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The Hertie School Climate Action Scholarship 2026 is a competitive, fully funded scholarship offered by the Hertie School, a leading public policy and governance institution based in Berlin, Germany. Designed for students with a passion for climate action, sustainability, energy policy, and environmental transformation, the scholarship supports outstanding applicants to the school’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme.
This scholarship recognises that global climate change and energy transition are among the most pressing governance challenges of the 21st century. It aims to empower future leaders with the academic tools, policy insights, and practical skills needed to contribute to sustainable development, renewable energy transitions, and equitable climate governance. As part of a broader suite of full scholarships at Hertie, the Climate Action Scholarship offers robust support to inspire and develop professionals committed to real‑world climate solutions.
Location
The Climate Action Scholarship supports study at the Hertie School in Berlin, located in Germany. Berlin is a major European hub for international policy, governance, civil society, and sustainability research, providing an academically vibrant and culturally diverse environment. The MPP programme is taught in English and brings together students from around the world.
Benefits
Recipients of the Climate Action Scholarship receive full financial support for their graduate studies. The core benefits include:
Full tuition coverage for the two‑year Master of Public Policy programme at the Hertie School – valued at approximately €38,500 per award.
Eligibility for additional awards, such as the TSH Talent Foundation Changemaker Scholarship (an optional supplementary scholarship for selected recipients).
Access to the Hertie School’s academic resources, seminars, workshops, and events in governance and sustainability.
Inclusion in an international student cohort focused on public policy and leadership.
While the scholarship covers full tuition, it does not automatically include living expenses, so students should plan accordingly for accommodation and personal costs in Berlin.
Compensation / Funding
The Climate Action Scholarship is classified as a fully funded tuition scholarship. It covers:
100% of tuition fees for the MPP programme at the Hertie School (€38,500 value per award).
Access to additional scholarship opportunities (such as supplementary awards) that recipients may be eligible for.
Recipients are responsible for managing their own living costs, visa finances (if applicable), health insurance, and other personal expenses while studying in Berlin.
Positions / Study Fields
The scholarship is specifically linked to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme at the Hertie School. Within this programme, students may pursue coursework and research related to:
Climate policy and governance
Sustainability transitions and environmental policy
Energy systems, renewable energy, and policy frameworks
Public administration and policy implementation for climate action
Governance structures that support equitable and resilient societies
The scholarship is not available for other degree programmes outside the MPP track, such as the Master of International Affairs (MIA) or other research degrees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Climate Action Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Admission to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme at the Hertie School. Applicants cannot apply for the scholarship without first securing formal admission to the MPP course.
Strong academic record and demonstrated capability to succeed in a competitive graduate programme.
Passion and commitment to climate action, sustainability, or energy policy, usually expressed in a personal statement.
Open to all nationalities; no nationality restrictions apply.
Applicants may only apply for one full scholarship per year.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding — selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit, motivation, alignment with the scholarship’s focus, and often interview performance.
Who Should Apply
The Climate Action Scholarship is particularly suitable for:
Graduates seeking to pursue public policy education with a climate and sustainability focus.
Early‑ to mid‑career professionals with experience or aspirations in climate governance, sustainability advocacy, or energy transition.
Applicants passionate about transforming policy environments to address climate challenges and promote equitable, sustainable futures.
Students with a track record of involvement in community, policy, environmental, or governance initiatives who want to deepen their analytical and policy skills.
Individuals aiming to work in government, international organisations, NGOs, or policy‑oriented research institutions focused on climate action and sustainability.
Candidates should be ready to articulate how their future goals align with global climate policy and governance in their applications.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to prepare the following when applying, both for programme admission and the scholarship component:
Completed application for admission to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme at the Hertie School.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous studies.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education and relevant experience.
Personal statement or motivational essay explaining interest in climate action and sustainability, and how the MPP will support these goals.
Letters of recommendation (usually two) from academic or professional referees.
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) — required for admission to the MPP programme.
After receiving an admission offer, applicants are invited to submit the funding application, which includes a personal statement specific to the Climate Action Scholarship. Shortlisted candidates may also be invited to an interview with the faculty.
How to Apply (Steps)
Applying for the Climate Action Scholarship requires completing both programme admission and scholarship application steps:
Research the MPP programme
Review the Hertie School Master of Public Policy requirements and curriculum.Submit the MPP admission application
Apply through the official Hertie School admissions portal before the relevant deadline.Receive admission offer
Wait for the Hertie School to issue a formal admission decision.Access the funding application
Once admitted, log in to the funding portal and start the scholarship application.Write and submit the personal statement
Prepare a focused personal statement (usually one page) explaining your interest in climate action, how your study will support your goals, and your potential impact.Submit the funding application
Complete and upload all required scholarship documents within the given timeframe (typically two weeks after admission).Interview and evaluation
Shortlisted applicants are often invited to an interview with faculty to further discuss motivation and alignment.Notification
Successful candidates receive formal scholarship offers along with their admission package.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
Tailor your personal statement to emphasize specific climate policy goals and how the MPP fits into your career trajectory.
Highlight leadership experience or professional engagements related to sustainability.
Prepare for the interview by reviewing relevant policy work and the Hertie School’s research focus.
Common Mistakes
Writing a generic personal statement that does not clearly tie to climate action goals.
Missing the admission or scholarship deadline — these are strict and vary by applicant nationality.
Submitting incomplete documents or references.
Waiting until the last minute to apply; early submissions help avoid technical issues.
Deadline
The application timeline for the Hertie School Climate Action Scholarship 2026 aligns with the MPP admissions cycle. Priority deadlines typically fall on:
1 December 2025 — Early Bird deadline (tuition fee savings and earliest consideration).
15 January 2026 — Priority deadline for non‑EU/EEA applicants.
15 February 2026 — Priority deadline for EU/EEA applicants.
Some scholarships and funding applications may also accept submissions up to 1 May 2026, depending on the cohort and remaining funding rounds.
Official apply link
https://www.hertie-school.org/en/study/funding/full-scholarships/climate-action-scholarship
FAQ
Q1: Is the Climate Action Scholarship fully funded?
Yes — it provides full tuition coverage for the Hertie School Master of Public Policy programme.
Q2: Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open to all nationalities, provided you are admitted to the MPP programme.
Q3: Do I need work experience to qualify?
Work experience is not strictly required, but demonstrating policy, leadership, or sustainability involvement strengthens your application.