Application period, process and eligibility
When is the application period?
The PhD journey begins on 1 September each year. Exceptionally, PhDs may be admitted at different times during the year.
The application deadline depends on how you apply to the Doctoral Programme in Governance. In case you intend to secure external funding, you may apply throughout the year. Hertie Research Associate or stipend positions are announced on a regular basis and have fixed application deadlines.
Learn more about the different applications paths and deadlines here.
What is the application process?
There are three different paths to apply for your PhD at the Hertie School. You can check for the application procedure for each on our 'How to Apply to the Doctoral Programme in Governance' page.
Is a minimum grade or GPA required for admission?
No, we do not have a minimum grade or GPA requirement. However, we look for candidates with a strong academic background.
Based on my academic background, am I eligible to apply?
Our programmes are targeted at candidates with a masters degree and a strong foundation in economics, law, political science, sociology, public administration, management or related fields. If your previous degrees are in a different discipline, your application must demonstrate sufficient knowledge in one of these fields. Further, it is essential for you to identify a suitable faculty member to supervise your dissertation project. Each application will be evaluated along academic criteria by our central admission committee.
I cannot find my area of research represented at the Hertie School. Can I still apply?
If your area of research is not covered by one of our supervisors or one of our Centres of Competence, this means that none of our current faculty members can provide supervision in the current academic year. Please refrain from sending an application in this case. You are welcome to apply at a later stage. We recommend checking our website on a regular basis to stay informed about the school and its growing faculty.
Can I apply if I have not completed my master's degree at the time of application?
Yes, you can apply while your master's programme is still ongoing. Please submit all transcripts and certificates you have acquired by the time of your application. The final master's degree transcript and certificate must be submitted at the latest upon matriculation (i.e., by 1 August).
Should I contact potential supervisors or send them my proposal prior to my application?
No. Please refrain from asking Hertie School faculty members for guidance on your reserach proposal or acceptance to the programme. Admissions are centrally organised and faculty members are not allowed to accept PhD candidates.
How should the letters of reference be submitted?
We require two academic letters of reference. When you submit your application via our application portal, you also indicate two referees. You will find instructions for the reference letters on the online portal. Letters of reference must be on university letterhead and signed by the referee.
Can I submit non-academic references in my application?
It is strongly advised to submit academic references where possible due to the nature of a PhD research positon. Non-academic references will still be taken into consideration if submitted with your application, however, please try to ensure they are relevant to the necessary academic skills and experience required for a PhD.
Can I waive the English test?
Yes, in the following cases:
- If you are a native English speaker;
- If you received a university degree in a full-time study programme (of at least 4 semesters) which was exclusively taught in English. In this case, please submit a statement from the respective programme administration.
An English test is required in all other cases. Short-term study abroad, au-pair home-stays or language school certificates will not be accepted as test replacements.
Which English tests does the Hertie School accept?
We accept the following tests (with minimum test scores):
- TOEFL | PBT 600 | CBT 250 | ibT 100
- Cambridge ESOL | CPE C | CAE B
- IELTS | Overall = 7.0 | Writing 0 7,0
Our TOEFL test school code is 8874. Test results may not be more than two years old. If your result is not available when you submit your application, please indicate the date when you will take one of the tests mentioned above on your application form.
Do I need to submit GRE/GMAT test scores to apply?
No, we do not require GRE/GMAT test scores.
Is there any age requirement/restriction for admission?
No. People of all ages are welcome to apply.
Is it possible to schedule a tour and/or call to ask questions?
No. We do not have the capacity at this time to organise individual calls or campus tours with potential candidates. Please read our FAQs carefully and if you still have unanswered questions, you are welcome to email us at phd-applications@hertie-school.org and we will do our best to help you.
When will I be informed if I have been accepted into the programme?
If you received a confirmation email after submitting, your application is currently under review. The evaluation process takes several weeks. Applicants will be informed about the results by approximately 8 weeks after submitting their application. Please refrain from emailing us regarding the status of your application. Thank you for your understanding.
Tuition, stipends and financial aid
Do I have to pay tuition costs?
No. There are no tuition costs for the programme.
What are the funding options available for a PhD at the Hertie School?
There are different options to fund your PhD at the Hertie School - via a Hertie stipend, external scholarship or a Research Associate position. Detailed information on funding can be found here.
Please note that funding is only possible via one of the listed sources. Self funding is not possible.
Can I be admitted to the PhD programme if I am self-funded?
We do not admit PhD candidates who are self-funded. However, you may apply in case you would like to secure external funding from an international body such as the DAAD, or a national or international foundation. You can find more information on funding your PhD here.
Doctoral programme
What kind of doctoral degree will I receive from the Hertie School?
Upon successful completion of your doctoral programme, you can choose to receive either the degree "PhD" or "Dr. rer. pol.".
Can I pursue a joint PhD degree at the Hertie School?
A joint degree process (or cotutelle) is generally possible. At the moment, we have a joint PhD agreement with our CIVICA partner, Sciences Po. For a cotutelle with a different university, we would need to check the agreement on a case by case basis.
