Getting ready for credential evaluation

It’s almost that time of year again! Learn more about the credential evaluation process for the MPP, MIA and Executive MPA programmes.

The sun is coming out here in Berlin, and the beginning of the new semester is approaching – which means credential evaluation at the Hertie School is just around the corner. We know that incoming students are eagerly preparing to begin their studies this fall, and that some questions about our credential evaluation process may remain.

If you’re an incoming student, you already submitted digital copies of your university transcripts and diplomas when you initially applied. Now we just need to verify these with your original documents (or official copies). Here’s how it works:

You need to provide original/certified copies of the following documents:

Your first bachelor's diploma and transcript. If the transcript clearly states the degree you obtained and the date you graduated, a separate diploma is not required and just the transcript will suffice.
Diplomas for any additional bachelor's or master's degrees you have obtained (if applicable).

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An original version of your degree or transcript is the official stamped copy issued by your undergraduate university. Your university can also send these to us directly via e-mail or post.

Certified copies are copies verified by your university or another official institution such as an embassy, ministry or notary. This includes documents with an apostille certification.

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Degrees and transcripts need to be issued in English, German, Spanish or French, or translated into one of these languages by a court-sworn translator. Translations from court-sworn translators will be accepted if you present the originals along with the translations of your documents.

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Perhaps your thesis is still under evaluation, or maybe you’re still waiting on your final transcripts and diplomas. In such cases, please provide us with official copies of the transcripts you’ve received so far.

Additionally, ask your university to provide you with an official statement confirming the pending documents and credits needed to complete your degree. Once the pending documents become available, you or your university should submit them to us, as explained below.

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Option 1: Have your university send them to us directly either per post or via e-mail. Many universities will send official copies of your transcripts on request. If your university offers an online verification service, you can e-mail us the link and further information. Alternatively, you can provide your registrar's office with the e-mail address from which you received your offer of admission. With online verification, you won’t have to provide any hard copies at all.

Option 2: Bring them to our office in person – in fact, we recommend this if you aren’t comfortable with sending your documents in the mail or being without them for a few days. MPP and MIA students can do this during Orientation Week (31 August to 4 September 2020). Alternatively, all master’s students can schedule an individual appointment with us for credential evaluation. After verifying your documents, you can take them with you again.

Option 3: Drop them off in person at the Hertie School’s reception desk, addressing them to the Admissions Office. We will e-mail you when they are ready to be picked up again.

Option 4: Mail the original or certified copies and translations (if applicable) to the following address:

Hertie School
Recruitment and Admissions
Friedrichstr. 180
10117 Berlin
Germany

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The deadline to submit all documents for verification is 4 September 2020 for MPP, MIA and Executive MPA students. If your university isn’t able to make your official documents available to you on time, do request an official statement from your university confirming that you have indeed completed all requirements for your previous degree. Send this statement to us via any of the options listed above.

If you have any questions about the credential evaluation process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Anita Gutiérrez at gutierrez[at]hertie-school[dot]org and Lorena Ramos ramos[at]hertie-school[dot]org.