How to Apply for the MS in Finance

• Statement of Purpose
• GMAT or GRE General Test or CEU Math Test
• Admission Interview
• Visa Requirement for Part-time Applicants

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Please explain your motivation for applying (500 words).

GMAT/GRE/CEU MATH TEST

We have a strong preference for candidates with a GMAT focus score of 570 (old GMAT score of 600 or a GRE equivalent (see GRE® Comparison tool). Please note that GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years. Below this, admission depends on considering on all factors such as previous grades (transcript) and work experience.

The GMAT or GRE General Test can be replaced by the online CEU Math Test. If you do not submit a GMAT or GRE score, you will be invited to take the test automatically. Please see a sample test here. The Math test for the February application deadline will be held in the week commencing 9th February 2026. 

If an applicant is applying to both MS in Finance and MS in Business Analytics, the applicant will be asked to take only one test - the MS in Business Analytics Math test. 

You may request an exemption from the GMAT/GRE/CEU Math Test if you have completed CFA Levels I & II. Please ensure you upload your CFA certificate as one of your application documents. 

You may submit a GMAT or GRE score by uploading a scan of your score report to the relevant section of the CEU Application Form. If the score report is not available at the time of your application, please upload proof of having taken the test in lieu of the score. You may arrange for an official score report to be sent to CEU. CEU's institution code for the GMAT is 0203. CEU's ETS institution code for the GRE and TOEFL is 0069.

ADMISSION INTERVIEW

If you are a qualified applicant, you will be contacted for an interview as part of the review process. The interview may be conducted on the phone, through Zoom, or in person, depending on your availability.

The admission interview is an approximately half an hour conversation with one of our faculty members about your background, work experience (if any), motivation to join the program, future goals etc.

VISA REQUIREMENT FOR PART-TIME APPLICANTS

Acceptance for or enrollment in CEU's part-time programs does not entitle you to a student visa or residence permit. Therefore, if you are accepted, you will need to hold relevant resident status in the Schengen Area on another account such as employment, marriage etc. If you have no such status, please apply for the full-time MS in Finance.

APPLICATION DISCLAIMER

Since this is a 1-year master’s program, ideally candidates have a 4-year bachelor’s degree. This allows them to get a PhD degree later anywhere in Europe. Applicants should be aware that they may not be able to pursue a PhD degree in the European Higher Education Area if they have accumulated less than 300 ECTS credits in their prior university studies. Applicants wishing to get a PhD in Europe should therefore choose their master’s program accordingly: 2-year master’s if they completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree, and 1-year master’s if they completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

If an applicant has a 3-year bachelor's degree and is not interested in a PhD degree later, then, in exceptional cases, the applicant may be allowed admission into this 1-year master’s program. To qualify for the exception, students have to demonstrate substantial experience in quantitative analysis, finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a similar field. This may be achieved through academic credentials (degree programs, non-degree certificates and online courses), but also through relevant work experience and individual projects.