Program details

Doctoral Programme in Governance

Hertie School · Berlin, Germany

DAAD-4378PhDPolitical Science

Berlin

English

Language of Instruction

Oct

Available Intake(s)

Course Overview

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.

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Curriculum

Doctoral education at the Hertie School is organised as a structured programme. During the first year, PhD researchers prepare for their research and thesis writing with dedicated methods, research design and skills seminars. During the following years, an increasing amount of time is allocated to independent work on the thesis. Researchers regularly present their research findings at colloquia or international conferences. To connect with leading scholars in their field of studies, they may undertake research stays abroad. Throughout the doctoral journey, we offer seminars and workshops to our PhD researchers to enhance their methodological skills, support their thesis writing, develop their publishing and professional skills and support their career planning. PhD researchers will find a well-functioning support structure at the Hertie School. Furthermore, each candidate works with a doctoral committee that eventually comprises three dissertation advisers who provide intellectual guidance and monitor the candidate's research progress. PhD researchers working with data science methods have the opportunity to develop their methodological skills throughout the doctoral journey with a dedicated PhD workshop on data science. Additionally, PhD researchers may get dedicated PhD training on methods and advanced theories and research by our faculty in so-called "PhD mini courses". Find out more about some of our current trainings and our support infrastructure on our website. In addition, PhD researchers benefit from a wide range of doctoral training and workshops offered by our Berlin partner institutions and by the European network of leading universities in the social sciences within the CIVICA network. | German language courses: No | English language courses: No

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Minimum Qualification: The doctoral programme in Governance is open to candidates with an exceptionally strong Master's degree (or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, sociology, data science, public administration, management, or related fields. The applicant's Master's degree should have been conferred by the time of enrolment at the Hertie School.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 7TOEFL: 100

As of Sep 7, 2026, verify on the university’s site.

Program Fees

Tuition Fee

No tuition fee

This university charges no tuition fee. A compulsory semester contribution (administration, student services and usually a local transport pass) is normally still payable and is not included here.

Typical ScholarshipNot published

Looking for living expenses, accommodation, scholarships, placements, or campus facilities? See the university page.

Costs & Support

Fees & Contributions

The Hertie School does not charge tuition fees for its doctoral programmes. Candidates must pay a semester fee each semester in order to re-register, which covers the costs of public transportation and the mandatory "Studierendenwerk" contribution. This fee amounts to approximately 300 EUR.

Scholarship

Yes | Each year, we offer a handful of competitive three-year scholarships of 1,450 EUR per month plus a monthly health insurance contribution of up to 200 EUR. It is also possible to apply with external funding or via a research associate position. Learn more here.

Accommodation

Rent for a single room in a shared flat is around 600 EUR. Additional information on accommodation is available from the International Office and Student Life Team: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/study/studentservices/.

German language skills

No minimum language level required

Tuition fees per semester

None

Research training / discussion

Yes

Language requirements exemptions

Please find details on the course website.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

Visa matters Welcome event Buddy programme

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

PhD researchers can use the advisory services offered by the Career Service team of the Hertie School. Furthermore, the programme offers career workshops and other career events.

Document Checklist

This university has not published its own document list, so this is what a student going to Germany is generally asked for. Confirm the exact list with the university.

PassportEvery university and every immigration authority identifies you by your passport, and most require six months of validity beyond your stay.
10th MarksheetYour secondary record is the first rung of the ladder every admissions office reads.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)Almost every university outside direct-entry undergraduate systems asks you to explain, in your own words, why this course.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)Postgraduate admissions rely on an academic or professional reference; the number varies by programme.
Resume / CVPostgraduate applications are assessed on work and research history as well as marks.
Research ProposalA department can only accept you if someone there can supervise your topic.
English Proficiency Test Score ReportUniversities and immigration authorities both need evidence you can study in English.
Standardized Test Score Report (GRE / GMAT)CheckNo immigration authority sets a GRE or GMAT requirement; only the university does.
Proof of Funds / Financial StatementEvery study destination requires evidence you can pay tuition and live for at least a year. The amount is set by the destination and changes -- check the current figure before you prepare this.
Health / Medical InsuranceCheckFew destinations let an international student enrol without health cover.
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) ConfirmationGermany requires a year of living costs to be parked and released monthly so you cannot run out mid-semester.
Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid)The visa exists only to let you take up a place you already hold, at a university or at a Studienkolleg.
uni-assist application or VPD (Vorpruefungsdokumentation)Checkuni-assist converts your Indian grades to the German scale so the university does not have to.
Travel Health Insurance covering the first 90 daysThe visa is issued against an insurance start date; German statutory student insurance then takes over at enrolment.
MEA Apostille on Indian Academic DocumentsCheckAn apostille is how an Indian certificate becomes legally recognisable abroad without an embassy stamp.
LRS Form A-2 and PAN for fee remittanceAn Indian resident cannot wire tuition or living costs abroad without filing Form A-2 and quoting a PAN.

Frequently asked questions

What is Doctoral Programme in Governance?

Doctoral Programme in Governance is a PhD program in Political Science offered by Hertie School in Berlin, Germany.

What are the entry requirements for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

Minimum qualification required: The doctoral programme in Governance is open to candidates with an exceptionally strong Master's degree (or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, sociology, data science, public administration, management, or related fields. The applicant's Master's degree should have been conferred by the time of enrolment at the Hertie School..

What English language test scores are required for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

A minimum TOEFL score of 100.0 is required for this program.

Is GRE or GMAT required for admission to Doctoral Programme in Governance?

No, this program does not require a GRE or GMAT score for admission.

When is the application deadline for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

Available intakes include: .

Are scholarships available for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

This specific program does not list a dedicated scholarship, but GCQ360 can help you explore other funding and scholarship options at Hertie School.

What is the study mode and language of instruction for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

This program is offered in Full-time mode, taught in English at the Berlin campus.

Is work experience, an internship, or a thesis required for Doctoral Programme in Governance?

This program has no minimum work experience requirement. No thesis is required to graduate.

Can GCQ360 help me apply to Doctoral Programme in Governance?

Yes -- a GCQ360 counsellor can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and the application process for Doctoral Programme in Governance at Hertie School, Berlin, Germany.