Overview: Hertie School
The Hertie School, officially known as the Hertie School of Governance, was established in 2003 as a private, independent, and research-intensive graduate institution. Located in Berlin, Germany’s dynamic capital, the school was founded by the Hertie Foundation with the purpose of advancing public policy education and practice in Europe. Today, the Hertie School accommodates around 730 students from over 90 countries and boasts an international faculty of approximately 30 full-time professors and numerous guest lecturers. Its single urban campus in the heart of Berlin provides a cosmopolitan environment and easy access to Germany’s political and economic hubs.
The Hertie School specializes in public policy, international affairs, and data science for governance, offering highly regarded master’s and doctoral programs such as the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of International Affairs (MIA). The school’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, practical problem-solving, and policy impact, blending political science, economics, law, and management. This philosophy is reflected in its robust research output and participation in significant academic consortia, such as the Global Public Policy Network and CIVICA, the European University of Social Sciences. Accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council, the Hertie School regularly appears among top European institutions for public policy and governance studies. Collaborative degrees and partnerships with leading universities further extend its scholarly profile.
Student life at the Hertie School is lively and diverse, with numerous student-run clubs, professional societies, and thematic working groups focused on topics such as gender, sustainability, and regional studies. The school champions diversity and internationalization, evidenced by its multicultural student body, multilingual events, and inclusive community ethos. Support services encompass career guidance, mentorship, and language integration. While the school does not provide on-campus housing, it offers comprehensive assistance for relocating to Berlin. Extracurricular offerings include guest lectures, networking events, arts initiatives, and access to sports facilities in partnership with local organizations, fostering a holistic student experience.
Guided by its mission “to prepare students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society,” the Hertie School emphasizes responsible governance, innovation, and global citizenship. The institution is committed to equipping graduates with the analytical tools and ethical foundations needed to tackle today’s most pressing societal challenges.