SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany for International Students
Objectives of the Scholarship
The SBW Berlin scholarship for international students young people from abroad who are already
socially committed and will use the skills they acquire during their studies and thereafter to
develop social or non-profit projects at non-profit organizations or social institutions in their home
countries.
SBW Berlin awards scholarships based on professional qualifications, personal suitability, and
financial need1 to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a university or a university
of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam. In principle, all scientific, social, and
artistic disciplines can be funded.
In special cases, the scholarship may support a vocational training in Berlin or Potsdam.
Interested applicants are required to have been working with a non-profit organization or social
institution in their home countries. This is an important prerequisite for the SBW Berlin
Scholarship. Highlighted here is the applicants’ previous social commitment and their general
motivation therefor. After the study program or the funding period ends, scholarship recipients
continue their social projects within the non-profit organization or social institution and further
develop their projects on site in their respective home country.
The intention to pursue their professional goals for at least 18 months after the end of the funding
period or graduation in their respective home countries or to engage in non-profit work in
Germany, considering however a notarized repayment plan2, and to continue participating in
regular meetings with SBW Berlin and discussing their professional development (project and job)
are other important requirements for the SBW Berlin scholarship for international students.
Beginning with the funding period, SBW Berlin supports all scholarship recipients to work towards
their professional goals. This is done through practically implementing the study programs’
content into the social projects where possible and through collaborating with the non-profit
organization or social institution in the scholarship recipients’ home countries.
The scholarship does not cover any funding in other German federal states or abroad.
Any funding after the regular study or vocational training period has ended is unattainable.
SBW Berlin’s Expectations for Applicants and Incoming Scholarship Recipients
The SBW Berlin scholarship program supports scholarship recipients during their studies in Berlin
or Potsdam but there are also expectations of SBW Berlin associated with it.
Our scholarship program focuses on the scholarship recipients’ social commitments and the
development of non-profit/social projects in their respective home country. In cooperation with a
local non-profit organization or social institution, the scholarship recipients work on their own
projects, which they present during the application process by submitting a project description.3
All projects aim to support people in need and the non-profit or social institution’s objectives and
have a greater benefit for society, in general.
While participating in our scholarship program, all scholarship recipients attend additional
workshops at SBW Berlin, prepare project reports, and give lectures or presentations on their
projects. All scholarship recipients benefit from SBW Berlin’s consistent mentorship for example
in form of regular discussions about the projects etc.
It is therefore expected that applicants prove their motivation for non-profit/social work and their
collaboration (previous and henceforth) with a non-profit organization or social institution in their
respective home countries in the form of a letter of recommendation from this non-profit
organization or social institution.4 To support the application for the SBW Berlin scholarship, it is
necessary for the non-profit organization or social institution to explain how the applicant’s chosen
course of study and the social project support the non-profit or institute’s general direction and
objectives and outline the applicant’s responsibilities within the organization/institution so far and
henceforth (e.g., after graduation). The aim is therefore to ensure that there will be a lively
exchange between the scholarship recipients, the non-profit organization or social institution in
the scholarship recipients’ home countries and SBW Berlin during and after the sponsorship or
studies.
If scholarship recipients do not intend to return to their home countries after the end of the
sponsorship or the end of their studies, the scholarship recipients must repay the scholarship.
However, the previously enclosed and notarized repayment plan for 12 months, starting 3 months
after the scholarship recipient’s graduation or end of the funding period, can pose a major
challenge and deep burden. It is therefore important to note that there could be cheaper
alternatives if applicants and scholarship recipients intend to stay in Germany from the start.
All scholarship recipients work proactively on their projects during the funding period and can
prove this at any time. It can be expected to spend between 2 and 8 hours a week working on the
social project.
In addition, good academic performance is excepted.
Who can apply?
- Foreign nationals, whose home countries appear to have a particular need for development
assistance. - Holders of a student visa for Germany or a residence permit with the purpose of taking up
or carrying out a course of study in Germany.
Students whose studies in Germany are already being funded by another scholarship are not
eligible to apply.
An exception to this rule is assistance under the Federal Education Assistance Act (BAföG). In
this case, the amount of the scholarship is adjusted according to the BAföG allowance.
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Between 18 and 30 years old
- Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector (proven by a social
institution’s letter of recommendation) - Able to prove that they have not stayed in Germany for more than 18 months before the
application - Qualification for university entrance
- Intention to work in their country of origin for at least 18 months after graduation or to
engage in non-profit work until the repayment plan has been fulfilled - Able to prove a relatively low net income
- Average grades corresponding to a German grade point average of at least 2.0.
- No first-degree family members who reside permanently in Germany
- Application before the start of their university education or fully enrolled in the first, second
or max. 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
Applications which do not meet all the requirements stated above cannot be considered.
Deadlines and Application Documents
SBW Berlin does not charge any application or processing fees
When applying for the scholarship, proof of the applicant’s social commitment in the form of a
letter of recommendation from a non-profit organization or social institution is required. The nonprofit
organization or social institution submits the letter on behalf of the applicant as PDF to
[email protected]. After carefully reviewing the letter, outstanding prospects will be granted
access to the application form.
