The glass-walled European Parliament Paul Henri-Spaak building facade in Brussels.

Germany Annual cycle — Master's admission runs in rounds from autumn to spring for the following September intake; earlier rounds maximise scholarship chances

Hertie School Merit & Need-Based Scholarships

The Hertie School in Berlin is Germany's leading private graduate school of governance, offering English-taught Master's degrees in public policy, international affairs, and data science for public policy. It awards merit-based and need-based scholarships — covering anywhere from a portion to the full tuition fee — to outstanding international applicants, including those from Sri Lanka. For Sri Lankan graduates aiming at careers in policy, development, diplomacy, or the public sector, Hertie combines a globally connected Berlin location with strong scholarship support. Awards are decided as part of admission, so a single strong application is assessed for both a place and funding, with some named scholarships targeting candidates from developing countries.

Hertie School, Berlin

University-funded

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Value

Partial to full tuition

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Programmes

Public policy, international affairs, data

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Basis

Merit and/or need

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Location

Berlin, Germany

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International Applicant

Open to international applicants, including Sri Lankans, applying to an eligible Hertie School English-taught Master's programme.

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Strong Bachelor's Degree

A good Bachelor's (or equivalent) in any relevant discipline. Hertie values a clear commitment to public service alongside academic strength.

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Merit and Need

Some scholarships are purely merit-based; others factor in financial need, and certain named awards prioritise candidates from developing countries — relevant for Sri Lankan applicants.

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English Proficiency

Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) is required unless waived. Many Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with standard tests.

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Apply Early

Scholarship budgets are allocated across admission rounds, so applying in an earlier round generally improves your funding prospects.

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Apply for Master's admission

Apply to your chosen Hertie School Master's programme, indicating your interest in scholarship support within the application.

Provide scholarship documentation

Submit any required merit/need documentation (e.g. financial information for need-based awards) alongside your transcripts, references, and motivation.

Selection

Hertie assesses applicants on academic merit, motivation, and (for relevant awards) need, allocating scholarships from the available budget within each round.

Accept and enrol

Successful applicants receive an admission and scholarship offer, complete Germany's student-visa process, and enrol for the September intake.

About the Hertie School

The Hertie School is a private, internationally oriented graduate school in central Berlin dedicated to public policy and governance, with a diverse global student body and strong links to government, NGOs, and international organisations. Germany's affordable living, central European location, and 18-month post-study job-search visa make it an attractive base for Sri Lankan policy graduates.