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Hertie School

Berlin · Private University · Est. 2003

DE Rank #65 Star rating 5/6 State-recognised; programmes accredited under the Akkreditierungsrat system Admissions open
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Type
Private University
Founded
2003
Students
700
International
500

Overview

The Hertie School is Germany’s university of governance — public policy, international affairs and data science for public decision-making, all taught in English.

Programs at Hertie School

5 programs across 2 study levels.

PhD / Doctorate

Master's Degree

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Semester contribution

—

Semesterbeitrag — often includes a transport ticket

Indicative living cost

€10,500–€15,000/yr

On-campus accommodation

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees — only the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities set their own fees. Figures are indicative; confirm with the university before applying.

Guides for applying to German universities

All guides →
How to Apply to a German University: uni-assist, anabin and Deadlines Application Guides How to Apply to a German University: uni-assist, anabin and Deadlines Most international students apply to German universities through uni-assist, with key deadlines typically set for July 15 and January 15. uni-assist Explained: How International Applications to German Universities Really Work Application Guides uni-assist Explained: How International Applications to German Universities Really Work uni-assist simplifies the application process to 210 German institutions, verifying qualifications and forwarding applications to universities. Blocked Account Providers in Germany Compared: What to Look For Visa & Residence Permit Blocked Account Providers in Germany Compared: What to Look For To study in Germany, non-EU students need a blocked account with approximately €11,904 for one year to cover living expenses.

Admission requirements

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).

Language: German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fully in English and require no German at entry.

How to apply

  1. 1Check your qualification for equivalence in the anabin database and confirm the programme’s intake and deadline (usually 15 July for October, 15 January for April).
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).
  3. 3Apply through uni-assist (most international applicants), hochschulstart.de for nationally restricted subjects such as medicine, or directly with the university where it accepts direct applications.
  4. 4Submit certified transcripts and translations, your language certificate (DSH / TestDaF / telc for German-taught, IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught) and — if your country requires it — the APS certificate, then pay the processing fee.
  5. 5On receiving your letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid), open a blocked account and take out health insurance, then apply for the national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in your country.

For international students

Non-EU students apply for a German national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in their country, then convert it into a residence permit for study purposes at the local Ausländerbehörde. Proof of funds is normally a blocked account (Sperrkonto) — currently about €11,904 for one year — plus statutory health insurance. Graduates may stay for up to 18 months on a job-seeking residence permit.

Read the student visa & residence permit guide →

Scholarships for Hertie School students

National and foundation scholarships open to students at Hertie School. Because public universities in Germany charge no tuition, these mostly fund living costs.

Full Master's Degree

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)

European Commission (Erasmus+)

Full tuition, monthly allowance and travel/installation costs for the whole joint degree

International students Rolling
See all scholarships to study in Germany →

Frequently asked questions

What are the admission requirements for Hertie School?

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the Tes...

How is Hertie School ranked?

Germany national rank #65.

What are the English requirements?

German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fu...

Last updated 21 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.