About the Program

The SBW Berlin Scholarship Program supports young international students who are socially committed and eager to use their education to improve their home communities through non-profit initiatives. The program offers opportunities to study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Berlin or Potsdam across scientific, social, and artistic disciplines.

Program Highlights

• Focus on social impact and community development
• Open to all academic disciplines
• Includes tuition, accommodation, and living allowance
• Ongoing mentorship and project development support

Benefits

• Furnished room in shared student flats in Berlin
• Monthly cost-of-living allowance (€480)
• Tuition fee coverage
• Possible travel contribution to and from Berlin
• Funding duration: 30 days to 48 months

Eligibility Criteria

• Foreign nationals from countries needing development assistance
• Aged between 18 and 30
• Experience in social or non-profit work
• Low-income background
• Good academic performance (GPA ≥ 2.0 in German scale)
• Commitment to return and contribute to home country post-studies

Application Requirements

• Letter of recommendation from a non-profit organization
• Completed application form
• Project description (2–5 pages)
• Proof of university entrance qualification
• Income information and academic certificates
• Optional: university admission, language certificates, letters of recommendation

Selection Criteria

• Financial need as per German Federal Education Assistance Act (§ 1 BAföG)
• Academic ability and motivation
• Proven social engagement and project relevance

Program Focus

Participants develop and present social projects that support people in need. Each project aligns with the objectives of a non-profit or social institution in the student’s home country. Throughout the scholarship, recipients attend workshops, prepare reports, and receive mentorship to ensure the long-term success of their initiatives.