SBW Berlin Scholarship 2027 in Germany (Funded)
The SBW Berlin Scholarship is a funded scholarship programme for financially disadvantaged international students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Germany. The scholarship supports students who have demonstrated academic excellence, financial need, and a strong commitment to social or community development.
Unlike many traditional scholarships, the SBW Berlin Scholarship emphasizes applicants' involvement in non-profit organizations and their commitment to implementing a social project in their home country after graduation.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Provider: SBW Berlin
- Study Location: Berlin and Potsdam
- Degree Level: Bachelor's and Master's
- Scholarship Type: Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: International Students
- Application Deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Available Subjects
The scholarship supports eligible programmes offered by recognized universities and universities of applied sciences in Berlin and Potsdam, including:
Engineering
Computer Science
Business
Economics
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Arts
Humanities
Education
Environmental Studies
Health Sciences
Other eligible academic disciplines
Benefits
Selected applicants may receive:
Furnished accommodation in an SBW Berlin shared apartment
Monthly living allowance of €480
Tuition fee support
Travel allowance of up to €500 for travel within Europe
Travel allowance of up to €1,000 for travel from outside Europe
Scholarship support for the standard duration of the study programme
Opportunity to participate in social development projects
The scholarship generally supports students for a maximum period of 48 months, depending on the programme and continued academic progress.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be between 18 and 30 years of age.
Demonstrate financial need.
Have strong academic performance equivalent to a German grade of 2.0 or better.
Have volunteer, professional, or internship experience with a non-profit organization or social institution.
Be eligible for admission to a Bachelor's or Master's programme.
Plan to study at an eligible university in Berlin or Potsdam.
Have spent no more than 18 months in Germany before applying.
Not have a first-degree family member permanently living in Germany.
Be willing to return to their home country after graduation and continue a community-based social project.
Apply before beginning their degree or no later than the third semester.
Applicants already receiving another scholarship for studies in Germany are generally not eligible for full SBW funding.
English Language Requirements
The scholarship itself does not require IELTS.
However, applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen university programme.
Accepted English language qualifications may include:
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English
Other recognized English language certificates
Proof of previous English-medium education (if accepted by the university)
Applicants for German-taught programmes may need certificates such as TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, or telc German.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
Recommendation letter from a non-profit organization
Completed scholarship application
Social project proposal (2–5 pages)
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Passport copy
Proof of financial need
Household income documents
Evidence of volunteer or professional experience
Language proficiency certificate (if available)
University admission letter or proof of application (if available)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Additional documents may be requested during the selection process.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Programme
Select a Bachelor's or Master's programme offered by a recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam.
Step 2: Obtain a Recommendation
Request a recommendation letter from the non-profit organization or social institution where you have volunteered or worked.
The organization must submit the recommendation directly to SBW Berlin.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation
If your recommendation is approved, SBW Berlin will invite you to access the online application portal.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application and upload all required academic, financial, and project documents.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online interview before the final selection.
Step 6: Complete University Admission
Successful applicants must complete admission requirements for their chosen university before beginning their studies.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Early application is recommended to allow sufficient time for university admission, document verification, and student visa processing.
