The SCHOLARSHIP FOR REFUGEES

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for Refugees supports young talented refugees in Germany who want to get socially involved and use the skills they acquired during their studies in social projects during and after their studies.

Review the guidelines for more information on this scholarship.

Social Project

Our scholarship recipients work on social projects during their studies in Berlin. Ideally, these projects are part of the community service work of organizations that support other refugees from their home countries. However, the social project can also be specified by SBW Berlin.

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

  • Homeless foreigners living in Germany
  • Recognized refugees living in Germany
  • Holders of a residence permit pursuant to Sections 22, 23 para. 1 or 2, §§ 23a, 25 para. 1 or 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) with permanent residence in Germany
  • Holders of a residence permit according to § 25 para. 3, para. 4 sentence 2 or para. 5 AufenthG with permanent residence in Germany
  • Holder of a settlement permit for Germany

  • Between the ages of 18 and 30
  • Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector after the start of your stay in Germany (documented by a letter of recommendation from a social institution or non-profit organization is desirable)
  • Motivational Statement
  • Living in Germany or demonstrably not having resided in Germany for more than 6 years prior to application
  • University entrance qualification (if, study is aspired)*.
  • Intention after grant end for min. 18 months to continue the social project or to engage in charitable work in Germany Demonstrably relatively low net income (see guidelines)
  • Average grade equivalent to a German grade point average of at least 2,5
  • Application before the start of studies/training 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.

Note: One or more family members of the scholarship recipients may not be brought to the SBW Berlin premises for a permanent family reunion after the beginning of the funding period.

  • Interest in social commitment and in the development of social projects
  • Good academic performance
  • Transparency and clear communication regarding professional goals, etc.

  • 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 project: start of the repayment plan 3 months after the end of the study or funding period in 12 monthly installments

For more information on the SBW Berlin Scholarship for Refugees, 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.