The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students

Scholarship Programs

Posted:

October 16, 2025

Deadline:

December 31, 2025: 12:00 am

Description

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.

Target group for the SBW Berlin scholarship for international students

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

Requirements for the SBW Berlin scholarship for international students

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.

Our “Good to Know” video series on our YouTube channel presents the general university system in Germany and the universities in Berlin and shows how to apply apply to a university in Berlin.

Expectations towards interested applicants

Interest in social commitment and in the development of social projects
Collaboration (past and future) with a non-profit/social institution in the home country
Good academic performance
Continuing education plan after graduation
Transparency and clear communication regarding professional goals, etc.
No financial support of family members or third parties through the scholarship program possible

Expectations towards incoming fellows or scholarship recipients.

Proactive development of social projects during the study period (2 to 8 hours of work per week are planned for the social project).
Good academic performance in each semester supported.
Active participation in regular project meetings and workshops at SBW Berlin
Writing project reports
Preparing and implementing talks or presentations on the projects
Transparency and clear communication regarding professional goals
In the event of discontinuation of studies or the project as well as in case of remaining in Germany: Start of repayment plan 3 months after end of studies or funding period in 12 monthly installments