The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students supports talented young people from abroad who have already shown social commitment and who use the skills they have acquired during their studies during and after their studies in social projects at a non-profit/social organization in their home countries.

Our scholarship recipients work on social projects during their studies in Berlin. Ideally, these projects are part of the charitable work of organizations based in their home countries and/or contribute to improving living conditions there.

After successfully completing their studies, our scholarship recipients are expected to continue the projects in their home countries and to advance them through the skills they have acquired here. SBW Berlin continues to support them in an advisory capacity.

Scholarship Brief Details:

• Host Country (s): Berlin or Potsdam, Germany
• Level of Study: Bachelor’s or master’s degree program
• Institution(s): University or a university
  of applied sciences (Fachhochschule)
• Coverage: Partial Funding
• Eligible Country (s): 
  1. Foreign nationals from developing countries may hold a student visa or residence permit for their studies.
• Program Period: from 2 – 4 years
• Deadline: Application are accepted all year round

Scholarship Benefits

For the duration of the scholarship (max. funding period is equivalent to the regular period of the study program), SBW Berlin covers necessary living expenses of the scholarship recipients. The scholarship includes:

• A furnished room in shared student flats at Rudower Str. 67, 12351 Berlin
• Cost-of-living allowance currently in the amount of 480 Euro per month15
• Tuition fees16
• Possibly also a travel contribution for the journey to Berlin before the start of the course of study and for the journey home after successful completion of the course17

First payments can only be made after the scholarship recipient has moved into the shared student
apartment. Part-time jobs are generally not approved by SBW Berlin.

Applicants who receive benefits under the Federal Education Assistance Act (BAFöG) can only be granted benefits that are not counted as income according to §21 Para. 3 No. 2 BAföG. The cash value of the accommodation granted must be taken into account when calculating the allowance. As a rule, these applicants only receive a “flat rate” or book allowance in the amount of maximum 100 Euro per month.

SBW Berlin Scholarship Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Between the ages of 18 and 30
• Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector (supported by letters of recommendation from the social institution or non-profit organization)
• Have demonstrably not resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application
• University entrance qualification*
• Intention to work for at least 18 months in the country of origin after graduation or to engage in charitable activities in Germany until the repayment plan is fulfilled
• Proven relatively low net income (see guidelines)
• Average grade equivalent to a German grade point average of at least 2.0
• No first-degree family members permanently residing in Germany
• Application before the start of studies or fully enrolled in the first, second or maximum third semester at a state-recognized university (in Germany or abroad) or application for a master’s degree shortly before or after obtaining a bachelor’s degree

Interested applicants should note that an application for a place at a university or university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam is required. This is done separately to the scholarship application, i.e. applicants are responsible for this themselves.

Eligibility of SBW Berlin Scholarship

• Foreign nationals whose countries of origin appear to be in particular need of support in their development (see guidelines).
• Holders of a student visa or residence permit for the purpose of taking up or pursuing studies

Selection Process

• During the first phase of the selection process, the letter of recommendation from the applicants
  are carefully reviewed. A decision is then made as to whether applicants will be granted access to
  the application portal. The link will be shared via email.
• During the second phase of the selection process, the application form, the applicant’s grades, and
  financial situation are carefully reviewed.
• During the third phase of the selection process, an interview or video conference is conducted
  with candidates who, after examining their application documents, have been deemed suitable for
  the scholarship program. The interview(s) may include a practical task and discussion of the
  details of the planned community/social project, including objectives and timetable for the first six
  months.

Official website