Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we receive from prospective students interested in the Master of Public Policy programme.
If you do not find an answer to your question below, please contact our MPP team (MPP(at)hertie-school.org)
Admission Requirements
What are the application deadlines for the MPP programme?
The application deadlines for the MPP programme beginning in September 2012 will be 31 January 2012 and for late applications 1 May 2012. If you wish to be considered for financial assistance you need to apply before the first deadline of 31 January 2012.
The deadline for sending in your English proficiency tests is May 1st, 2012.
When can I expect to receive the admission decision?
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. The earlier you submit your (complete) application, including all required supporting materials, the earlier we can give you feedback. The school seeks to admit students with strong applications as soon as possible.
Decisions regarding internal financial assistance will be released at the end of March.
What are the minimum academic requirements to apply to the MPP?
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree (BA) of at least six semesters' duration at an institution of higher education. This includes a BA obtained from a German "Fachhochschule". Candidates with higher degrees are encouraged to apply. Many of our current students hold higher degrees.
Is application to the MPP limited to students with a certain academic background?
No. While we expect that many applicants will have completed their studies with degress in subjects related to public policy (i.e. political science, economics, sociology or law), the MPP programme at the Hertie School of Governance is open to all academic backgrounds.
Will I need to speak German to be able to study at the Hertie School of Governance?
No. The only language of instruction at the Hertie School of Governance is English.
Which English tests does the Hertie School of Governance accept?
The Hertie School of Governance recognizes the TOEFL tests (PBT 600, CBT 250, iBT 100), the Cambridge ESOL qualifications (CPE C, CAE B) as well as the IELTS (with an overall score of at least 7.0 and a writing score of at least 7.0). In order to assure that the test is sent directly to us, please note that our TOEFL test school code is 8874.
Test results may not be more than two (2) years old. If your result is not available when you submit your application, please indicate the date when you will take one of the tests mentioned above on your application form.
Short-term study abroad, au-pair home-stays or language school certificates will not be accepted as test replacements.
Can I waive the English test?
Yes. Non-native speakers can waive the English test if they have earned an undergraduate degree at an academic institution, whose official language of instruction is English. Applicants holding only a Masters degree from an English-speaking graduate school are not exempt.
Is work experience required for admission to the MPP?
No. Work experience is not required to be admitted to the programme. However, relevant work experience (internships, project management, regular job positions, etc.) will be an asset in your application.
Can I apply to the Future of Europe stipend if I have a strong interest in European governance but am not European myself?
Unfortunately the Future of Europe stipend is only for EU nationals.
Is there a different application or form to apply for the Future of Europe stipend?
If you meet the criteria and would like to be considered for this stipend, please send us an additional letter of motivation (max. 1 page) in which you explain how you can contribute to the future of Europe and why you should be awarded the stipend. Please send your statement directly to mpp(at)hertie-school.org with the following subject line: Future of Europe Stipend – your name.
Application Process
Are there any fields in the application form which must be filled in?
Yes. All fields with an asterisk (*) need to be filled in before you can submit your application form.
Can I save and access the application form again?
Yes, you will be able to access and edit the information up until the point when you submit the application. The first time you save your data, an email will be sent to you with your user-ID and password. You willl need this ID and password in order to be able to access your application form again. Please make sure that our MPP office always has your current email and home address, since all of our communication will be carried out by email.
Which documents are required for the online application?
Please click here for a complete list of required documents.
Which documents must be sent as hard copies via mail?
Please upload as many of the required documents as possible. Hard copies are not necessary until after acceptance into the programme. Once you are admitted, hard copies of all official academic transcripts and degree certificates (and certified/notarised copies) are required in order to be officially enrolled in the MPP program. These should be mailed in as soon as the offer of admission is accepted (latest by 31 August 2012).
Can I apply without an undergraduate certificate?
If you are not yet in possession of certificate, please indicate when you will receive it. You need to have completed your undergraduate studies by 31 August 2012 in order to be able to register for the MPP programme beginning on 1 September 2012.
May I send you documents other than the required documents together with my application?