Is distance learning possible?
No, all PhD programmes at the Hertie School are taught in-person.
Do I have to participate in one of the doctoral programmes or can I work individually with a professor?
You must participate in one of the doctoral programmes we offer in order to receive a doctoral degree from the Hertie School. Our faculty members cannot support candidates working independently.
What is the difference between doing a PhD within a structured PhD programme and pursuing an individual PhD?
Doing a PhD within a structured PhD programme means that apart from writing your doctoral thesis, you must complete the curriculum of the respective PhD programme. For instance, within the Doctoral Programme in Governance, you must follow the curriculum and obtain 180 ECTS in total, which involves dedicated methods and skills training, independent dissertation research, and colloquium attendance and presentation. Your doctoral examination procedure can only take place after you obtain all necessary credits and coursework. All doctoral programmes on offer at the Hertie School are structured and conducted entirely in English.
Can dissertations only be written in the field of social sciences or is a dissertation with a legal focus possible as well?
It is possible to write a dissertation with a legal focus. We recommend that you check out the research of our faculty members working within the legal discipline to get a better understanding of the research approach and disciplinary focus. You may also want to check out dissertations that have been published in the public online repository of the Hertie School.
Does the topic of my dissertation have to be fixed upon application to the PhD programme or can I come up with a topic later on, when working with my main supervisor?
As part of your application, you already need to submit a comprehensive and complete research proposal, outlining the research topic you wish to work on during your PhD studies at the School. Admission is heavily based on the quality of the research proposal and its fit with the research agenda of the Hertie School and its faculty. You will continue working on and improving your topic and work once you have been admitted to the PhD programme. Your supervisors will aid and advise you in this process.
Do I have to write my dissertation in English or are other languages also possible?
All dissertations must be written in English. You need to provide proof of your English language proficiency as part of your application.
Are research stays at universities abroad part of pursuing a PhD at the Hertie School?
Going on a research stay for one or more semesters as part of your PhD studies is recommended in order to build and strengthen academic networks, and to find second and third supervisors from other universities. Limited funding for research stays is available. We have connections with renowned universities in different European and other countries, and can support you in finding the best option for you. Your main supervisor will also aid you in this process.
Can I work alongside the doctoral programme during the academic semester?
If you receive a stipend from the Hertie School, employment is limited to 10 hours a week. Furthermore, there is a salary limit. Candidates with part-time positions (limited to 20h/week max.) at the Hertie School may adjust their PhD study plan in accordance with their professional obligations. The respective arrangements must be agreed upon with the PhD Board.
Can I enrol in the programme on a part-time basis?
No, all our PhD researchers must be enrolled full-time.
Living in Germany and Berlin
Do I have to move to Berlin?
Yes. The doctoral programme is a structured programme, with coursework during the first year of study and a requirement to attend research colloquia later. You are expected to take residence in Berlin for the full duration of the programme. After the first year, you may leave for shorter periods of time if made necessary by your research.
Will accommodation be provided? Who can I contact should I need help in looking for a place to live?
The Hertie School is located in the heart of Berlin and does not have a campus providing student housing. However, there are various housing options such as studio apartments, shared apartments and private student dorms. Our Student Life Team provides information on housing and other relevant topics for incoming students on their website.
Will I be supported in dealing with the German authorities if necessary (questions concerning visas, residence permits, etc.)?
Yes. Our Student Life Team will offer support with administrative issues such as visa, residence permits, health insurance, etc. Please visit their website or write an e-mail to studentlife@hertie-school.org.
Other questions
Which networks can I access at the Hertie School?
The Hertie School has an international network that spans academic and professional realms. In Berlin, the Hertie School has close ties with all major universities and research institutions in Berlin, also within our joint doctoral programmes DYNAMICS, BGTS/ SCRIPTS and BSoE. The Hertie School closely collaborates with a number of universities on doctoral education in the context of the EU-funded project CIVICA (Bocconi University (Italy), Central European University (Austria), the European University Institute (Intergovernmental), the Hertie School (Germany), IE University (Spain), the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (Romania), Sciences Po (France), SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Poland), the Stockholm School of Economics (Sweden) and The London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom)).
The School has excellent networks with governments and many national and international agencies, NGOs and corporations. Leading experts regularly come to the Hertie School to participate in events.
What career options do I have with a doctoral degree from the Hertie School?
Our doctoral programmes provide the knowledge and skills required for an academic university career at leading social science departments and schools of public policy. They also equip PhD researchers for positions in research institutes, organisations, think-tanks, or research-oriented positions in the public sector, private enterprises, or civil society. The Hertie School has an excellent academic and professional network that supports our PhD graduates in finding a job. You can take a look at the current positions of past Hertie doctoral researchers on our Graduates webpage.
Can I come to the Hertie School as a visiting PhD researcher?
Yes, we can accommodate a limited number of visiting PhD researchers each semester. If you are interested in a research stay of three months or longer, find out more about our application procedure here.
