Funding your Executive MPA

By applying to the Executive MPA, you are taking an exciting step towards the future of your career! When considering whether to pursue post-graduate studies, however, questions will naturally arise around how to fund your degree. In this post, we’ll discuss various ways to do so, both within the Hertie School and beyond.

Funding from the Hertie School

Executive MPA applicants are eligible for seven partial scholarships from the Hertie School. These scholarships cover up to 50% of the tuition fees, with most having a deadline of 1 June:

• Digital Leadership Scholarship
• European Governance Scholarship
• Social Entrepreneurship and Non-Profit Management Scholarship
• Public Service Fellowship
• Vetor Brazil Fellowship
• Public Servants in Brazil Scholarship
• Teach for India Fellowship

Our partial scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated interest, experience, and background in the corresponding topic, as well as general fit for the Executive MPA programme. Note, however, that awardees are not required to focus their studies on the scholarship topic and are welcome to pursue any of the Executive MPA courses.

To apply, be sure to fill out the Financial Information and Scholarship section of your online application form. You can only be considered for one, so choose according to your interests and expertise! We will also need a bit of information in your letter of motivation as to why you are a good fit for the scholarship.

If you feel none of the scholarships are a good fit, you can still be considered for a Hertie School tuition waiver. This form of funding is open to everybody with financial need and can cover anywhere from 10-50% of the tuition fees. As with our scholarships, you will declare your interest in a tuition waiver on your application.

Modular entry

If you’d like to get a taste of the Executive MPA before enrolling officially in the programme, you have the option to take one, or several, courses via modular entry. If you take multiple courses, you can also qualify for an Executive Certificate. If you decide to continue with the full master’s (which we hope you do!), the paid fees and completed credits will be put towards your degree. It’s a great way to get to know the programme and the Hertie School before enrolling. Your employer might also be more likely to fund a certificate programme, or one or two courses, as opposed to a complete master’s degree.

Personalised payment plan

Executive MPA students have the option of completing their course in one year as a full-time student, or in two years as a part-time student. Full-time students will pay their tuition in two installments of 18,250 euros over the course of one year. Part-time students will have four installments of 8,125 euros over the course of two years. Additionally, once you are admitted you can get in touch with our Finance Team to enquire about a personal payment plan, to best accommodate your personal financial situation.

Support from your employer

Your employer may also be able to assist with co-financing your studies, by covering the cost of one, or several, courses or even the entirety of the tuition fees. If you need any documents or additional information to approach your training department of supervisor, please let us know. We’re happy to assist!

Some organisations allow Executive MPA students to continue working remotely while they are completing their studies in Germany. If you are a full-time student from a country outside of the EU and completing the one-year track, note that you can work up to twenty hours per week with a student residence permit.

If you are from, or already work in, Germany, you have a few further options to consider. Members of the Higher Civil Service, or “höherer Dienst,” who are employed by the Federal Government and lower agencies may also be eligible for direct financial support. Most states also have legislation allowing employees to take a period of educational leave, whilst still receiving their full salary. If you are from Germany, it is possible to declare your educational expenses on your taxes; if you are from outside of Germany, speak with your tax advisor about whether this is possible for you.

Of course, there is a further variety of external scholarships, grants and loans you can consider for funding your Executive MPA studies. If you’re unsure how to start your search, or if you’d like any further information on external funding opportunities, check out the External Funding page on our website. You can also email the Funding Office directly at studentfunding[at]hertie-school[dot]org. 

If you have questions about your Executive MPA studies in general, we’re always happy to speak with you! Feel free to reach out to us at empa-admissions[at]hertie-school[dot]org, or schedule a one-on-one call here.