Fully Funded SBW Berlin International Scholarships 2026
Organization: SBW Berlin
Host country: Germany
Degree level: Undergraduate, Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: Open / Rolling
Eligible countries: Developing countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America
Fields of study: All scientific, social, and artistic disciplines
The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students supports talented young people from abroad who have already shown significant social commitment. It provides fully funded support to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree at a state-recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam. The program is specifically aimed at students from developing countries who plan to use the skills acquired during their studies to develop and implement social projects at a non-profit organization in their home country. Scholars receive comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, accommodation in shared flats, and a living allowance, empowering them to become active changemakers in their communities upon return.
Benefits
- Fully furnished room in one of SBW Berlin's shared student flats (located at Rudower Str. 67, Berlin)
- Monthly cost-of-living allowance of €480
- Full coverage of university tuition fees
- Potential travel allowance for the journey to Berlin and the journey home after graduation
- Academic mentoring and access to SBW Berlin's cultural and social development programs
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of a developing country in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old
- Must not have resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application
- Must be able to prove a relatively low net household income
- Must intend to work in your country of origin for at least 18 months after graduation or engage in non-profit work in Germany until the repayment plan is fulfilled
- Must have no first-degree family members residing permanently in Germany
Requirements
- Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector (proven by a letter of recommendation)
- Average grades equivalent to a German grade point average of at least 2.0
- Must apply before the start of university education or maximum in the third semester
- A detailed project plan that helps people in your home country (mandatory for those with grades between 1.5 and 2.0)
- Dedication to maintaining strong academic standing and engaging in regular SBW Berlin project meetings
Required Documents
- Letter of recommendation from a non-profit organization or social institution
- Motivational statement (maximum 1-2 pages)
- Copy of the latest school or university certificate showing the grade point average
- Copy of the highest academic degree (high school diploma or bachelor's)
- Proof of relatively low household net income
- Detailed description of your planned social project (2-5 pages, if invited to the portal)
- Internationally recognized language certificate (if available)
Programs of Study
- Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Master's Degree Programs
- State-recognized Vocational Training
Application Process
- Obtain a formal letter of recommendation from the non-profit or social organization you have volunteered with
- Send the recommendation letter and your motivational statement via email to application@sbw.berlin for a preliminary review
- If the initial review is successful, you will receive an exclusive link to access the SBW Berlin online application portal
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents, including your detailed social project description
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a final virtual or in-person interview with the selection committee
How to Apply
- Ensure your recommendation letter explicitly details your past social work and your future role within the organization
- Focus your motivational letter heavily on your commitment to helping your home country and the specifics of your proposed social project
- Do not apply if your grades do not meet the minimum 2.0 German equivalent, as academic excellence is strictly enforced
- Apply early, ideally 6 to 9 months before your intended start date, to allow time for the university admission process in Berlin or Potsdam
Selection Process
- Stage 1 involves a rigorous review of the applicant's recommendation letter and motivational statement submitted via email
- Stage 2 evaluates the detailed application form, academic transcripts, financial need, and the feasibility of the social project plan on the portal
- Final selection is determined through an interview where applicants must impress the committee with their ideas, goals, and dedication
- Successful candidates are usually notified in February or August just before the respective semesters start