SBW Berlin Scholarship: Study in Germany with Social Impact

The SBW Berlin Scholarship supports young, socially committed talents from Germany and abroad to pursue higher education in Berlin or Potsdam. Believing that education is key to improving global living conditions, SBW Berlin enables students to use their acquired skills in social, non-profit projects. This scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and potentially travel costs, for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.

Our Vision:
SBW Berlin envisions a world where everyone, regardless of background, can improve their own life and community through education and social engagement. The scholarships specifically target young individuals ready to apply their skills to impactful social projects.

Scholarship Funding and Benefits:

The SBW Berlin Scholarship offers comprehensive support:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of necessary university tuition fees.

• Accommodation: Rent-free housing in shared student apartments in Berlin.

• Living Allowance: A monthly stipend of €480.

• Travel Costs: Potential partial coverage for travel to Berlin before studies begin and return travel after graduation.

• Guidance: Mentorship and support for developing and implementing social projects.

Scholarship Programs & Eligibility:

SBW Berlin offers three distinct scholarship tracks, each with specific target groups and requirements:

1. Scholarship for International Students

• Target Group: Foreign nationals (aged 18-30) from countries deemed particularly in need of development support (often including regions in Africa, Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe).

• Requirements:

  • Must not have first-degree relatives residing permanently in Germany.

  • Must have been in Germany for a maximum of 18 months prior to application.

  • Proven social commitment in their home country, preferably in cooperation with a non-profit/social organization.

  • Intention to return to their home country for at least 18 months after graduation to work on their project or in the social sector.

  • Ability to prove a relatively low net household income.

  • Good academic performance (German grade equivalent of at least 2.0).

  • Must be starting their studies or be within the first 3 semesters at a university in Berlin or Potsdam.

2. Scholarship for Refugees

• Target Group: Refugees and recognized asylum seekers (aged 18-30) in Germany holding a specific residence status (e.g., § 25 para. 1 or 2, § 22 sentences 1 or 2, § 23 para. 1 or 2, § 24, or § 25 para. 3 if specific conditions are met).

• Requirements:

  • Must have resided in Germany for no longer than 6 years.

  • Demonstrated social commitment since arriving in Germany.

  • Intention to continue their social project work after graduation.

  • Ability to prove a relatively low net household income.

  • Good academic performance (German grade equivalent of at least 2.5).

  • Must be starting their studies or be within the first 3 semesters at a university in Berlin or Potsdam.

3. Scholarship in the Social Sector

• Target Group: German citizens, holders of long-term EU residence permits, or EU/EEA nationals (aged 18-30) with relevant work experience in the social sector.

• Requirements:

  • Proven social engagement.

  • Intention to continue working in the social sector in Germany after graduation.

  • Ability to prove a relatively low net household income.

  • Good academic performance (German grade equivalent of at least 2.0).

  • Must be starting their studies or be within the first 3 semesters in a social field at a university in Berlin or Potsdam.

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General Requirements for All Applicants:

• University: Must study at a state-recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam.

• Study Level: Applying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

• Language: Sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction (usually German or English) as required by the chosen university program. English proficiency is generally expected for communication with SBW Berlin.

• Social Commitment: All applicants must demonstrate significant volunteer or professional experience in the non-profit/social sector.

Expectations of Scholarship Holders:

All scholarship recipients are expected to:

• Actively work on their social, non-profit project for 2-8 hours per week throughout the funding period.

• Participate in SBW Berlin workshops, submit regular project reports, and present their progress.

• Maintain regular communication with SBW Berlin (and partner organizations, if applicable).

• Achieve at least good academic performance throughout their studies.

• Sign a notarized agreement outlining the conditions of the scholarship, including potential repayment obligations if key requirements (like project implementation, returning home for international students, or continued engagement for refugees/social sector scholars) are not met.

Specific Project Requirements:

• International Students: Must develop a social project in cooperation with a non-profit organization in their home country. A recommendation letter from this partner organization detailing the project and the relevance of the chosen study program is required.

• Refugees: Work on a self-initiated or SBW Berlin-assigned social project, potentially in cooperation with an organization in Berlin or Potsdam. A project description and a motivational letter detailing social commitment are mandatory. A recommendation letter is needed if already working with an organization.

• Social Sector: Participate in a self-initiated or SBW Berlin-assigned social project. A project description is required. Master's applicants need a recommendation letter from a non-profit/social organization; Bachelor's applicants need a motivational letter (recommendation desirable).

Application Process (Following the 6 Steps):

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications are accepted all year round via email to [email protected].

(Follow these steps precisely)

1. Read the Guidelines: Thoroughly review the specific guidelines on the SBW Berlin website for the scholarship track you are applying for (International, Refugee, or Social Sector) to understand all requirements and conditions.

2. Initial Submission (Email): Send an email to [email protected] containing only the following documents:

   • Motivational Letter: Maximum 2 pages, detailing your commitment and project idea. (Mandatory for all; specifically required for Bachelor's Social Sector track).

   • Recommendation Letter(s): 1 or 2 letters from professors, teachers, employers, or social/non-profit organizations.

     • Note Specifics: International students must include a letter from their home country partner NGO. Master's Social Sector applicants must include a letter from a non-profit/social organization.

   • Do not send other documents at this stage.

3. Preliminary Review: SBW Berlin will review your initial submission (motivation and recommendation letters).

4. Access to Application Portal: If your initial documents are evaluated positively, SBW Berlin will send you a personal link to access their online application portal.

5. Submit Full Application & Documents (Portal): Via the online portal, you will need to complete the application form and upload all required additional documents, which typically include:

   • Completed Application Form (provided via the portal).

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

   • Copy of your university entrance qualification (e.g., high school diploma).

   • Proof of acceptance or eligibility for a university in Berlin or Potsdam (if available).

   • Copies of your most recent school/university certificates and transcripts showing grades and GPA.

   • Copy of your highest academic degree obtained (e.g., Bachelor's degree if applying for Master's) with transcript and GPA.

   • Information and proof regarding your net household income.

   • Project Description (as detailed under "Expectations").

   • Optional but Recommended: Copies of language certificates (English/German), work/internship certificates, other relevant qualifications or recommendations.

   • Note: Simple (uncertified) copies and translations (if originals are not in English or German) are sufficient for the application. Certified copies will be required later if you pass the interview stage.

6. Interview: Successful applicants who pass the document review stage will be invited for a personal interview or a video conference.

Important Notes & Q&A Highlights:

• SBW Berlin is NOT a university: You must apply separately for admission to a university in Berlin or Potsdam.

• Study Location: Scholarships are only granted for studies at universities located in Berlin or Potsdam.

• Language: German language proficiency is not mandatory to apply for the scholarship itself (English is sufficient for communication with SBW), but you must meet the language requirements of your chosen university program. SBW Berlin does not fund language courses or preparatory colleges (Studienkolleg).

• Language Certificates: Official language certificates are generally required only after passing the interview stage, during the final verification process.

• Translations: Submit all documents in English or German. Simple translations are acceptable initially.

Contact Information:

• Website: sbw.berlin

• Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

• Phone: +49 (0)30 667 036 36