Yes. You are free to submit any other documents which you think will be of interest to the admissions committee. In particular, these could be job references, proof of any professional training, part-time jobs, voluntary work or civic engagement which is relevant to the field of public policy or which you think may enhance your chances of admission. But please, do not send us original documents, as we are not able to return application materials to you.
Which application documents need to be translated into English?
All your documents need to be submitted in English. While you are expected to write your motivation letter and CV by yourself, if your degree certificates, transcripts and/or reference letters were originally issued in a language other than English, they must be translated by a sworn (court-registered) translator. Personal translators by yourself or language teachers are not acceptable. You may contact your local American Embassy or British Consulate for a list of certified translators in your area. Translations must be literal, i.e. grades should not be transferred into other grading systems.
Please note that if you are the holder of a high school diploma or university degree issued in German, this may submitted in German. However, a translation into English of your academic transcript will still be necessary.
Which application documents need to be certified?
All copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (high school / college / university) submitted need to be notarized / certified. If your documents were originally issued in English, they will have a stamp from the issuing authority wich automatically certifies them. If your documents were originally issued in a language other than English, then the certified translator provides sufficient certification for us. There is no need to have your documents notarized with public authorities like ministries or public notaries, or to get an apostille.
Letters of Reference
What is the procedure concerning the letter(s) of reference?
While we prefer applicants to upload all their documents in their online application, we understand that in some places, it might be common practice for the referees to hand out sealed envelopes or mail the letters directly to universities. If you or your referee are not comfortable with having an open letter, and it is therefore not possible to upload it in the online aplication, you have two options:
1.Your referee may directly email us his reference letter to mpp(at)hertie-school.org
2. You or your referee may send the sealed evelope directly to our postal address.
How many letters of reference do I need to submit?
We officially require only one academic letter of reference to process your application; however, you may include up to three additional letters of reference, either academic or professional.
We strongly recommend that you wait until you have all your reference letters before submitting your application. If this is not possible please either upload a word document in your online application, detailing which letters we should still expect, or notify us at MPP(at)hertie-school.org right after you have submitted your application. The letters must then be emailed to the same address as soon as they are available.
Which is the correct format for the letters?
You may use this form, but it is only optional. Please upload it in .pdf format in the online application. If you choose not to use the official Hertie form, you must be sure to have your referee sign and include all contact details into the letter.
Who should write the letter of reference?
It should be a person who is in a position to assess your academic work. Typically, these are university professors/academics who have taught you in the past.
Other Questions / General Information
Is the GRE or GMAT required for application to the MPP?
No. GRE and GMAT results are not required to apply for the MPP. However, we encourage applicants to submit their results if they are taking the test anyways, as it helps us to evaluate the candidates’ profiles.
Do I have to send the orginals of my degree certificates?
No. Please do not send originals of your degree certificates or of any other documents. Please be aware that we will not be able to send back application materials / documents to applicants.
What is the duration of the MPP programme at the Hertie School of Governance?
The MPP is a two-year programme, consisting of 4 academic semesters and one mandatory 8-week internship during the summer break. The Hertie School follows the American academic calendar with the Fall semester lasting (roughly) from 1 September to 15 December and the Spring semester lasting (roughly) from 1 February to 15 May.
Will accommodation be provided? Who can I contact should I need help in looking for a place to live?
The Hertie School is located in the center of Berlin and does not have a campus providing student housing. However, the city of Berlin offers ample opportunity for accommodation at relatively reasonable rates. Our Student Services office (studentservices(at)hertie-school.org) will supply information about accommodation and housing. Here you can find initial information about housing opportunities for students in Berlin:
www.house-of-nations.de / www.studentenwerke.de / www.wohnheim-berlin.de
Will I be supported in dealing with the German authorities if necessary (questions concerning visas, residence permits, etc.)?
Yes. Our Student Services office (studentservices(at)hertie-school.org) will offer support in administrative issues such as visa, residence permits, health insurance, etc.
Does the Hertie School of Governance have a Career Services Centre?
Yes. Our Career Services team supports students in finding internship positions and offers individual coaching sessions as well as application training.
