Who we are

Students

About our students

The Hertie School prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. Its Master of Public Policy, Master of International Affairs and PhD programmes equip students and young researchers to work at the cutting edge of governance and public policy. Experienced professionals can deepen their skills in the fields of public management and public policy through a range of Executive Education offers.

The Hertie School’s greatest asset is the quality of its students. Since the school was established, we have welcomed students from over 95 countries. Their rich and diverse backgrounds find expression in a host of initiatives, making campus life and life in Berlin much more than just a classroom experience.

Student and alumni activities

Hertie School students regularly contribute to public discussions with heads of state, ministers, leading academics, CEOs, and representatives of international organisations. Check out the events section to learn more or listen to the debates on our podcast.

By means of The Governance Post, an online student magazine on modern governance, as well as through informal discussions with ambassadors, student and alumni lectures and international conferences such as the European Public Policy Conference and the GPPN Student Conference, a culture of exchange on public policy and governance is fostered.

Students have also initiated many clubs catering to cultural, political and social interests. Whether it’s playing football on the field or on the kicker table, discussing social innovation, sustainability and international political economy, or learning a new language, they are constantly taking the initiative to make the most of their time at the school.

And this doesn’t end when they graduate: The alumni network is an integral part of life at the Hertie School, benefitting students and graduates in their personal and professional lives.

Students with president Henrik Enderlein at the 2019 GPPN conference in Singapore.
Students take a break during bi-annual De-Stress Fest.
MPP and MIA students win the German Jessup National Champion - off to DC for world finals.
Country presentations throughout the semester: Giving it up for Canada!
Saying goodbye to our exchange students with a boat trip down the Spree.
Student-led European Public Policy Conference in Madrid spotlights tech and society.
The Hertie School's runner club practise for the half marathon.
Students visit a town hall event with former US president Barack Obama.
Welcome Week - where everyone gets to know each other!

Student representation

The student association HSR represents and protects the interests of Hertie School students and carries out a number of specific tasks like club funding. In addition, each of the degree programmes has elected student representatives who serve as academic representatives and advocate on behalf of students in the Academic Senate and other school governance bodies. 

From our students: Red sofa on tour

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The Master of Public Policy Class of 2016 created a video about their years studying at the Hertie School which was shown at their graduation:
This is about our last two years. This is about us.