Network and Data Science

Overview

The Network and Data Science at Central European University (CEU) conducts interdisciplinary research in network science and social data science, combining theoretical foundations with data-driven applications to tackle complex societal challenges.

The PhD in Network Science—Europe’s only doctoral program in the field—offers cutting-edge interdisciplinary research opportunities. You will:

• Analize large-scale networks with data science methods
• Develop models for finance, political networks, urban mobility and social systems
• Work at the crossroads of mathematics, statistical physics and computer science

Career

Graduates pursue academic careers or work in industry roles related to network data analytics, finance, technology, policy research and consulting.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

• Application oriented, data driven research in Network Science
• Psychological and knowledge networks
• Networks in political science
• Urban networks
• Social networks
• Socioeconomic networks
• Other higher-order models of networks

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

• Duolingo English Test: 130
• TOEFL® iBT: 100 (or 5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score, CEFR-aligned, equivalent to the 0-120 score)
• PTE Academic: 76
• IELTS: 7

Other requirements

General requirements

• While a strong quantitative background is recommended, students from diverse disciplines can apply. Core coursework in computational methods, network modelling and data analytics will provide necessary skills.
• You must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a master's degree (or equivalent) in a related field from a recognized university or institution of higher education or provide documentation indicating that you will earn such a degree before enrollment in a CEU doctoral course of study. Those students holding a five-year master’s degree are not required to have a bachelor’s degree.

Tuition Fees

• International (Non-residents): 24,135 AUD / year ≈ 15,000 EUR / year
• EU/EEA Nationals: 24,135 AUD / year ≈ 15,000 EUR / year

Additional Details: Doctoral programs (year 1): 15,000 EUR. Doctoral programs after comprehensive examination (years 2, 3, and 4): 5,000 EUR.

Living costs — Vienna, Austria

1,385–2,142 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding & Scholarships

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Network and Data Science. Available scholarships include:

• Academic Achievement Award for First-Year Doctoral Students — Grant 500 EUR, Deadline 15 Jan 2027 (Central European University (CEU), Vienna, Austria)
• Award for Advanced Doctoral Students — Grant 800 EUR, Deadline 15 Jan 2027 (Central European University (CEU), Vienna, Austria)
• Winter School Grant — Grant 1500 EUR, Deadline 07 Nov 2026 (Central European University (CEU), Vienna, Austria)
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026 (U.S. government)
• Summer courses of Lectures for Institutes of Languages from the University — Grant Various benefits, Deadline Anytime (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
• ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026 (ServiceScape)
• ACES Scholarships — Grant 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026 (ACES Education Fund)
• Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant Various benefits (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
• Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility in Austria — Grant Various benefits (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
• $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026 (IvyPanda)
• Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027 (Voice Talent Online)
• Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027 (Salvado Law)
• Ernst Mach Grant - ASEA-UNINET — Grant 1300 EUR, Deadline 01 Mar 2027 (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
• Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026 (Anonymous Hope Fund)
• The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant 1500 USD (IELTS from 6 to 9)
• Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027 (The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme)