The SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany is a fully funded opportunity for international students aged 18-30 who want to use their university education to create measurable social impact. Sponsored by SBW Berlin gGmbH, the programme covers 100 % tuition, shared student accommodation and a monthly living stipend of €480 for bachelor’s or master’s degrees at state-recognised universities in Berlin or Potsdam.
Recipients dedicate 2-8 hours per week to a self-designed social project that benefits their home country and continue the initiative for at least 18 months after graduation. Applications are reviewed year-round; there is no fixed deadline, but only 20 places are available each semester.
Brief Description
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | SBW Berlin gGmbH |
| Study Level | Bachelor, Master |
| Places Available | 20 per semester (rolling) |
| Study Location | Berlin or Potsdam, Germany |
| Nationality | Non-German citizens from developing countries |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition, shared flat, €480/month stipend, travel contribution |
| Project Obligation | 2-8 h/week during studies, ≥ 18 months post-graduation in home country |
| Application Mode | Email (two-step: letter of recommendation first) |
| Deadline | Rolling – apply any time |
Subjects Offered
All state-recognised bachelor’s and master’s programmes at universities or universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam are eligible. Popular choices among current scholars include:
Sustainable Development, Social Work, International Relations, Renewable Energy Engineering, Computer Science For Social Good, Public Health, Economics & Development Policy, Environmental Sciences, Education Sciences, Mechanical Engineering With Sustainability Focus
Your chosen course must equip you with skills directly applicable to the social project you will implement in your home country.
Degree Offered
Successful applicants receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) degree from a recognised Berlin/Potsdam institution. The SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany funds the standard period of study (6–48 months) and includes:
- Semester tickets for public transport
- German language preparatory course, if required
- Mentoring & workshops on project management, fundraising, and impact measurement
- Alumni network for ongoing collaboration and seed funding opportunities
Eligibility for SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany
To secure the SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany, you must meet every criterion below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–30 years at the time of application |
| Nationality & Residence | Non-German citizen; ≤ 18 months residence in Germany before applying |
| Academic Stage | Pre-university or enrolled in 1st, 2nd or max. 3rd semester, or master’s applicant shortly before/after bachelor’s |
| Grade Average | Equivalent to German 2.0 or better (roughly UK 2:1, GPA 3.0 US) |
| Financial Need | Relatively low net household income (documentation required) |
| Social Commitment | Volunteer or professional experience in the non-profit sector verified by a letter of recommendation from an NGO or social institution |
| Family in Germany | No first-degree relatives permanently resident in Germany |
| Post-Study Intent | Commitment to work ≥ 18 months in the home country on a social project; otherwise, repay the scholarship |
How to Apply
The application for the SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany is a two-stage email process:
- Obtain NGO/charity recommendation
Ask your home-country partner organisation to email a letter of recommendation (PDF) to [email protected] describing your role, project idea, and social impact. - Receive an invitation to the online portal
Within 2–3 weeks, SBW will send eligible candidates a personalised link to the full application form. - Upload documents (English or German)*
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
- CV with passport photo
- School-leaving certificate & latest university transcripts (with GPA)
- Proof of university admission or evidence of eligibility for Berlin/Potsdam
- Household income statement (payslips, tax return, or official letter)
- Project description (2–5 pages outlining objectives, timeline, budget, impact metrics)
- Language certificate (English B2 or German B2 if the course is in German)
- Optional: additional references, internship certificates
- Online/phone interview
Demonstrate academic excellence, social vision, and a realistic implementation plan. - Decision & contract
Outcomes are announced in February (summer semester) and August (winter semester). If selected, you sign a notarised funding agreement detailing project milestones and repayment clauses for non-compliance.
Benefits of SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany
The SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany is one of Europe’s most generous packages for social entrepreneurs:
- 100 % tuition fees paid directly to the university
- Furnished room in shared SBW student flat (wifi, utilities included)
- Monthly stipend of €480 for food, transport, and study materials
- Travel allowance: up to €500 for inbound flight; up to €500 for return after graduation
- Capacity-building workshops on fundraising, monitoring & evaluation, storytelling
- Lifetime alumni network and seed grants for scaling home-country projects
- No repayment if you fulfil project and academic obligations; otherwise, a 12-month interest-free repayment plan starts 3 months after graduation
Apply Now
Ready to turn your passion for social change into a fully funded degree? Email your NGO recommendation letter today and begin your journey with the SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany.
Remember: places are limited to 20 per semester and awarded on a rolling basis, so early applicants maximise their chances. Transform your education, transform your community—apply now!
