The timeline of CEU’s unit called Romani Studies Program reaches over a decade. In 2004, the university initiated its preparatory Roma Access Program (RAP) to facilitate Roma students transitioning from the undergraduate to English-language graduate studies. In 2011, RAP was expanded by RELP, the Roma English Language Program. In 2012, the RAP preparatory program changed its name to RGPP, Roma Graduate Preparation Program (RGPP). The unit, however, used the umbrella term of Roma Access Programs until July 2017.

Building on CEU's longstanding reputation in enhancing higher education, research, and professional opportunities for Roma, CEU’s Roma Access Programs (RAP) has been transformed into the Romani Studies Program (RSP) as of August 1, 2017. RSP is a new academic unit at CEU, encompassing the Roma Graduate Preparation Program (RGPP) and Roma in European Societies (RES) initiative. RSP is also involved in academic teaching and reasearch.