Are you interested in how AI, data and digital technology are changing government and society? The Hertie School in Berlin offers the Digital Governance Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship worth €39,500 for its Master of Public Policy (MPP). It is open to applicants of all nationalities, including Nigerians and other Africans.
For non-EU applicants, the key dates are the Early Bird deadline on 1 December 2026 and the priority deadline on 15 January 2027.
About the Digital Governance Scholarship
The Hertie School is a university of public policy and governance based in Berlin. Its Digital Governance Scholarship supports MPP students who want to explore the challenges of digital transformation, such as automation, misinformation, data privacy and the governance of artificial intelligence. The school awards at least two of these full scholarships.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full scholarship worth €39,500, covering 100% of tuition fees for the Master of Public Policy
- A place on a leading public policy master’s in Berlin
Please note: the full scholarships cover tuition only. They do not cover living expenses, so plan how you will pay for accommodation and living costs in Berlin.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants of all nationalities
- Applicants to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Hertie School
- People with a genuine interest in digitalisation and AI policy
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent. If you are still studying, you must finish all undergraduate coursework and exams before the programme starts in autumn 2027.
You may apply for only one full scholarship per year.
How Applicants Are Assessed
The Hertie School’s admissions page says MPP applicants are assessed on:
- Personal suitability (40%)
- Academic excellence (40%)
- Motivation (20%): motivation to study public policy and to study at the Hertie School
Shortlisted scholarship candidates are invited to an interview with a faculty member.
Application Deadlines
You must apply to the MPP by one of these deadlines to be considered for the scholarship:
- Early Bird: 1 December 2026 (also gives a discounted tuition fee)
- Priority deadline for non-EU/EEA applicants: 15 January 2027
- Priority deadline for EU/EEA applicants: 15 February 2027
The Hertie School recommends applying as early as possible. The final MPP deadline is 1 May 2027, but scholarship applicants should use the Early Bird or priority deadlines.
How to Apply
- Apply to the MPP through the Hertie School’s online application by 1 December 2026 or 15 January 2027. You will need your transcripts, a letter of motivation, English test results and one referee’s contact details.
- Wait for your admission offer. You cannot apply for the scholarship until you have been admitted.
- Submit the scholarship application quickly. After you are admitted, you get access to the scholarship funding application. The scholarship page gives you two weeks to submit it, but the MPP admissions page says three days, so have your statement ready in advance.
- Write a one-page personal statement on your interest in digitalisation and how studying at the Hertie School will help you pursue it.
Read the full details on the official Digital Governance Scholarship page and the MPP admissions page.
More Fully Funded Opportunities
- Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) 2027–28 at LSE (closes 11 January 2027)
- NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 (closes 15 December 2026)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Open Now (2027 Intake)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply for the Hertie School Digital Governance Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities. As non-EU applicants, Nigerians should apply by 1 December 2026 or 15 January 2027.
Does the scholarship cover living costs?
No. It covers 100% of tuition fees (€39,500), but not living expenses.
Do I apply for the scholarship and the MPP at the same time?
No. You apply for the MPP first. Once admitted, you get access to the scholarship application.
How many scholarships are available?
At least two full Digital Governance Scholarships.
