The Center for European Studies (CES) promotes the study of Europe in the form of: language study; providing courses on European culture, history, economics, business, and politics; creating opportunities for study abroad and internships abroad; and assisting students in pursuing work opportunities connected to Europe. CES also serves civic, nonprofit, and business associations with activities in Europe; academic leaders and institutions from Europe with collaborative agreements with UT; governmental and multilateral agencies dedicated to social and economic betterment in Europe; and the general public in Texas and the US whose world outlook includes Europe.

CES sponsors major conferences, workshops, faculty interest groups, and scholarly symposia. CES is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Title VI National Resource Center (NRC). CES also provides Title VI Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships to students pursuing graduate and undergraduate degrees relating to Europe in any department or school of the university. Over the next four years, from 2022-2026, CES will be awarding FLAS fellowships to graduate and undergraduate students developing language skills in traditional European languages as well as those developing language skills in non-European priority languages (such as Arabic, Persian, Hindi, and Turkish) where those skills would deepen and broaden an understanding of the area studies of Europe generally. (See Graduate Funding or Undergraduate Funding)

CES has a firm commitment to developing campus resources and courses that will give students the training they need to participate in an international arena in which the European Union plays a key role. By highlighting an interdisciplinary course of study and by offering a degree plan that is not limited by traditional disciplinary boundaries, CES can respond to political and private sector demands for integrated studies that include both academic study and professional training. 

CES is committed to reaching out to the campus community as well as the broader region to provide access to European speakers and activities which will promote interest in Europe. As part of the largest university in the state of Texas, CES has a special responsibility to support continued international development and to educate students that can play a fundamental role in an international community in which the European Union is a critical player. (See Outreach)