Hertie School

About Hertie School

Hertie School is a specialized social-science university whose work centers on governance and public affairs. It was formally established as a private, nonprofit institution by the Hertie Foundation in December 2003. The Berlin authorities recognize it as a private university, its master's programs hold German accreditation, and its authority to confer doctorates has been extended through 31 July 2033. These credentials establish it as an independent degree-granting institution rather than a training center or university department. The school is deliberately graduate-only. Its degree portfolio comprises the Master of Public Policy, Master of International Affairs, Master of Data Science for Public Policy, Executive Master of Public Administration and doctoral study. It also offers non-degree executive education, which should not be confused with its accredited degrees. This focused structure may appeal to students who want a community organized around policy, government and public-sector challenges; it will not suit applicants seeking bachelor's study or a broad range of conventional academic disciplines. Hertie's approach combines interdisciplinary social science, professional preparation and engagement with policy practice. Its subject areas span public policy analysis, leadership, international affairs, data science and public administration. The university also participates in CIVICA, a European social-sciences university alliance. Students should evaluate individual programs carefully because their quantitative content, professional orientation and intended applicant profiles differ substantially.

For Fall 2026 entry to the MPP, MIA and MDS, Hertie required an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Applicants still completing their first degree had to finish all coursework and examinations before 1 September 2026. The online application required a CV, a 500–900-word motivation letter, university transcripts and, where applicable, proof of English proficiency. Applicants also supplied one academic or professional referee's institutional contact details; a reference letter was optional unless otherwise requested. The MPP selection framework assigns 40% each to personal suitability and academic excellence and 20% to motivation. The MDS uses a different framework that explicitly considers quantitative and technical preparation, so candidates should consult their specific program rather than applying the MPP criteria across all degrees. Selected candidates may be interviewed, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. The published Fall 2026 priority dates were 15 January for applicants requiring a visa and 15 February for applicants not requiring one, particularly for scholarship consideration. That intake's application period has already ended as of 20 August 2026. Official pages conflict over whether its final deadline was 1 May or 31 May, so neither date should be carried forward. Prospective Fall 2027 applicants should wait for the next official cycle before relying on deadlines, document rules or scholarship timelines.

Hertie's principal full-time graduate degrees are the two-year Master of Public Policy, Master of International Affairs and Master of Data Science for Public Policy. It also offers an Executive Master of Public Administration for experienced professionals and doctoral study. The official program listing confirms that the school's academic scope is concentrated in policy, governance, international affairs, public administration and public-interest applications of data science. The Master of Public Policy illustrates the institution's interdisciplinary model. Its first year develops foundations in statistics, economics, public management, law and governance, the policy process and project management. Students then specialize in either Policy Analysis or Governance and Leadership while using portfolio electives to deepen or broaden their studies. The curriculum includes an internship between the first and second years; the official MPP page specifies at least six weeks full-time or ten weeks part-time. An optional Professional Year permits a longer period of paid professional experience before students return for their final year. International options include competitive exchange semesters and dual degrees. Hertie states that MPP, MIA and MDS students can apply to spend a third semester at one of more than 35 partner universities while continuing to pay normal Hertie tuition. Dual-degree structures generally divide study between Berlin and a partner institution and lead to awards from both. Availability, selection rules and curricular fit vary, so applicants should verify the route attached to their intended degree rather than assume every option is open to every student.

Key Highlights

• Independent, state-recognized private nonprofit university
• Graduate-only institution offering master's and doctoral education
• Doctoral-awarding authority confirmed through 31 July 2033
• Founded by the Hertie Foundation in December 2003

Student Life & Environment

Student life is shaped by a small, internationally oriented graduate community rather than a residential undergraduate campus. Hertie reports that students may establish clubs around cultural, political, social and recreational interests. Examples described by the school include activities related to sustainability, international political economy, languages, football and coding. Academic and professional interests therefore overlap substantially with extracurricular life. Incoming international students can use student services for guidance on visas, residence permits, city registration, health insurance, housing and settling into Berlin. The school also provides information about German-language learning, including an intensive beginner course offered before Welcome Week when scheduled. These services are useful, but students remain responsible for completing official procedures and securing accommodation. Hertie does not operate its own student residence. Its housing guidance recommends beginning the search early, considering both private rentals and student residences, and treating requests for advance payments cautiously. Enrolled students can also use internal community channels where housing opportunities may be posted. Prospective students should therefore view housing as a major planning task rather than an included part of the Hertie experience.

Location & Surroundings

Hertie School is located at Friedrichstraße 180 in Berlin's central Mitte district. The setting places students near the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and federal government district, offering practical access to political institutions, public debates, cultural venues and potential professional networks. Berlin's role as Germany's capital is particularly relevant to programs focused on government, international affairs and public policy. The central location does not imply that students must live nearby. Hertie's housing guidance notes that central districts such as Mitte, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg are popular but can be expensive, crowded and noisy. It encourages students to consider less central districts, where housing may be cheaper, and emphasizes Berlin's extensive public-transport network. The institution says many parts of the city are within roughly a 45-minute public-transport journey of the school. Berlin offers a highly international urban environment, but the rental market is competitive. Applicants relocating from abroad should budget time for apartment searches, registration requirements and commuting decisions rather than relying on accommodation being arranged by the university.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Hertie's current tuition page lists €9,625 per semester, or €19,250 per academic year, for each of the MPP, MIA and MDS. Over their standard two-year duration, this implies €38,500 before scholarships and ancillary charges. The one-year Executive MPA is listed at €38,500, while its two-year format is charged at €19,250 per academic year. A non-refundable €1,500 deposit secures a place and counts toward first-semester tuition. The page also lists a €113 semester contribution to studierendenWERK and a €176.40 semester public-transport charge, while warning that the transport price may change. Funding includes competitive full scholarships covering tuition and partial reductions generally covering 10%–50%. Applicants receive access to the scholarship process after admission, and earlier applications receive stronger consideration because awards are allocated on a rolling basis. Scholarships should not be assumed to cover rent or other living expenses unless their individual terms say so. Career preparation includes a required summer internship for the principal full-time master's programs, an optional nine-to-fifteen-month Professional Year, individual coaching, application support, workshops, networking events and an annual career fair. Students secure their own internships, although the Career Development office assists. Hertie's published Class of 2022 outcome—95% employed or in further study within 12 months—covers an older cohort and should be treated as historical context, not a guarantee for current applicants.