About
Details at a Glance
School Type
Private
Application Fee
$0
Financial Aid Available
Yes
Degrees Offered
Our Program
The Hertie School's Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) brings together passionate students from both technical and social science backgrounds to deepen their analytical skills and develop an in-depth understanding of the policy world. During this two-year master's they learn how to leverage algorithmic decision-making to tackle some of the most complex challenges of our time with data-driven solutions.
Key facts
- Two-year, full-time programme
- Taught entirely in English, in the heart of Berlin
- Specialise in data science
- Practice-oriented curriculum that combines data structures and algorithms, machine learning, public policy and economics with professional development workshops and a summer internship
- Earn an MSc degree that qualifies for a job-seeking visa in Germany (up to 18 months) after graduation
- No GRE required for admission
- No application fee!
Scholarships available
The Hertie School offers full and partial scholarships covering between 10% and 100% of tuition fees. We grant tuition waivers for the entire period of study and allocate them on a rolling basis up until the final application deadline on 1 May. However, we encourage prospective students in need of financial assistance to apply by our priority deadline on 1 February.
About half of our students receive a financial aid offer from the school, and most students rely on a mixture of tuition waivers, external scholarships, loans and student jobs to finance their studies.
Apply today!
We are currently accepting applications for the MDS programme. Check out the admission requirements, read our Frequently Asked Questions page, and submit your documents via our online application portal today. There is no application fee. We also do not require the GRE for admission.
Admissions
Application Fee
$0
Requirements
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Certified Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- CV
Additional Requirements
Admission to the MDS programme is based on three criteria:
Academic excellence
Strength of academic background, academic performance - grades/transcripts, general academic qualification, linguistic qualification.
Quantitative and technical ability
Understanding of statistics, mathematics, and/or programming, as proven through a relevant degree, coursework, or extracurricular activities (e.g. competitions in programming, hackathons, personal data-related projects, and research).
Personal suitability and motivation
CV, professional experience, entrepreneurship, international experience, civic engagement.
Application Deadline
Admission offers and scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants who seek financial aid are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline in order to know their admission and financial aid decision sooner, and to start planning their move to Berlin earlier.
Priority deadline: 1 February
Final deadline: 1 May
Student Body
Clubs & Associations
As a student, join the Hertie School's Data Science Club and explore the research of the Data Science Lab.
Careers
Get a head start on your career
The MDS curriculum juxtaposes data structures, algorithms and machine learning with public policy, economics, law and governance with a highly practical focus that also integrates career development. In addition to cultivating soft skills in two professional development workshops, MDS students will complete a summer internship between their first and second year of study. Those who wish to gain even more work experience may apply for a Professional Year. To help students meet future employers, the school has established relationships with a range of institutions such as ministries, international companies and NGOs.
At the Hertie School, we know that career planning is a lifelong matter. Our dedicated career team is here for you – both during your time at the Hertie School and after you graduate. Schedule a one-on-one career counselling session, and take part in group workshops, alumni panels and other exclusive events.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Additional Information
- Financial Aid Available
- Tuition: 17,250 EUR per year
- Full and partial scholarships available. About 50% of students receive a financial aid offer.
