Stepping into a new country to study is already a big deal. But what if you could not only study in Germany (in Berlin or Potsdam) and live there, and have your studies supported, while also running or continuing social or non-profit projects that matter? That’s exactly what the SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students is about. If you’re passionate about using your education to give back, this might be the one for you.
Program Overview:
- Program: Scholarship for International Students
- Coverage: Fully Funded (living expenses, tuition, furnished housing, etc.)
- Nationality: Foreign / International
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s (or equivalent)
- Duration: depends on the standard period of study (up to 48 months)
- Host Country: Germany (Berlin / Potsdam)
What Is the SBW Berlin Scholarship For?
The SBW Berlin Scholarship is aimed at talented young people from abroad who have already shown social commitment. This means you’ve done volunteer or professional work in the non-profit / social sector, and you plan to keep using what you learn in Germany in social projects either during or after your studies — especially in your home country.
The idea is: you don’t just learn; you apply that learning to make a difference. SBW Berlin wants scholars who will build social or non-profit projects, strengthen institutions/organizations, improve living conditions in their or other communities. It’s not just about grades, it’s about heart, purpose, and action.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
Here are the key eligibility rules — make sure you meet them before applying. If something doesn’t check out, it might disqualify you.
You must:
- Be a foreign national from a country in need of development assistance.
- Be aged between 18 and 30.
- Have professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit / social sector, and supporting letters from those organizations.
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 18 months before applying.
- Hold a university entrance qualification.
- Be enrolled in or have applied to a state-recognized university (or university of applied sciences / Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam. Either before you start studies, or in your first, second, or third semester. Master’s applicants should apply shortly before or after their bachelor’s degree finish.
- Be able to prove a relatively low net household income (financial need).
- Have a good academic record: at least equivalent to a “2.0” on the German grade scale.
- Not have first-degree family members permanently residing in Germany.
- Commit to working / contributing in their country of origin (or via non-profit work) for at least 18 months after graduation or after the funding period. If you stay in Germany instead, there’s a repayment plan.
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What’s Covered: Benefits of the Scholarship
If selected, here’s what SBW Berlin provides. It’s pretty generous, especially compared to many other scholarships.
- Furnished accommodation — you’ll get a furnished room in shared student apartments (in Berlin). This kicks in once you move in.
- Cost-of-living allowance — currently about €480 per month.
- Tuition fees — SBW covers tuition (for the study program) where applicable.
- Travel contribution — possibly for your journey to Berlin before studies begin, and/or for the journey home after successful completion in some cases.
The maximum funding period corresponds to your study program’s regular duration. It can go up to 48 months, depending on the program.
Fields of Study
One of the nice things is: you’re not constrained to a narrow set of disciplines. All scientific, social, and artistic fields are eligible. If your study plan makes sense and aligns with the other criteria (especially your social-project work), you can apply no matter your major.
In special cases, vocational training in Berlin or Potsdam may also be supported.
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Application Process & Required Documents
This part is very important. Having all your documents ready, understanding the steps, can save you from missing out.
What to Submit
You’ll need at least:
- A letter of recommendation from a non-profit/social institution in your home country. This should explain what you’ve done, how that relates to your planned project/studies, etc.
- A project description (2–5 pages) — describing what social or non-profit project you have or plan to have, how it ties to your studies / home country, roles/responsibilities, etc.
- Qualification documents: high school diploma or university entrance qualification, or bachelor’s if applying for master’s. Grades/score transcripts.
- Evidence of net household income. Proof of financial need.
- If available: proof of admission / enrollment in a university in Berlin or Potsdam. Language certificates if required. Previous work/training/internship certificates. CV, etc.
How & When to Apply
- There’s no fixed deadline — applications are accepted year-round.
- First, you send the letter of recommendation from the non-profit organization. That is used to check whether you qualify. If that is okay, you are given access to the application form.
- Then, you fill in the application form, attach all required documents, submit (in German or English).
- There may be an interview or video conference with you if your documents are strong. In that, they’ll likely talk about your project plan, objectives, timeline for your social work component, etc.
Selection Criteria & What SBW Berlin Looks For
Apart from ticking off all eligibility boxes, the selection is about more than just academic achievement. Here’s what really counts.
- Demonstrated past experience in the non-profit/social sector, and a strong connection to a non-profit/social institution in your home country.
- Motivation: How well you can explain why you want to study, what you plan to do with what you learn, how your social project ties in.
- Academic record: you should be able to meet performance expectations. Good grades matter.
- Financial need: SBW wants to help those who truly need it. The lower the income in your household, the better, so long as you meet the proof requirement.
- Plan to continue your project during (2-8 hours per week) and after the studies. That continuation is important.
Deadlines & Duration of Funding
- Deadline: There is no fixed deadline. Since applications are accepted year-round, you can apply any time, but it helps to start early and make sure all your paperwork is ready.
- Duration: Funding follows the standard period of your degree. It can go up to 48 months in many cases. Minimum is 30 days (if something shorter is needed, but usually full programs are covered).
Things to Be Careful About / Key Requirements to Note
Because there are some finer points that, if overlooked, can compromise your application:
- If you stay in Germany after completing your degree (or funding period), you’ll likely need to repay the scholarship / financial benefits under the repayment plan. This is because the scholarship expects you to go back or continue your project in your home country.
- If your academic performance drops (e.g. failed exams), or if you don’t show sufficient progress in your social project component, SBW may terminate the funding.
- Make sure your documents are complete, properly translated (if not already in English or German), and certified if needed later.
- Even though there’s no fixed deadline, the earlier you apply the better — sometimes there may be limited places per semester.
Summary: Pros & Who This Is Best For
Pros:
- Fully funded beyond just tuition — living costs, housing, travel help in many cases
- Flexible: supports different fields, bachelor’s or master’s, even vocational in some cases
- Emphasis on social impact: especially great if you care about working for nonprofits, community development, etc.
- Year-round application window — less pressure from rigid deadlines
Potential challenges:
- Proof of social commitment can be a hurdle — you need strong letters, good project plans
- Repayment if you stay in Germany or don’t meet obligations
- Financial need requirement means if your family income is higher, you may not qualify even with good grades
Who it’s best for:
If you’re international, aged 18-30, have volunteer or nonprofit experience, want to study in Berlin or Potsdam, and plan to use your skills to contribute to society (especially back home), this scholarship is a strong fit. If you don’t yet have social project experience, gaining that may improve your chances.
If you’re considering this scholarship, I highly encourage you to gather your documents, think carefully about your social project ideas, and apply. Even if it seems a bit overwhelming, it might just be the chance to combine studying and doing good in a way that lasts. Official info & application details here: SBW Berlin Scholarship – official page