Who should apply
We are interested in applicants with an exceptionally strong master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, law, political science, sociology, public administration, management, data science or related fields. The master's degree should be completed before you enter the programme.
When to apply
The application deadline depends on how you apply to the Doctoral Programme in Governance.
In case you intend to secure external funding via the DAAD or a German foundation you may apply throughout the year. Furthermore, Hertie Research Associate or Hertie stipend positions are announced on a regular basis and have fixed application deadlines. All open positions can be found here.
Funding your PhD
All our PhD researchers are fully funded throughout the doctoral journey. We accept PhD researchers funded via one of the below sources.
How to apply for the Doctoral Programme in Governance
Please carefully read through the application steps below and consult our Frequently Asked Questions section. We request you to only contact us with queries that have not already been answered in the FAQs.
You should ensure that the research proposal you submit as part of your application documents is aligned with the research interests of our faculty. For this, please check our list of potential supervisors, some of whom are affiliated with one of our Centres of Competence. In your application form, you will be asked to name at least one potential supervisor.
We have a central selection committee and individual professors cannot decide on admission to our programme. We do not advise on individual research proposals. We therefore kindly ask you to refrain from contacting potential supervisors for your application.
The following documents and information will be required for application:
- Completed online application forms
- Abstract of research proposal (max. 400 words)
- Research proposal (1,500-2,500 words excl. references, bibliography or endnotes)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages)
- Letter of Motivation (max. 250-400 words)
- Transcripts and certificates of all acquired (or to be acquired) university degrees
- English proficiency proof – in case available.
The English proficiency proof may be handed in at a later stage. In case you have completed at least four semesters of a full-time university programme taught in English, you do not need to submit an English Proficiency Proof. You will be able to indicate this in the online application form.
In addition, we require:
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two academic letters of reference (in English)
These have to be uploaded by your referees via the application portal. We do not accept letters of reference sent by the applicant or reference letters via email. Reference letters must have an official letterhead and be signed by the referee. You will be able to find detailed information on how the submission of the reference letters works on the online application portal below.
The research proposal outlines your dissertation project. Your research proposal is a key part of your application.
The programme is targeted at prospective researchers with a strong foundation in economics, law, political science, sociology, public administration, management, data science or related fields. Research projects should address research questions in the field of governance that are covered by our faculty. Please consult the list of potential supervisors and the topics they are interested in supervising, to identify faculty members who could be interested in your research project.
The proposal should contain between 1,500 and 2,500 words (excluding references, bibliography, and endnotes).
The following guidelines may be of assistance when writing your proposal. However, keep in mind that a research proposal should always reflect your personal academic perspective and research interest.
In a first step, present a concrete problem in which you are interested.
- What is the research problem?
- Why have you chosen this issue?
- Why is the chosen issue relevant for investigation?
In relation to this issue, specify your central research question. This question is the focus of your project and should be presented clearly.
- What is the aim/interest of your project?
- Why is your research question relevant for academic debate?
- Where is the gap in the literature that you intend to address?
- Which sub-questions or hypotheses are relevant for answering your research question?
Next, specify the theoretical perspective that you will use in analysing your research question.
- Why did you choose this specific theoretical perspective?
- How does the theory help to answer your question?
- What are the theory’s main assumptions in this regard?
Based on your theoretical perspective, detail your methodological approach.
- What kind of methodology will you use and why?
- What data or other sources of information are relevant?
Furthermore, please reflect on the content of your planned PhD thesis.
- What will be the main arguments of the thesis?
- What might be the outcome of, or answers to, these arguments?
- How will you structure your thesis and why?
Finally, enclose a timetable indicating the timing of the main steps of your project including periods for research, analysis and writing.
Please note that your proposal should be properly referenced and include a bibliography.
How you submit your application for the Doctoral Programme in Governance depends on which position you apply for. Please consult our PhD positions webpage and submit your application via the application link of the position you would like to apply for.
Your application will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Thematic fit of the dissertation proposal with the research agenda of Hertie School’s faculty or Centres of Competence
- Applicant’s academic performance and references
- Quality of the research proposal
- Overall motivation
Applications will be evaluated by a central selection committee.
On the basis of the evaluation, we will invite short-listed candidates to an online interview. Depending on the number of suitable applications, these usually take place in March. The final decision about admission or rejection is sent out by the PhD Office towards the end of March/ beginning of April.
