Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) Hertie School

English is the official language of instruction at the Hertie School. Students do not need to be able to speak German.

The Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) 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.

1 December 2025: early-bird deadline*
15 January 2026: non-EU priority deadline
15 February 2026: EU priority deadline
1 May 2026: final application deadline

*Students who submit their application by 1 December will automatically receive a tuition waiver, which can also be combined with other scholarships.

Before submitting your application, remember to carefully read our admission requirements.

Tuition for the two-year MDS programme at the Hertie School is currently 38,500 EUR (9,625 EUR per semester).

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.

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.

9,625 EUR

Tuition for the two-year MDS programme at the Hertie School is currently 38,500 EUR (9,625 EUR per semester).

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")

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%

Unless you are a native speaker or you have completed your entire undergraduate degree at an English-language university, you must verify your language skills with an official English test.

The Hertie School recognises the Cambridge ESOL qualifications CPE (C), CAE (B), and the IELTS (7.0 overall and 7.0 in writing) as well as the TOEFL test (PBT 600; CBT 250; iBT 100, writing: 25) and the online Duolingo exam (125).

1 December 2025: early-bird deadline*
15 January 2026: non-EU priority deadline
15 February 2026: EU priority deadline
1 May 2026: final application deadline

*Students who submit their application by 1 December will automatically receive a tuition waiver, which can also be combined with other scholarships.

Before submitting your application, remember to carefully read our admission requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2003 by the Hertie Foundation, the Hertie School became Germany's first professional school for public policy and was granted official state recognition in 2005.

Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network set the Hertie School apart. In preparing exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society, the Hertie School is positioned as an ambassador of good governance and is characterised by public debate and engagement. "Understand today. Shape tomorrow." is our motto.

The Hertie School has four Master's programmes: the Master of Public Policy (since 2005), the Executive Master of Public Administration (since 2008), the Master of International Affairs (since 2015), and the Master of Data Science for Public Policy (since 2020).

In 2011, the Hertie School was one of the few private universities in Germany to receive the right to award doctorates. The doctoral programme in Governance started in 2012.

Berlin is in the heart of Europe. And we are in the heart of Berlin.

Germany's capital is a hub for political and cultural events, and a crossroads for travel in Europe and beyond. Located in the city's "Mitte" neighbourhood, the Hertie School is just minutes away from the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and other important political and historic landmarks.

Berlin is a political hub: young, diverse and international.

As the capital of Germany, Berlin is the epicentre for political decision-makers and policy debates. It is also a city where history is all around, a fascinating backdrop for studying data science for public policy. Berlin draws young people from around the world, bringing with them a diverse set of cultures, skills and activities.

Berlin is affordable and easy to navigate

Among Berlin’s many assets is its affordability. Housing and general expenses are relatively lower than in many major capitals worldwide. It’s especially welcoming for students, with countless special discounts at many venues.

It is also known as a very bike-friendly city, thanks to a flat landscape and many cycling paths. Whether on foot, by bike or public transportation, life in Berlin is accessible and easy-going. As part of their student ID, students in Berlin also receive a semester ticket that is valid for all means of public transportation in the entire city.