GERMANY
Deutsche Hochschule für Verwaltungswissenschaften Speyer
public · Founded 1947 · Languages: de, en
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In short
DHV Speyer is Germany's unique postgraduate university for public administration, offering specialized master's, doctoral, and executive programmes. It provides a professionally focused learning environment with strong links to research and a notable alumni network.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1947
- Students
- 1,200
- International students
- 150
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–5k/yr
- Languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Germany
The Deutsche Hochschule für Verwaltungswissenschaften Speyer (DHV Speyer) is Germany's only postgraduate university exclusively dedicated to public administration, governance, and administrative law. Founded in 1947 and jointly supported by Germany's federal and state governments, it trains senior civil servants and public sector professionals from German-speaking countries and beyond. DHV Speyer offers the Master of Public Administration (MPA), doctoral research programmes, and extensive executive education courses. Its close links to the Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für öffentliche Verwaltung ensure that teaching draws directly on frontier research in public sector reform and digital governance. Located on a compact campus in the historic Rhine valley city of Speyer, the university provides an intimate, professionally focused learning environment. Its alumni network spans federal ministries, state administrations, constitutional courts, and international organisations across Europe.
Why study here
- Germany's only university exclusively dedicated to public administration and governance — the ideal choice for senior public sector professionals.
- Direct access to leading research in administrative law, public management, and e-government through the affiliated German Research Institute for Public Administration.
- Small, high-calibre cohorts composed of experienced practitioners from government and international organisations.
- Centrally located in historic Speyer with easy rail connections to Frankfurt, Mannheim, and Karlsruhe.
- Strong alumni network in German federal and state administration, constitutional bodies, and EU institutions.
Student life
DHV Speyer has a small, professionally oriented campus in the historic city of Speyer on the Rhine. Student life is characteristically collegial given the compact size and the shared professional backgrounds of the student body. The city of Speyer offers a rich cultural heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral, riverside promenades, and a lively regional culture. Social events and professional networking are central to campus life, with regular seminars, symposia, and guest lectures from senior government officials and EU representatives.
Fees
InternationalAs a publicly funded postgraduate institution, DHV Speyer charges moderate fees. The MPA programme costs approx. EUR 1,500–2,500 per semester for regular students; executive education courses are priced separately and vary by programme. EU and non-EU students pay the same rates.
HomeGerman domestic students pay the same fees as international students; semester fees are approx. EUR 300 plus programme fees.
LivingSpeyer is a small city with reasonable living costs. Students typically spend EUR 700–1,000 per month for accommodation, food, and transport.
Fee details are confirmed at the time of admission. Some civil service employers sponsor tuition for employees enrolled in MPA or executive programmes.
Admissions
Entry QualificationCompleted university degree (bachelor's or equivalent, minimum 180 ECTS); relevant professional background in public administration preferred.
LanguageMost programmes taught in German; some courses and the international MPA track available in English.
Application DeadlineTypically April/May for the autumn intake; check the university website for current deadlines.
TOEFL iBT80 (for English-language courses)
IELTS6.0 (for English-language courses)
Rankings
CHE University Ranking (Public Administration)1
University scholarships
DAAD Scholarships for International StudentsEUR 934/month (postgraduate)
Friedrich Ebert / Konrad Adenauer Foundation GrantsVaries by foundation
Accreditation
DHV Speyer is an accredited public institution of higher education under German state law, jointly supported by the German federal government and all 16 federal states.
For international students
GermanyStudent visa & funds
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Working while you study
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After you graduate
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
- German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2
Main intakes
OctoberApril
Typical living cost
€1,050/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)
CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich School for Data Science (MUDS)
Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
Open to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz University Hannover
Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
14d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum Julich
Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions
Open to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander von Humboldt Foundation
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)
For researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the Deutsche Hochschule für Verwaltungswissenschaften Speyer (DHV Speyer)?
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DHV Speyer is Germany's only postgraduate university exclusively focused on public administration, governance, and administrative law. It was founded in 1947 and is supported by the federal and state governments.
What academic programmes does DHV Speyer offer?
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DHV Speyer offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA), doctoral research programmes, and a variety of executive education courses. Some programmes are taught in German, while others, including an international MPA track, are available in English.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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International students need a completed university degree (at least bachelor's level) and often relevant professional experience in the public sector. For English-language courses, a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or IELTS 6.0 is typically required.
What are the fees for international students at DHV Speyer?
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As a publicly funded institution, DHV Speyer charges moderate fees. The MPA programme costs approximately EUR 1,500–2,500 per semester for regular students. EU and non-EU students pay the same rates.
What kind of student life can I expect at DHV Speyer?
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DHV Speyer offers a collegial and professionally focused campus environment in the historic city of Speyer. Student life includes academic events, networking opportunities, and exploration of Speyer's rich cultural heritage.
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