Bachelor
English
Social Sciences
Doctoral Programme in Governance
Bachelor
About the Program
At the Hertie School, PhD candidates undertake doctoral research in the social sciences in an international and multidisciplinary setting. To find answers to today's social, political, legal and economic challenges, our doctoral researchers work with distinguished scholars. Rigorous academic training, close supervision and institutional support, and the opportunity to develop professional skills prepare our PhD researchers for leading academic and research careers in academic and non-academic institutions. The Hertie School is part of a vibrant research hub in the heart of Berlin and closely cooperates with leading doctoral programmes in Europe through the EU-funded CIVICA project. We are interested in applications from candidates with an exceptionally strong Master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, law, political science, sociology, data science, public administration, management, or related fields. The Master's degree should be completed before entering the programme. We especially encourage women and international candidates to apply. For more information on the various opportunities to do your PhD at the Hertie School as well as deadlines and the admission process, please visit our website at www.hertie-school.org/phd.
▶ Show the original English text
At the Hertie School, PhD candidates undertake doctoral research in the social sciences in an international and multidisciplinary setting. To find answers to today's social, political, legal and economic challenges, our doctoral researchers work with distinguished scholars. Rigorous academic training, close supervision and institutional support, and the opportunity to develop professional skills prepare our PhD researchers for leading academic and research careers in academic and non-academic institutions. The Hertie School is part of a vibrant research hub in the heart of Berlin and closely cooperates with leading doctoral programmes in Europe through the EU-funded CIVICA project. We are interested in applications from candidates with an exceptionally strong Master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, law, political science, sociology, data science, public administration, management, or related fields. The Master's degree should be completed before entering the programme. We especially encourage women and international candidates to apply. For more information on the various opportunities to do your PhD at the Hertie School as well as deadlines and the admission process, please visit our website at www.hertie-school.org/phd.
General Requirements
Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.
Academic qualification
A recognised higher-education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). International applicants may need recognition via Anabin and, if not directly eligible, a Studienkolleg + assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).
Language
English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.
Typical documents
- Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
- Language certificate
- Passport and passport photo
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
- Letter of motivation (for many programs)
- Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:
Explore all professions →Subjects / Topic Areas
Political Science
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How do I apply to Doctoral Programme in Governance at Hertie School?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Doctoral Programme in Governance at Hertie School
Is Doctoral Programme in Governance at Hertie School taught in German or English? ▼
This Bachelor programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Doctoral Programme in Governance programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Doctoral Programme in Governance at Hertie School? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Doctoral Programme in Governance? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Hertie School — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.