committee uses to evaluate a candidate.

Applications - Work Experience
Q: What is the desired length of work experience you wish to see in candidates?
CEU Business School requires a minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience prior to entering the MBA program, and it is important for you to assess your own readiness when deciding to apply. The average work experience of the current class is more than 9 years.
Q: What constitutes work experience?
Work experience includes opportunities in which students have been able to develop their professional and leadership skills.
Q: Does part-time work experience or internship count?
Part-time work experience and internships also count, but they should be combined with relevant full-time work experience as well.
Q: Are there specific types of work experience that will make me a more attractive candidate?
Rather than focus on specific categories of work experience, applicants should focus on their roles, responsibilities and what they have learned from the types of work that they have been involved in. The Admissions Committee will look at the nature of the applicant’s work experience when evaluating the applicants’ ability to handle the academic rigor of our MBA program.

Applications - GMAT/TOEFL
Q: Where can I take the GMAT?
To register, to see available test centers and to get useful tips for preparing for the GMAT, please visit www.mba.com.
Q: What GMAT score is acceptable? What is the average score?
Our average for the Class of MBA2010 is 580 and we accept applicants with a wide range of test scores. However, the GMAT is just one of several admission criteria. Just as a high score does not guarantee admission, a below -average score does not eliminate a candidate. You must ensure that your GMAT score is still valid on September 1 for the year you will be matriculating. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test. For example, for the class beginning in 2011, we will only accept GMAT scores obtained since February 2006.
Q: I have taken the GMAT more than once. Which score do you use?
We will use your highest score. You must ensure that your GMAT score is still valid on September 1 for the year you will be matriculating. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test. For example, for the class beginning in 2011, we will only accept GMAT scores obtained since February 2006.
Q: I would like to submit my GMAT score to CEU Business School electronically when I take the test. What is the code?
Our GMAT reporting code is: 0203.
Q: How can I be eligible for a GMAT waiver?
In order to be eligible for a GMAT waiver, one should either have at least 10 years of successful management experience in business demonstrating a career progression or 7 years of successful management experience in business demonstrating a career progression and hold another master’s or PhD degree from a reputable institution. Candidates asking for a waiver should be at least 30 years of age at the start of the program.
Q: Where can I take the TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge?
To register, to see available test centers and to get useful tips for preparing for the TOEFL, please visit www.ets.com. For IELTS and Cambridge visit the web site of the British Council in your country of residence.
CEU Business School also organizes institutional paper-based TOEFL tests several times a year at its premises in Budapest. The scores will only be accepted by CEU. For test dates, please contact the Student Recruitment Department at info@ceubusiness.org or +36 0 887 5014.
Q: Do you accept state language exams (or exams different from TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge)?
We do not accept any state language exams for testing English proficiency. We accept relevant scores of the following international language exams: TOEFL (valid for 2 years), IELTS (valid for 2 years), Cambridge Proficiency Examination (valid for 5 years), and Cambridge Advanced English Test (valid for 5 years). For minimum scores, please see our Admissions Requirements.
Q: Can I be exempted from the language requirement if I prove that I had worked in an English-speaking environment?
Working in a multinational environment could be an additional strong point to one’s application dossier, but we cannot grant a language exam waiver based on this. In order to be eligible for English language exam waiver, one should:
1.have English as their first language
2.be coming from a country where English is an official language;
3.have obtained a bachelor's or a master's degree taught exclusively in English.
Q: I would like to submit my TOEFL score to CEU Business School electronically when I take the test. What is the code?
Our TOEFL reporting code is: 0203.
Q: Do I need to speak Hungarian?
No. English is the working language.

Applications – Motivational letter
Q: What should I write in my letter of motivation?
An MBA motivational letter is a statement of your purpose for pursuing a graduate degree in business. When discussing your motivations, it is important to share how you think the program will contribute to your personal and professional growth. Discuss the role the degree will play as you plan your own contribution to your organization or community. Write about your guiding philosophy and tell the reader what you think you can contribute to the program.
Your essay should indicate the clarity of your career objectives, so cite significant involvement in activities and events related to the program. Before writing your personal statement, do an in-depth self-assessment and focus on addressing areas that your grades and GMAT scores cannot speak for. The components of a well-written MBA motivational letter typically tell readers about your immediate and long-term goals and provide insightful answers to the question: Why this particular MBA program? Show the reader that you are dedicated to this course and have researched it well. For this the best resource is the school’s web site, but we encourage you to contact the school directly and talk/correspond with staff, professors, students and alumni to get all your questions answered.

Applications - Recommendations
Q: Who should recommendations come from?
We would like references from people who know you well. Don't just look for a well-known individual or the CEO of your company. We ask for:
1. A reference from your current employer (if you do not want to use your line manager, a colleague or client is acceptable).
2. A reference from someone who knows you in a professional capacity, such as a former employer, client or peer. Only choose someone who taught you at university if you have remained in close contact.
Recommenders should be individuals who know the candidate well and who can attest to the candidate's leadership ability.

