2025 Graduation

The Hertie School's graduation ceremony stands out as one of the most remarkable in Germany. Featuring distinguished commencement speakers, compelling speeches, and a well-orchestrated blend of live music, stage design, and lighting, the event takes place in renowned theatres in the heart of Berlin. The ceremony is carefully crafted to provide an impactful moment for guests, allowing them to join in the celebration of the graduates on stage. Following the graduation ceremony, a brief reception will take place, featuring live music and several designated photo areas to capture special moments.

Here's an overview of registration time for graduates and guests:

9:00 – 9:30 AM: Graduate registration (Mandatory) - This time slot is for graduates only. Please ask your guests not to accompany you during check-in.

• Please arrive on time. Graduates who fail to check in during this window will be withdrawn from the stage program and will not have their names called.
• Bring a valid personal ID (e.g., passport, student ID, or driver’s license).
• Upon check-in, you will receive a wristband and a graduate scarf.
• An information counter by the Examination Office will be available for urgent queries.

9:30 – 10:00 AM: Graduate Briefing (inside the event location)

10:00 – 10:50 AM: Guest Check-In

• Please ask your guests to bring and present a valid ID.
• Graduates who have completed briefing may leave briefly to meet their guests, using the designated re-entry gate. Event staff and security will be on-site to assist.
• Guests requiring wheelchair access will be guided to elevators that lead directly to accessible seating areas.

At the ceremony, diplomas will be presented to graduates who have fulfilled all their study requirements and completed the check-out process, as outlined in the Moodle Exit Counseling tutorial. If you haven't met both conditions but are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, you will receive a letter confirming the completion of your studies on stage, instead of the original diploma.

Even if you have successfully passed the exams, completed the check-out process, and are eligible to attend the graduation ceremony, arriving later than the designated registration time will result in the removal of your name from the stage programme. Consequently, you will not be invited to the stage for the diploma handover.

Please ensure prompt arrival as no exceptions will be made. Your cooperation in adhering to the schedule is appreciated.

1. Welcome Remarks
2. Commencement Speech
3. Conferment of Degrees: Master of Public Policy Graduates
4. Conferment of Degrees: Master of International Affairs Graduates
5. Speech by Student Speakers
6. Conferment of Degrees: Master of Data Science for Public Policy Graduates
7. Conferment of Degrees: Executive Master of Public Administration Graduates
8. PhD Graduates
9. Conferment of Degrees: Executive Master of Public Administration Graduates
10. Poster Competition Awards
11. DAAD Awards
12. Closing Remarks

Please note that this agenda is subject to change.

Hertie merchandise items will be available for purchase at the Philharmonie Berlin. Cash, credit card, PayPal, ApplePay and GooglePay payments are accepted.

If you have already received your graduation documents, you will receive a letter confirming the completion of your degree on stage. In this case, please refrain from bringing your diploma to the ceremony.

1. Graduation scarves will be distributed at the ceremony. Degrees will be conferred to all graduates who have completed the check-out process.

2. Diplomas and scarves will be sent to students unable to attend in person. Please ensure your address is current and accurate through MyStudies or provide a suitable mailing address to examinationoffice[at]hertie-school[dot]org. Graduates residing in Berlin are encouraged to personally collect their degrees.