Dear visitors to the FAQs webpage of the Executive Seminars and Certificates, below you can find answers to a number of frequently asked questions. If your questions were not answered here, please feel free to reach out to us via executive(at)hertie-school(dot)org and we will try our best to provide you answers. Thank you very much.
General Questions about the Programmes
We offer executive seminars, skills training, and workshops to support professional development in public policy, management, and related fields. These range in length from 2 to 4 days and focus on specialised skills and knowledge.
Yes, our programmes are designed for professionals across various sectors, especially those involved in policy, management, and public administration.
While it is possible to enroll in multiple programmes, we recommend balancing them according to your schedule to make the most of each experience. Contact us if you need guidance on which combination of programmes would suit your goals.
Registration and Eligibility
Follow these steps to enroll:
- Go to our registration portal.
- Select "Executive Seminars, Certificates & Intensive Programmes" and choose the programme of interest.
- Upload your CV in PDF format, along with English proficiency documents if required (recommended level: C1).
- Submit the application. Expect a response within 2-3 days for document review and confirmation.
Registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that submitting the form does not confirm your participation; confirmation and payment details will follow within 1-5 business days if space is available.
Applicants need (1) a higher education degree, (2) at least three years of relevant work experience, and (3) fluency in English as basic requirements. Our admissions team will review submitted documents and notify you if additional documentation is needed.
If no formal test results are available, you may submit other documents, such as a work reference or academic transcript, indicating a C1 level of English.
We aim to provide a response within 2-3 working days of document submission, indicating acceptance or requests for further documentation.
No, registration is confirmed only after you receive a confirmation email and complete the payment. For guaranteed participation, full payment must be received at least two weeks before the course begins.
If the course is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a spot becomes available.
Fees and Financial Considerations
The current fees (as of 2024) are as follows:
- Executive Seminars (3 days): €1,890 per seminar
- Skills Training (2 days): €1,890 per seminar
- Workshops (4 days): €3,000 per seminar
- Executive Certificates (9-12 days/4 courses): €7,560 per certificate (€7,700 if including a workshop)
The fee is €1,890 per course. This includes all programme activities, course materials, beverages, access to literature, and a certificate of participation.
The workshop fee is €3,000, covering all course activities, materials, literature access, and a certificate.
The fee for a Hertie School Certificate Programme is €7,560 (€7,700 with a workshop). This covers participation in three seminars and one skills training, all course materials, beverages (except for workshops in Brussels/Berlin), access to literature, assignment evaluation, and a certificate upon completion.
We do not offer any scholarships.
For our European and Transnational Governance Network or ETGN programme, we offer a discount. Please visit this link for more information about our ETGN programme and on how to apply (link: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/european-and-transnational-governance-network). Reach out to our admissions office to discuss possible options.
Discounts are not specifically indicated, but please inquire if you are registering as a group or organization, as there may be options.
Hertie School alumni are also requested to write directly to executive(at)hertie-school(dot)org.
Please check Cancellations, Transfers, and Substitutions below for further information.
Course Content and Structure
Syllabi are typically shared around six weeks before the start of the course. Once finalized, the course materials will be accessible on our Moodle platform.
Most of our courses are conducted in person to foster interactive learning and networking. However, some programmes may offer online components, especially for follow-up assignments.
Yes, executive certificate programmes require completion of seminar grading requirements, and follow-up assignments may also be assigned depending on the course objectives.
Course Materials and Additional Services
Participants receive case studies, written materials, and other documents relevant to each course. Executive seminars and certificates also provide access to the Hertie School’s information gateway for literature.
No, these costs are not included. The Hertie School can recommend hotels that are within walking distance to the Hertie School campus.
Executive Certificates
An executive certificate combines three seminars and one skills training, totaling 9-12 days of study. Participants earn 11 ECTS credits upon successful completion, which are transferable to other programmes in the European framework.
An executive certificate enhances your professional skills and allows you to transfer credits toward the Executive Master of Public Administration if you decide to enroll later. Tuition fees paid for the certificate programme can also be applied to the Master’s tuition.
Many institutions and employers recognize ECTS credits, making this a valuable credential for career advancement, especially within the EU.
Credits and Programme Completion
Yes, completed courses can be credited toward a certificate or the Executive MPA programme if ECTS credits are acquired. However, completing courses does not guarantee admission to the Executive Master programmes; you must apply through the regular process.
You have two years to complete all requirements for a Certificate Programme.
Cancellations, Transfers, and Substitutions
Yes, you may cancel by notifying us in writing (via email). Cancellations made 21 days or more before the course start date are free of charge.
- 21-8 days before the course: 50% cancellation fee.
- 7 days or less before the course: Full fee retained. If no notification is provided and you do not attend, the full fee will also be retained.
Yes, you may transfer to another course within the same academic year at no additional cost, provided space is available. For Certificate Programmes, you may choose a different course within the programme based on availability.
Yes, if the new course costs more, you will be charged the difference. If the new course has a lower fee, no refund is provided.
Yes, you may nominate a substitute up to 5 business days before the course. The proposed substitute must meet our admission requirements, and the Hertie School reserves the right to review the nomination.
Course Changes or Cancellations by the Hertie School
In the event of a cancellation, you may transfer to another course or receive a full refund of any fees paid.
If a course changes from on-site to online, you remain enrolled without any discount adjustments. If you prefer not to attend online, you may switch to another course, either on-site or online, based on availability.
No, the Hertie School is not responsible for incidental expenses like travel or accommodation in the case of course cancellations.
Additional Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, attendance is generally required for in-person sessions to benefit fully from the programme's interactive elements. Contact us if special accommodations are needed.
We encourage full attendance but understand that circumstances may arise. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements or make-up sessions if available.
Yes, participants receive a certificate of completion for each seminar or workshop attended, in addition to any executive certificate earned from completing a series.
Yes, we welcome team attendance and often offer group rates or discounts. Please contact admissions for more details on group registration.
Yes, we offer alumni resources, networking opportunities, and follow-up sessions in some cases to ensure continued professional growth.