Only complete applications can be considered. Applicants must submit at least the following documents:
- Letter of recommendation from a non-profit organization or social institution or one of SBW Berlin’s partner organization (by email)
- Application form (A link will be shared with outstanding applicants.)
- Project description (two to five pages)
- Qualification for university entrance
- Information about the net household income
- Copy of the last school or university certificate that shows the grade point average and a grade overview
- Copy of the highest academic degree (high school diploma or university certificate) that shows the grade point average and a grade overview.
If available, copies of the following documents should also be included:
- Admission to a university or university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam.
- Internationally recognized language certificate for the language in which your studies will be taught.
- All already obtained university certificates and records of achievements (graded and ungraded)
- All previous work, training, apprenticeship and internship certificates and references
FAQs
Can I make an on-site consultation appointment with SBW Berlin?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. We do not offer on-site personal consultation appointments. If you have any questions, you are welcome to send us a message via the contact form on the SBW Berlin website or to [email protected]
How many and what types of scholarships does the SBW Berlin Scholarship Program offer?
There are three different types of scholarships: the SBW Berlin Scholarship for study programs in the social sector, the SBW Berlin Scholarship for international students and the SBW Berlin Scholarship for refugees. Detailed information on the various scholarships can be found on the SBW Berlin website and in the relevant guidelines.
How many scholarships does the SBW Berlin award?
We have a total of 20 scholarship places. Each semester, only as many scholarships are awarded as there are places available.
Who can apply for the SBW Berlin scholarship program?
The target group depends on the type of scholarship. As a rule, young people who are already proactively involved in social causes and can demonstrate a strong motivation to develop or continue social projects so that these projects can support people in need are eligible to apply. There should be a general benefit for society.
How long is the funding period for a scholarship?
The duration of the funding is a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 48 months. The respective standard period of study is decisive. Funding is granted in periods, usually for the following semester.
Can a scholarship be terminated during my studies?
Yes, because before the end of each semester it is determined whether further funding is justified. Funding may be terminated by the SBW Berlin in the following cases: two failed compulsory examinations or two postponed examinations, failure to meet the target agreements set for the social/non-profit project or if the funds are not used for the intended purpose. The monetary benefits paid by the SBW Berlin up to the end of the sponsorship must then be repaid to the SBW Berlin in 12 monthly installments 3 months after the end of the sponsorship or studies. Detailed information on other reasons for a termination of funding and the obligation to repay the scholarship can be found in the relevant scholarship guidelines and the scholarship contracts.
Can I stay in Germany after my studies as an international graduate?
There are two options after the regular end of the study or funding period: International graduates return to their respective home countries and continue to develop their projects there in cooperation with non-profit/social organizations for at least 18 months, or international graduates remain in Germany, albeit with a repayment agreement. However, the then valid attached and notarized repayment plan, for the monetary payments made by the SBW Berlin up to that point and for 12 monthly instalments starting 3 months after the end of the course, represents a major burden. It is therefore important to note that more favorable opportunities exist if scholarship recipients intend to stay in Germany from the outset. Further information on this can be found in the relevant scholarship guidelines and the scholarship contracts.
Who can apply for the SBW Berlin Scholarship for Refugees?
Recognized refugees living in Germany, homeless foreigners living in Germany, holders of a residence permit according to §§22, 23 para. 1 or 2, §§23a, 25para. 1 or 2 of the AufenthG with permanent residence in Germany, holder of a residence permit pursuant to §25 para. 3, para. 4 sentence 2 or para. 5 AufenthG if you are permanently residing in Germany and hold a permanent residence permit for Germany. All applicants and incoming scholarship recipients must already be socially committed.
Where do the SBW Berlin scholarship recipients live?
The scholarships include a furnished room in shared student flats at Rudower Str. 67, 12351 Berlin. Scholarship recipients are assigned flats according to their specific gender.
Can my family come to Berlin or Germany with me, live with me or can I support them financially?
A family reunification through the SBW Berlin Scholarship Program is not possible. Family members or friends may not live with scholarship recipients at SBW Berlin. Family members or third parties cannot be financially supported by the SBW Berlin Scholarship Program. This will result in an extraordinary termination of the scholarship contract.
Does the SBW Berlin cover the costs of language courses, a preparatory year, a deposit for a study place or just the tuition fees?
As a rule, the costs for language courses or a preparatory year are not covered. Financial support for incoming scholarship recipients only begins at the start of the semester and after their arrival in Berlin. A deposit for a study place or any tuition fees can therefore only be paid at this point. Please note that if the deposit or tuition fees are higher than the national average, you will have to personally contribute to the overall costs.
Where can I find the application form?
The application form for all three types of scholarships is only available on the online application portal of SBW Berlin and is only shared as a link. Please note that a letter of recommendation or a letter of motivation is required first. Only after a careful examination of this letter will outstanding applicants be granted access to the online application portal. Detailed information on the application process can be found in the relevant guidelines.
When are the application deadlines for the SBW Berlin Scholarship Program?
There are no application deadlines. Applicants can apply for the scholarship program all year round.