The scholarship for international students

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students supports talented young people from abroad who have already shown social commitment and who use the skills they have acquired during their studies during and after their studies in social projects at a non-profit/social organization in their home countries.

Read our guidelines for this scholarship.

Social Project

Our scholarship recipients work on social projects during their studies in Berlin. Ideally, these projects are part of the charitable work of organizations based in their home countries and/or contribute to improving living conditions there.

After successfully completing their studies, our scholarship recipients are expected to continue the projects in their home countries and to advance them through the skills they have acquired here. SBW Berlin continues to support them in an advisory capacity.

  • Foreign nationals whose countries of origin appear to be in particular need of support in their development (see guidelines).
  • Holders of a student visa or residence permit for the purpose of taking up or pursuing studies

  • Between the ages of 18 and 30
  • Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector (supported by letters of recommendation from the social institution or non-profit organization)
  • Have demonstrably not resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application
  • University entrance qualification*
  • Intention to work for at least 18 months in the country of origin after graduation or to engage in charitable activities in Germany until the repayment plan is fulfilled
  • Proven relatively low net income (see guidelines)
  • Average grade equivalent to a German grade point average of at least 2.0
  • No first-degree family members permanently residing in Germany
  • Application before the start of studies or fully enrolled in the first, second or maximum third semester at a state-recognized university (in Germany or abroad) or application for a master’s degree shortly before or after obtaining a bachelor’s degree

* Interested applicants should note that an application for a place at a university or university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam is required. This is done separately to the scholarship application, i.e. applicants are responsible for this themselves.

Our “Good to Know” video series on our YouTube channel presents the general university system in Germany and the universities in Berlin and shows how to apply apply to a university in Berlin.

  • Interest in social commitment and in the development of social projects
  • Collaboration (past and future) with a non-profit/social institution in the home country
  • Good academic performance
  • Continuing education plan after graduation
  • Transparency and clear communication regarding professional goals, etc.
  • No financial support of family members or third parties through the scholarship program possible

  • Proactive development of social projects during the study period (2 to 8 hours of work per week are planned for the social project).
  • Good academic performance in each semester supported.
  • Active participation in regular project meetings and workshops at SBW Berlin
  • Writing project reports
  • Preparing and implementing talks or presentations on the projects
  • Transparency and clear communication regarding professional goals
  • In the event of discontinuation of studies or the project as well as in case of remaining in Germany: Start of repayment plan 3 months after end of studies or funding period in 12 monthly installments

For more information on the SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students, including the application and selection process, please refer to the relevant guidelines and criteria.

Find out more about the project description.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please refer to our FAQ.