Hertie School Digital Governance Scholarship For Master Of Public Policy 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Hertie School Berlin
Policy schools rarely fund an entire degree around a single theme, but the Hertie School’s Digital Governance Scholarship does exactly that for students focused on how technology reshapes government.
About the Scholarship
The Hertie School in Berlin runs several themed full scholarships for its 24-month Master of Public Policy programme, and the Digital Governance Scholarship is one of the most targeted, reserved for students whose academic and career interests center on the governance of digital technology. At least two full scholarships are awarded each cycle, covering the complete cost of tuition and living expenses for the length of the degree.
Scholarship Benefits
The award is structured to remove financial barriers entirely for selected recipients.
- A full scholarship worth 38,500 EUR
- Coverage spanning the full 24-month Master of Public Policy programme
- Access to Hertie School’s policy network and career services
- No separate application beyond the standard MPP admissions process and a scholarship essay
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be admitted to the Master of Public Policy programme and demonstrate a clear academic or professional interest in digital governance, technology policy, or related fields. The scholarship is open to applicants of any nationality, though competition is high given the limited number of awards. A completed undergraduate degree with strong academic performance is required for programme admission generally.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship centers on digital governance specifically, but sits within the broader Master of Public Policy curriculum, which also touches on economics, international affairs, and public management.
Required Documents
- Master of Public Policy application through the Hertie School admissions portal
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV highlighting relevant academic or professional experience
- Statement of purpose connecting background to digital governance
- Scholarship-specific essay or motivation statement
- Letters of recommendation as required by the MPP application
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Apply to the Hertie School’s Master of Public Policy programme through the standard admissions process.
2. Indicate interest in the Digital Governance Scholarship within the application or a dedicated scholarship form.
3. Submit a scholarship essay explaining interest and experience in digital governance topics.
4. Complete the MPP application requirements, including transcripts and recommendation letters, by February 15.
5. Await the admissions and scholarship committee’s combined decision.
6. Confirm enrollment and scholarship terms once an offer is extended.
Selection Process
The scholarship committee reviews applicants already admitted to the MPP programme, selecting those whose prior coursework, projects, or professional background most clearly align with digital governance themes. Strong writing in the scholarship essay carries real weight given the limited number of awards.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Applicants who can point to concrete experience, such as working on a technology policy project or writing about digital regulation, stand out more than those expressing general interest in the field. Since only a small number of scholarships are awarded, tailoring the essay specifically to digital governance rather than public policy broadly makes a real difference. Students considering other fully funded routes into European policy study might also review the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship at German Universities for a comparison of funding structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Applicants typically indicate interest and submit a scholarship essay as part of or alongside the standard MPP application, rather than through a fully separate process.
Is this scholarship only for students with a technology background?
No, students from policy, law, economics, or social science backgrounds can apply as long as their interest in digital governance is clearly demonstrated.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
At least two full scholarships are awarded per cycle, though the exact number can vary depending on funding availability.
Does the scholarship cover living costs in Berlin?
Yes, the 38,500 EUR award is intended to cover both tuition and living expenses for the duration of the programme.
Can I combine this with other Hertie School funding?
Scholarship recipients generally cannot combine a full scholarship with other major Hertie School awards, since the funding already covers the full cost of the degree.
What is the application deadline?
The scholarship deadline is February 15, ahead of the programme’s September start date.
Can I switch my scholarship focus after being admitted?
The Digital Governance Scholarship is tied to a demonstrated interest in that theme, so switching focus after admission could affect continued eligibility for the award.
Does the scholarship include a stipend during the required internship?
The Master of Public Policy programme includes a practical component, and students should check current programme guidelines for how internship periods interact with scholarship disbursement.