Scholarship
Introduction: The SBW Berlin Scholarship supports international students who are both academically talented and socially committed. It allows them to study at a recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam. In return, students work on a social project during their studies. After graduation, they are expected to use their skills to continue social work in their home country. This scholarship is designed for students who want to combine strong academic goals with making a real social impact.
About the Programme: The scholarship is open to applicants from countries that need development support, according to SBW Berlin’s guidelines. Applicants must have a student visa or residence permit for study. During their studies, recipients spend 2–8 hours per week on their social project. They are expected to maintain good grades, attend project meetings and workshops, and submit progress reports.
After graduation, recipients continue their project, ideally with a non-profit organization in their home country. SBW Berlin also provides advisory support even after the funding ends.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must:
Be between 18 and 30 years old.
Hold citizenship in a country considered in need of development support.
Have professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit or social sector, supported by a recommendation letter.
Not have lived in Germany for more than 18 months before applying.
Meet standard university entrance requirements.
Have applied or plan to apply to a university in Berlin or Potsdam.
For master’s applicants: be close to finishing or have recently completed a bachelor’s degree.
Have an average grade of at least 2.0 on the German scale.
Have relatively low income, as defined in the official guidelines.
Have no first-degree family members permanently living in Germany.
Plan to work at least 18 months in their home country after graduation, or continue approved social activities.
Apply before starting studies, or be in the first, second, or third semester.
Scholarship Benefits: Support is tailored to each applicant’s situation and the programme’s guidelines. Generally, it includes financial and practical help for studying and living in Berlin. For full details, applicants should check the official SBW Berlin guidelines (PDF).
Recipient Responsibilities:
Work on a social project during studies (2–8 hours per week).
Maintain good academic performance.
Attend project meetings and workshops.
Submit project reports and share progress.
Communicate clearly about academic and professional goals.
If a recipient leaves the programme early or stays in Germany instead of returning home, they must repay the scholarship in 12 monthly installments, starting 3 months after funding ends.
Important dates
Application Open: 15 September
Application Deadline: 31 October
Selection Activities: 1 January – 30 January
Final Decisions Announced: 31 January
Important Note: Applying for university admission and applying for the SBW Berlin scholarship are two separate processes. Applicants must apply to a university in Berlin or Potsdam independently of the scholarship application.
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Links to Explore the program:
Program's guideline:
Official webpage: