SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany

The SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany is considered one of the strongest free scholarship programs for international students who combine academic excellence with a genuine commitment to serving their communities. The core idea is not merely “studying for free in Germany,” but rather joining an integrated program that funds your studies and living expenses in Berlin or Potsdam in exchange for a clear commitment to implementing a social project in your home country after graduation, under the supervision and support of the non-profit SBW Berlin Foundation.

What Is the SBW Berlin Scholarship and What Is Its Purpose?

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students is a fully funded program aimed at students from developing or middle-income countries who face real financial challenges while possessing a strong academic record and a clear vision for a social project that benefits their community.

The scholarship focuses on three main pillars:

Funding university studies in Berlin or Potsdam at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
Working on a real social project during the study period, which later develops after returning to your home country.
A commitment to community service for a period that usually lasts at least 18 months after the end of funding, through continued implementation of the project or an equivalent social activity.

Scholarship Details – Funding and Benefits

1. Level of Study and Eligible Universities

Available degrees: Bachelor’s and Master’s.
Place of study: A university or university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam, provided that it is officially recognized by the state.

You may choose the field of study that suits you, as long as you obtain admission to a university in Berlin or Potsdam. University admission is handled separately from the scholarship, but the scholarship will not be activated unless you have an official admission letter.

2. Funding Provided by the SBW Berlin Scholarship

According to the information published about the program on the official SBW Berlin website and the German DAAD scholarship database, the program generally covers the following:

Exemption from university tuition fees (when applicable, depending on the type of university and program).
Free accommodation in one of the foundation’s buildings or apartments in Berlin.
A monthly living allowance to cover basic expenses (food, transportation, daily needs) within limits set by the program.
Support for international travel costs to and from Germany in certain cases, depending on the student’s situation and the scholarship budget.

In some cases, the program may also include:

Support for purchasing books or essential study materials.
Academic and social mentoring, as well as continuous supervision of the social project you are working on.

You can also explore the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Germany

SBW Berlin Scholarship Requirements in Detail

The SBW Berlin Scholarship is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. It has precise criteria designed to select students who are most committed and capable of implementing a sustainable social project.

1. Academic Requirements

A secondary school certificate or equivalent when applying for a bachelor’s degree.
A relevant university degree when applying for a master’s degree.
A strong academic record (preferably very good or higher, roughly equivalent to a GPA of about 2.0–2.5 on the German system, depending on the scholarship type and field of study).

2. Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction:

If the program is taught in German: certificates such as TestDaF, DSH, or other recognized qualifications may be accepted.
If the program is taught in English: certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, or their equivalents are usually accepted according to the university’s requirements.

The language certificate must be recent (often less than two years old) and must meet the minimum requirements set by the university, not only by the scholarship.

3. Nationality and Financial Status

The applicant must be from a developing or middle-income country, or from a country that requires developmental support according to SBW Berlin’s vision.
Proof of genuine financial need is required, such as:
- A family income statement, or
- An official document explaining the financial situation, or
- A documented personal statement if no official document is available.

4. Residence and Family Status

The applicant must not have resided in Germany for more than a specified period before applying (international programs usually do not accept applicants who have lived in Germany for an extended time prior to the scholarship).
The applicant must not have first-degree relatives permanently residing in Germany.
A commitment to return to the home country after completing studies in order to implement the social project or continue a social activity aligned with the scholarship’s objectives.

5. Age and Volunteering Experience

Applicants are preferably between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
Previous volunteering or community experience (in a school, association, youth initiative, non-profit organization, etc.) significantly strengthens the application.
The ability to present a clear social project that can be implemented in the home country after graduation, or developed through a partnership with a local organization.

6. Obligations During and After the Scholarship

Working on a social project during the study period in Berlin (on average 2 to 8 hours per week, depending on the program and field of study).
Maintaining good academic performance each semester.
Participating regularly in meetings and workshops within the SBW Berlin Foundation.
After graduation, committing to continue the project or an alternative social activity for a period of no less than approximately 18 months, according to the official agreement signed with the foundation.

Required Application Documents

SBW Berlin announces specific requirements in its Guidelines. The most important documents, with practical notes, include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Written only in English or German.
Motivation Letter: Usually 1 to 2 pages.
Social Project Plan.
Academic certificates and transcripts.
Proof of language proficiency.
Proof of financial need.
Letters of recommendation.
File formatting and submission.

How to Apply for the SBW Berlin Scholarship

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Carefully review the scholarship conditions published in the Guidelines on the SBW Berlin website.

Step 2: Choose the Program and University

Identify the field of study you wish to pursue.
Select one or more suitable universities in Berlin or Potsdam.
You may need to apply to the university separately from the scholarship, depending on the level and timing.

Step 3: Obtain a Recommendation Letter from a Non-Profit Organization

Contact a non-profit organization or foundation in your home country that works in a social field related to your project idea.
Ask them to write a recommendation letter explaining who you are, your previous voluntary role (if any), and the project you intend to implement.
The letter should be sent in PDF format directly to the scholarship email address (usually from the organization’s official email, not your personal email).

This step has become a key entry point to accessing the electronic application form.

Step 4: Receive and Complete the Application Form

After reviewing the recommendation letter, SBW Berlin may send you a link to the application portal or a special electronic form.

In the form, you will need to provide:

Complete personal information.
Educational background.
Details of your financial situation.
Your social project plan (sometimes as a separate uploaded file).
Information about the university or program you intend to study.

Step 5: Upload All Required Documents

Within the electronic portal or according to the instructions you receive:

Upload all PDF files (CV, certificates, financial proof, project plan, etc.).
Ensure all fields are completed and avoid leaving blank sections without reason (you may use “N/A” where applicable).

Step 6: Follow-Up, Interview, and Final Decision

After submitting your complete application, you may receive an email confirming receipt.
You may be invited to an online interview (via Zoom or another platform).

The interview usually focuses on:

A clear understanding of your social project.
Your commitment to returning to your home country and implementing the project.
Your motivation for studying in Germany, specifically through the SBW Berlin Scholarship.

Afterward, the final decision is communicated:

If accepted, you will receive scholarship details, student visa instructions, and information regarding accommodation and arrival in Berlin.

Advantages of the SBW Berlin Scholarship

Near-complete funding (tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel in some cases), making it one of the strongest funded scholarships in Germany.
Living and studying in Berlin or Potsdam, cities with high-quality universities and academic opportunities.
The opportunity to build an international network with students from different countries and with social organizations and institutions.
Gaining practical experience in community work during your studies, which strengthens your CV and future career prospects.
Continuous mentoring from the SBW Berlin team and regular discussions about your project and professional path.

Practical Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Start with the social project, not just the scholarship Think seriously about the type of social impact you want to achieve in your country and build a realistic project that can continue after graduation.

Collaborate with a reliable non-profit organization Having a local partner (association, foundation, initiative) increases the credibility of your project and strengthens the essential recommendation letter.

Pay attention to technical details

Do not submit incomplete or unclear files.
Adhere strictly to PDF formats and organized file naming.
Review the application form multiple times before submission.

Be honest about your financial situation The scholarship targets those who genuinely need support. Any inconsistency or inaccurate information may negatively affect your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the SBW Berlin Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it is considered a comprehensive scholarship covering accommodation, living allowance, and tuition fees (depending on the program type), with possible travel support in some cases. Exact details may vary from year to year, so official guidelines should always be reviewed.

2. Are there specific fields of study only?

No. Most scientific, social, and artistic disciplines can be funded, provided you are admitted to a suitable university in Berlin or Potsdam and your field aligns as much as possible with the nature of your social project.

3. Are there any application fees?

According to official information, SBW Berlin does not charge any fees for application or processing.

4. Can I apply again if I am rejected?

Generally, you may reapply in later years if you improve your profile, but it is advisable to review the official guidelines or contact the foundation before reapplying.

Trusted Official Sources

Before making any final decision or building a definitive plan, always consult these sources to ensure you have the most up-to-date conditions and timelines.

SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany 2026: Your Comprehensive Guide