SBW Berlin Scholarship 2027 for International Students – Study in Berlin

Bachelor, Master, PH.D, Scholarship
Germany
September 23, 2026
Scholarship
Urgent
Application ends: December 31, 2026
Apply Now

Job Description

SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students 2027 – Study in Berlin or Potsdam

Introduction:

SBW Berlin supports talented international students who already show social commitment. Therefore, the scholarship helps them study at a state-recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam. In return, recipients work on a social project during their studies. After graduation, they apply their new skills to continue social work in their home country. As a result, this scholarship suits students who combine academic ambition with a genuine drive for social impact.

About the Programme:

SBW Berlin targets applicants from countries that need development support, based on the programme’s own guidelines. In addition, applicants must hold a student visa or a residence permit for study purposes. During their studies, scholarship holders spend 2 to 8 hours per week on their social project. Consequently, SBW Berlin expects strong academic performance alongside this project work, plus active participation in project meetings, workshops, and progress reports.

After graduation, recipients continue their project — ideally in partnership with a non-profit organisation in their home country. SBW Berlin continues to offer advisory support even after the funding period ends.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply, you must meet these criteria:

  • You are between 18 and 30 years old
  • You hold citizenship of a country that the programme considers in need of development support
  • You have professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit or social sector, backed by a recommendation letter
  • You have not lived in Germany for more than 18 months before applying
  • You meet the standard university entrance requirements
  • You have applied, or plan to apply, to a university or Hochschule in Berlin or Potsdam
  • For master’s applicants: you are close to finishing your bachelor’s degree, or you graduated recently
  • Your average grade equals at least a 2.0 on the German grading scale
  • Your net income falls into a relatively low bracket, as defined in the official guidelines
  • You have no first-degree family members permanently living in Germany
  • You intend to work at least 18 months in your home country after graduation, or continue approved social activities as required by the programme
  • You apply before starting your studies, or you are currently enrolled in your first, second, or (at most) third semester

Scholarship Benefits:

SBW Berlin tailors its support to each applicant’s situation and the programme’s current guidelines. Generally, this includes financial and practical support connected to studying and living in Berlin. For full financial details, applicants should consult the official SBW Berlin guidelines (PDF).

What Recipients Must Do:

  • Actively develop and run a social project throughout their studies (2–8 hours/week)
  • Maintain good academic performance each semester
  • Attend SBW Berlin’s regular project meetings and workshops
  • Write project reports and present their progress
  • Communicate clearly and transparently about their academic and professional goals

If a recipient leaves the programme early, or stays in Germany instead of returning home, SBW Berlin starts a repayment plan 3 months after the funding period ends, paid over 12 monthly installments.

Important Note:

University admission and SBW Berlin scholarship applications run as two completely separate processes. Therefore, applicants must apply to a university or Hochschule in Berlin or Potsdam on their own, independent of the scholarship application.

How to Apply:

🔗 Official Guidelines (PDF)
🔗 Official Programme Page
🔗 FAQ

More Opportunities:

Join Telegram

Location