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SBW Berlin Scholarship Program, 2025-2026

SBW Berlin Scholarship Program, 2025-2026

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for9a Mina7

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OPPORTUNITY DETAILS

Association
Host Country
Deadline
On going
Study level
Opportunity type
Opportunity funding
Full funding
Eligible Countries
This opportunity is destined for all countries
Eligible Region
All Regions

Applications are being received for the SBW Berlin Scholarship program. The SBW Berlin Scholarship is designed to support international students, refugees, and individuals working in the social sector who demonstrate a strong dedication to community service. This scholarship enables students to pursue their academic goals in Berlin or Potsdam while contributing to meaningful social projects.

The SBW (Social Better World) Berlin Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity designed to support candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to social engagement. This scholarship to study on the European continent is aimed at fostering global development, the scholarship enables recipients to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees at universities in Berlin or Potsdam, with the expectation that they apply their acquired knowledge to social projects in Germany and in their home countries. This initiative underscores SBW Berlin’s mission to empower young individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities through education and social responsibility.

The scholarship covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and travel costs to and from Berlin. Recipients are also expected to actively participate in social projects during their studies, and to continue these initiatives after completing their education. SBW Berlin provides ongoing support and guidance to scholars, ensuring the sustainability and impact of their social endeavors. Applications for the SBW Berlin Scholarship are accepted year-round, with no specific deadlines, allowing prospective students to apply at their convenience.

Program Details

  • Host Institution: Universities in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany.
  • Field of Study: Available programs at host universities.
  • Number of awards: Not specified.
  • Duration: Standard duration of studies in the discipline you have chosen.
  • Target group: Open to all.

SBW Berlin Scholarship Benefits

SBW Berlin bears the necessary living expenses of the scholarship holders for the duration of their scholarship. A full scholarship includes:

  1. Fully funded tuition support
  2. Free accommodation in a shared student apartment
  3. Monthly stipend of 480 Euro for living expenses
  4. Guidance and support for social projects
  5. Partial travel cost coverage for arrival and return (if applicable)

Note : Applicants who receive benefits in accordance with the Federal Education Assistance Act (BAFöG) will only receive an allowance that does not count as income. These applicants usually only receive a flat rate (book allowance) of 100 Euro maximum a month because the cash value of the accommodation that SBW Berlin provides must be considered.

SBW Berlin Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for this university scholarship program, applicants must meet the requirements of each following scholarship programs:

1. Scholarship for the Social Sector

  • German citizens or EU/EEA nationals with long-term residency and relevant work experience
  • Aged between 18–30
  • Strong academic background (minimum GPA: 2.0)
  • Proven involvement in social projects
  • Low household income
  • Studying in Berlin or Potsdam, up to 3rd semester

2. Scholarship for Refugees

  • Recognized refugees/asylum seekers with legal residency in Germany
  • 18–30 years old and in Germany for less than 6 years
  • Demonstrated social commitment in Germany
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • Low income status
  • Must be starting or in the first 3 semesters of studies

3. Scholarship for International Students

  • Non-German nationals from countries in need
  • No immediate family residing in Germany
  • Between 18–30 years old
  • Living in Germany for no more than 18 months
  • Strong social engagement in home country (preferably via NGO)
  • Good academic record (GPA: 2.0 or better)
  • In the early stages of higher education (up to 3rd semester)

Expectations of SBW Berlin Scholarship Holders

Please find below, expectation for all SBW pathways.

Shared Expectations Across All Pathways

  • Workshop & Reporting: Engage in skill-building sessions and transparently document your journey.
  • Mentorship: Regular check-ins with SBW Berlin for guidance and support.
  • Academic Excellence: Sustain a “good” or higher academic performance.

For Social Changemakers

Dive into impactful projects—either on your own initiative or one assigned by SBW Berlin.

  • Application Essentials: Submit a detailed project outline. Master’s applicants need a recommendation letter from a nonprofit; Bachelor’s candidates provide a motivational letter (recommendations are optional but encouraged).
  • Commitment: Dedicate 2–8 hours weekly to your project during the scholarship term. Participate in workshops, deliver reports/presentations, and receive mentorship from SBW Berlin.
  • Accountability: Maintain strong academic standing. If the project stalls, repay the scholarship per a notarized agreement.

For Refugee Scholars

Build bridges through community-driven projects in Berlin/Potsdam or partner with local organizations.

  • Application Requirements: Share your project vision and a heartfelt motivational letter. Include a recommendation letter if already collaborating with an org.
  • Active Engagement: Invest 2–8 hours weekly, attend SBW workshops, and collaborate closely with partner organizations.
  • Post-Study Responsibility: Continue the project post-graduation or repay the scholarship (formalized via notarized agreement).

For Global Visionaries (International Students)

Design a social initiative in your home country alongside a local nonprofit.

  • Application Steps: Submit a project blueprint and a recommendation letter validating the partnership and relevance of your studies.
  • Ongoing Collaboration: Spend 2–8 hours weekly on the project, attend SBW workshops, and share progress through reports.
  • Post-Scholarship Pledge: Return to your home country to implement the project, or repay the scholarship as per the notarized agreement.

How to Apply for the SBW Berlin Scholarship?

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this scholarship must email their initial application to: [email protected]

  1. Review the guidelines: Carefully read all scholarship requirements and conditions.
  2. Submit documents via email ([email protected]):
    • Motivational letter (max. 2 pages)
    • 1–2 recommendation letters (from professors, employers, NGOs, etc.)
  3. Preliminary Review: SBW Berlin will evaluate your email submission.
  4. Portal Access: If successful, you’ll receive access to the online application portal.
  5. Complete Application: Upload additional documents (project description, income proof, certificates, etc.).
  6. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview.

Required Documents

  1. Application form (provided later to outstanding applicants)
  2. University entrance qualification certificate
  3. Income documentation
  4. Recent academic transcripts with GPA
  5. Highest degree certificates and transcripts

Optional Documents (recommended)

  • University admission letter for a social study program
  • All earned university certificates and academic records (graded and ungraded)
  • All work, training, and internship certificates
  • 1–2 additional recommendation letters from professors, teachers, or employers
  • Proof of net household income.

There is no official deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For more details on the SBW Berlin Scholarships for International Students, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

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