Program details
English
Language of Instruction
Oct
Available Intake(s)
The Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy is a two-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English that brings together students from both technical and social science backgrounds in order to deepen their analytical skills and develop an in-depth understanding of the policy world. Learning how to leverage AI's transformative capabilities and data science-based decision-making is fundamental to the programme. If you are passionate about turning data into responsible decisions in order to tackle some of the world's most complex challenges across all sectors, then this programme is for you. Combine data science with public policy Students begin their studies building a foundation in data science with courses such as data structures and algorithms while simultaneously engaging with the fundamentals of public policy. Over the course of eight connected modules that emphasise practical training and professional development, students broaden their skills in data science, ethical decision-making, good governance and leadership. Students also have the opportunity to take courses from a wide portfolio of electives to expand their knowledge in data science, public policy and even international affairs. These courses give students the knowledge, concepts and tools required to write their Master’s theses on concrete problems in the broader field of data science.
A GCQ360 counsellor can help you with eligibility, documents, and your application timeline.
In their first semester at Hertie School, MDS students take the following foundational courses: data structures and algorithms, an introduction to data science, the policy process and economics. In their second semester, students take mathematics for data science, causal inference, and machine learning as well as law and governance. All students must complete a summer internship between their first and second years of study. Alternatively, those who want to gain more extensive working experience can apply to complete a “Professional Year”. For their third and fourth semesters, MDS students build awareness of the challenges of governing data and artificial intelligence and develop their management and leadership skills to address these challenges. Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue two electives of their choice in data science, public policy and even international affairs. For more information on the MDS curriculum, please check out our website. | International guest lecturers Specialist literature in other languages Courses are led with foreign partners Projects with partners in Germany and abroad International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context Content-related regional focus | All students complete a summer internship between their first and second years of study. The Hertie School partners with institutions from all three sectors to offer internship positions. If you want even more working experience, you can apply to complete a full "Professional Year" between the first and second years of your studies. The professional year is not compulsory, but it offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain professional experience during their studies. Find more information on career development on our website. | German language courses: No | English language courses: No
As of Sep 7, 2026, verify on the university’s site.
Early Bird Deadline: 1 December Priority deadline for non EU/EEA applicants: 15 January Priority deadline for EU/EEA applicants: 15 February Final deadline: 1 May
Please check this website.
No minimum language level required
Tuition Fee
$22,713
The university has not stated whether this figure is annual or for the full programme. We verify this on request before you apply.
Looking for living expenses, accommodation, scholarships, placements, or campus facilities? See the university page.
Approx. 300 EUR per semester This fee includes the following: semester ticket for Berlin public transport "Studierendenwerk" fee (mandatory semester contribution that allows you to access all services provided by the "Studierendenwerk Berlin")
Yes | The Hertie School is committed to attracting the best students from around the world. To achieve this goal, we provide financial support to students in the form of full and partial scholarships. Currently, about half of our students receive funding directly from the school. Our Student Funding Office also offers assistance in finding external funding options.
All questions related to getting started as a student at the Hertie School and getting settled in Berlin can be directed to our Student Life team. They support admitted applicants with health insurance, visa applications, residency registration, and finding accommodation. For more information on housing options in Berlin, have a look at our website.
No minimum language level required
The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: all countries 9,875 EUR
Please find details on the course website.
Yes
As a full-time student in Germany, you can work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies. The career development team provides information regarding the German job market and supports students in their job searches.
Welcome event Buddy programme Specialist counselling Cultural and linguistic preparation Visa matters
Career planning is a lifelong matter. Be it a CV check, internship or "Professional Year" advice, mock interviews, general orientation or decision-making, the Career Development team at Hertie School supports students and alumni in all matters related to professional development.
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.
Bucerius Law School
Funding
Merit- and need-based awards toward the EUR 25,000 tuition fee
Applicants to the Master of Law and Business (LLM/MLB) programme; early-bird and scholarship deadline is January 15 for the September intake
National Merit Foundation
Funding
Full tuition waiver
For students admitted to an accredited university program, based on financial need and merit.
Il servizio di scambio accademico tedesco (DAAD)
Funding
EUR Research Stays, Scholarships, and Master's Programs
Students from pontifical universities.
Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy is a Master program in Political Science offered by Hertie School in Berlin, Germany.
The estimated tuition fee for this program is approximately $22,713 USD per year.
Minimum qualification required: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree (BSc/BA or its international equivalent) and must be fluent in English. See our website for detailed admission requirements. All applications are assessed based on the following criteria: Academic excellence: Strength of academic background, academic performance – grades/transcripts, general academic qualification, linguistic qualification; weight: 40% Personal suitability and motivation: CV, professional experience, entrepreneurship, international experience, civic engagement; and convincing motivation to study data science for public policy at Hertie School; weight: 30% 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); weight 30%.
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A minimum TOEFL score of 100.0 is required for this program.
No, this program does not require a GRE or GMAT score for admission.
Available intakes include: .
This specific program does not list a dedicated scholarship, but GCQ360 can help you explore other funding and scholarship options at Hertie School.
This program is offered in Full-time mode, taught in English at the Berlin campus.
This program has no minimum work experience requirement. No thesis is required to graduate.
Yes -- a GCQ360 counsellor can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and the application process for Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy at Hertie School, Berlin, Germany.