Applications - Interview
Q: When should I expect an invitation for an interview?
Interview invitations are extended on a rolling basis throughout the course of each application round. The timing of your interview does not imply anything about the status of your application nor does it impact your candidacy. Invitations to interview may be extended up until the notification date and are a positive indicator no matter when you receive them.
Q: What should I expect for my interview?
Your interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will be conducted by a member of the MBA Admissions Committee. Interviews may take place in-person or over the phone.
Q: How can I best prepare?
The purpose of the interview is to better understand you as an MBA candidate for our program. We encourage candidates to relax and be ready to talk about themselves.

Applications - Application Follow-up
Q: Who should I contact if I have a question regarding my application status?
Any questions you have should be submitted to Ms. Agnes Schram, Head of Admissions at admissions@ceubusiness.org.
Q: When and how can I expect to hear back from CEU Business School?
You will be notified in writing by email typically 2-3 weeks after you submitted your application.
Q: How long can I defer my acceptance?
Candidates should submit applications only for the year they plan to enter the MBA program. Postponements and deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are usually granted for one year.

Program details and learning method
Q: What is the method of learning at CEU Business School?
While each class requires a high level of participation and engagement from participants, faculty are free to choose the teaching method that fits best with the content each session. You will therefore experience a wide variety of teaching styles, including case-studies, simulations and role-plays.
Q: What makes the CEU case method successful?
The case method prepares students for the challenges of leadership in the real world. Through the demanding, engaging, and proactive learning environment, it develops the knowledge, skills, and confidence to face the variety of difficult decisions that students will undoubtedly face throughout their careers.
Q: How is the curriculum structured?
The Executive MBA program has three components (a) 28.5 core credit hours; (b) The Transnational Leader program (10.5 credits); and (c) Electives (9 credits). The first two components are required courses.
Q: What electives are available?
Elective courses allow the students to study in greater depth a business field that might be particularly relevant for their career objectives. The School tries to offer electives that are tailored to the particular needs of a cohort group, and are also in tune with what is changing in the business world. Elective courses from the following business fields are usually available: Marketing, Finance, Technology Management, Global Management, International Business Law, Operations Management, Quantitative Studies, Business and Society.

Occasionally, the school may also offer electives from economics as well as other social science and humanities areas. Provided written consent by the Program Manager and Student Advisor, students may also take electives courses offered at CEU’s main campus.
Q: What concentrations are available?
There are no concentrations on the program, but participants can take up to 9 credits of electives in the area of their choice.

Q: Is attendance mandatory?
Yes, regular and punctual attendance at every class session is a requirement of the Business School. Each class covers material not found in the readings. Furthermore, participation in class discussions is an important part of the learning experience for all students and is factored in the grading system.

Exchange options
Q: What exchange opportunities does CEU Business School offer?
One of the most exciting opportunities available to a student in the Business School is to spend a semester at one of the School’s partner institutions in North America, in Western Europe or China, at no additional tuition cost. While partner tuition costs are waived, candidates must cover all other expenses, such as travel and accommodation. Because going on exchange is a popular option and because space is limited, there is a selection process. The selection criteria include the GPA and other indicators of performance at the Business School, language competence (if the instruction is not in English), consideration of the reasons and motivation for wanting to participate in the exchange, as well as an indication of how participation would also benefit the School and the University. Exchange opportunities are available to students in good standing after completion of the core curriculum. This policy allows students to leverage their education experience abroad, giving them access to the rich selection of electives available at the partner schools.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financing your MBA

To help assess the financial obligations required to attend the CEU MBA Program you should first acquaint yourself with the MBA Tuition and Fees. You should also begin to consider your financing options early on, whether in the form of savings, loans or scholarships. Many applicants have access to attractive loan and scholarship opportunities in their countries of origin.

There are several options for financing so please take time to see if you are eligible for any CEU scholarships or merit awards.

Q: What are some options for financing my MBA?

The 2010/2011 Annual tuition fee is EUR 20,400. Early applicants who submit all required documents before October 31st, 2010 are rewarded by a 5,000-Euro tuition fee reduction. Merit awards are available between EUR 3,000-7,000 depending on work experience and GMAT score. To encourage diversity, candidates who work for an NGO at the time of their application are entitled to a 35% reduction of their tuition fee. The CEU Business School Foundation gives grants to exceptionally strong candidates who need additional financial aid. For more information, please see our Financial Aid Policy.

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Exchange options

Q: What exchange opportunities does CEU Business School offer?

One of the most exciting opportunities available to a student in the Business School is to spend a semester at one of the School’s partner institutions in North America, in Western Europe or China, at no additional tuition cost. While partner tuition costs are waived, candidates must cover all other expenses, such as travel and accommodation. Because going on exchange is a popular option and because space is limited, there is a selection process. The selection criteria include the GPA and other indicators of performance at the Business School, language competence (if the instruction is not in English), consideration of the reasons and motivation for wanting to participate in the exchange, as well as an indication of how participation would also benefit the School and the University. Exchange opportunities are available to students in good standing after completion of the core curriculum. This policy allows students to leverage their education experience abroad, giving them access to the rich selection of electives available at the partner schools (hyperlink).

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