SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026 for International Students

The SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity that helps international students study in Germany while building projects that benefit their communities.

This scholarship supports motivated students who want to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Berlin or Potsdam, especially those who have shown social commitment and come from families with limited financial support. It is designed for people who want a good education and also want to make a real difference back home.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how the SBW Berlin Scholarship works, what it covers, who can apply, what documents you need, and how to submit a strong application.

About the SBW Berlin Scholarship

The SBW Berlin Scholarship helps international students study in Germany, especially those who want to use their education to make life better in their home countries.

The program is run by SBW Berlin gGmbH, a non-profit organisation based in Berlin.

SBW Berlin looks for students who:

• already have some experience in social or community work, and
• want to continue that work during their studies and after graduation.

While studying in Germany, scholarship students work on social projects connected to non-profit or community organisations. Ideally, these projects link back to their home countries or help improve living conditions there.

After graduation, students are expected to continue these projects at home, using the skills and experience they gained. SBW Berlin may stay involved by offering guidance and advice

Benefits & What You Get

The SBW Berlin Scholarship is designed to make studying in Germany as affordable as possible while you focus on your education and your social project.

Here’s what selected students receive:

• Free accommodation in SBW Berlin housing in Berlin
• Monthly living support to help cover basic expenses
• Support with study costs such as books, materials, and university-related fees
• Possible coverage of tuition or required university payments (depending on the program and rules at the time)
• Support for semester contributions or public transport, where applicable
• Guidance and mentoring throughout your studies
• Support in planning and running your social project
• Access to a community of other SBW Berlin scholars

These benefits are meant to reduce financial pressure so you can study well and stay engaged in meaningful community work.

ALSO APPLY:
Erasmus Mundus EMOTION Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the SBW Berlin Scholarship, you need to meet a few main conditions. In most cases, applicants should:

• be 18 to 30 years old
• come from outside Germany, with priority for students from developing or lower-income countries
• have school or university results that are roughly equivalent to a German GPA of 2.0 or better
• be eligible to study, or already applying to a university in Berlin or Potsdam
• not lived in Germany for long before applying
• show real involvement in social or community work
• come from a household with limited financial support
• not be receiving another major scholarship
• plan to return home after graduation and continue contributing there

If you recognise yourself in most of these points, you’re likely in the right place to continue reading and preparing.

Documents Required

You’ll need to prepare several documents for the SBW Berlin Scholarship. Try to collect them early so you’re not rushing.

Most applicants will need:

• Completed application form
• CV (curriculum vitae). Keep it simple, clear, and updated
• Motivation letter explaining your goals and your social commitment
• School certificates (high school, bachelor’s, or current transcripts)
• Proof of grades — showing results equal to about a German GPA of 2.0 or better
• Proof of university eligibility or admission in Berlin or Potsdam (if available)
• Letters of recommendation (if requested)
• Proof of income for you and your family
• Proof of previous volunteer or social work
• Copy of passport or national ID
• Project idea or social project plan (if required in that round)

Not every applicant will submit every document at once, but it’s safer to have them ready.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

1. Start by reading the guidelines

Go through the official scholarship guidelines first. Ensure you meet the requirements before doing anything else.

2. Send a motivation or recommendation letter

Next, you send one document:

• Either a motivation letter,
• or a recommendation letter from a social/non-profit organisation.

This helps SBW Berlin understand who you are and how you’ve been involved in social work.

3. SBW Berlin reviews your letter

Their team checks your letter and sees whether you fit the scholarship goals.

4. Get the application link (if shortlisted)

If they like your profile, SBW Berlin sends you a private link to the application portal.

5. Fill out the form and upload documents

Inside the portal, you complete the application and upload your documents.

6. Interview

If your application is strong, you’ll be invited to an interview, where you’ll talk about your:

• Studies
• Social project
• Plans after graduation

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IsDB Fully Funded Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD Scholarships 2026/2027

Deadlines & Timeline

The SBW Berlin Scholarship doesn’t have one fixed deadline; applications are accepted throughout the year.

However, timing still matters:

• Winter semester: Apply several months before the semester starts (usually around July–August)
• Summer semester: Apply a few months ahead (usually around January–February)

Other important points:

• Your application is reviewed in relation to the start of your chosen semester.
• Selection and communication may take a few weeks after submission.
• Once selected, you coordinate with SBW Berlin about university enrollment and your social project.

Even though there’s no strict deadline, it’s best to prepare and submit early so you have time to gather documents and plan your social project.

Apply for the SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026