About this Program

The SBW Berlin scholarship for international students’ is for 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 need to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fach Hochschule) in Berlin or Potsdam. In principle, all scientific, social, and artistic disciplines can be funded.

Eligibility

• Be foreign nationals whose countries of origin appear to be in particular need of support in their development such as Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
• Between 18 and 30 years old.
• Professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector.
• 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.

Required Documents

• Letter of recommendation from a non-profit organization or social institution or one of SBW Berlin’s partner organization 
• Application form 
• 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
• Admission to a university or university of applied sciences (Fach Hochschule) 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

Selection Process

• During the first phase of the selection process, the letter of recommendation from the applicants are carefully reviewed. A decision is then made as to whether applicants will be granted access to the application portal. The link will be shared via email - application@sbw.berlin .
• During the second phase of the selection process, the application form, the applicant’s grades, and financial situation are carefully reviewed.
• During the third phase of the selection process, an interview or video conference is conducted with candidates who, after examining the documents, have been deemed suitable for the scholarship program. During the interviews candidates may be assigned to solve a practical problem. In addition, the proposed social or non-profit project and its objectives can be discussed to define the first six months’ timeline. The project can be either specified by SBW Berlin or applicants can present their own projects. 

Application Period 

Application Deadline is on 31st December 2024.

For more information, You could go to the Official Website.