SBW Berlin Scholarship 2025–2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students
Introduction
The SBW Berlin Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity for international students committed to social change. This scholarship supports individuals who have demonstrated social engagement and wish to pursue undergraduate or master's studies in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany.
Recipients of the SBW Berlin Scholarship receive comprehensive support, including:
-
Accommodation: A furnished room in shared student flats in Berlin.
-
Monthly Stipend: €480 to cover living expenses.
-
Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition costs.
-
Travel Assistance: Potential financial aid for travel to and from Berlin at the beginning and end of the study period.
Note: Benefits commence upon relocation to SBW Berlin's shared housing. Part-time employment is generally not permitted during the scholarship period.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
-
Age: Between 18 and 30 years old.
-
Academic Performance: Minimum average grade equivalent to a German GPA of 2.0.
-
Residency: Must not have resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application.
-
Relatives in Germany: No first-degree relatives permanently residing in Germany.
-
Financial Need: Demonstrated low net household income.
-
Social Engagement: Proven volunteer or professional experience in the non-profit/social sector, supported by letters of recommendation.
-
University Admission: Eligible for university entrance and planning to apply to a university in Berlin or Potsdam.
-
Post-Graduation Commitment: Intention to return to home country for at least 18 months after graduation or engage in charitable activities in Germany.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps:
-
Initial Contact: Send a letter of motivation to bewerbungen@sbw.berlin.
-
Application Portal Access: Upon positive evaluation of the motivation letter, applicants receive access to the online application portal.
-
Document Submission: Submit required documents, including:
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-
Academic transcripts and certificates
-
Proof of low income
-
Letters of recommendation
-
Project description (2–5 pages)
-
University admission letter (if available)
-
-
Selection Process:
-
Phase 1: Review of application documents.
-
Phase 2: Interviews or video conferences with shortlisted candidates.
-
Phase 3: Final selection based on comprehensive evaluation.
-
Scholarship Obligations
Recipients are expected to:
-
Social Project Participation: Engage in social projects during their studies, dedicating 2 to 8 hours per week.
-
Academic Performance: Maintain good academic standing throughout the study period.
-
Active Involvement: Participate in regular project meetings and workshops organized by SBW Berlin.
-
Reporting: Submit detailed progress reports on their social projects.
-
Presentations: Prepare and deliver presentations on their project developments.
-
Post-Graduation Plans: Return to their home country for at least 18 months to continue their social projects or, if remaining in Germany, fulfill a repayment agreement.
The scholarship supports studies in various fields at universities in Berlin and Potsdam, including but not limited to:
-
Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy
-
Earth Sciences
-
Education and Psychology
-
History and Cultural Studies
-
Law
-
Mathematics and Computer Science
-
Philosophy and Humanities
-
Physics
-
Political Science
Application Timeline
While applications are accepted year-round, specific deadlines are set:
-
Spring Intake: May 15 – June 30
-
Fall Intake: November 15 – December 31
Final decisions are typically announced in early August.
Contact Information
For further inquiries:
-
Email: info@sbw.berlin
-
Phone: +49 30 66 70 36 36
-
Address: Rudower Str. 67, 12351 Berlin, Germany
Conclusion
The SBW Berlin Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for socially committed international students to pursue higher education in Germany. By supporting both academic and social project endeavors, the scholarship aims to foster global development and cooperation.
Note: All information is based on the latest available data as of 2025. Applicants are advised to consult the official SBW Berlin website for the most current details.