Author: Hammad Ishaq
Last verified on: September 23, 2025

Overview: What is the Program & Who Runs It

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students is a fully-funded scholarship program run by SBW Berlin gGmbH. Its purpose is to support young, socially committed international students in pursuing bachelor’s or master’s-level studies (or in special cases vocational training) in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany, while simultaneously promoting or developing nonprofit/social projects either during or after their studies. (sbw.berlin)

The program has three streams:

1. Scholarship for International Students (from abroad) (sbw.berlin)

2. Scholarship for Refugees in Germany (sbw.berlin)

3. Scholarship for Study Programs in the Social Field (sbw.berlin)

Benefits / Funding: What the Scholarship Covers

According to the SBW Berlin guidelines, the benefit package includes:

• A furnished room in shared student flats in Berlin (at Rudower Str. 67, 12351 Berlin) (sbw.berlin)

• A monthly allowance for living costs, currently €480 per month for international students under this stream. (sbw.berlin)

• Covering of tuition fees at public/state-recognized universities or universities of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam. (sbw.berlin)

• Possible travel contribution for the journey to Berlin before starting studies and for the return home after completing the studies. (sbw.berlin)

Some items not covered or limited:

• Costs of language courses, preparatory year, or similar are generally not covered. (sbw.berlin)

• Cannot support studies outside Berlin or Potsdam or in other German federal states. (sbw.berlin)

Duration:

• Funding may be granted for the standard period of the degree program, i.e. up to 48 months maximum depending on study duration. Minimum period is at least 30 days where relevant. (sbw.berlin)

Eligibility

To be eligible for the International Students stream of the SBW Berlin Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Ineligibilities include being funded already by another scholarship (with some exceptions such as BAföG) or failing to meet any of the above. (sbw.berlin)

Timeline & Deadlines

• Application Deadlines: As of last verification, there is no fixed application deadline. Applications are accepted year-round. (sbw.berlin)

• Admission / University Application: Applicants must separately apply for admission to a university or University of Applied Sciences in Berlin or Potsdam. This is not handled by SBW Berlin. Make sure you meet the university’s deadlines. (sbw.berlin)

• Result / Selection Timeline: After initial review of social commitment / recommendation letters, SBW contacts “outstanding prospects” to provide access to the full application form. Thereafter submitted materials are reviewed, interviews/video conferences are held, followed by final selection. The guidelines do not clearly specify exact dates. (sbw.berlin)

• Funding Start Date: Once admitted, funding begins at the start of the semester, after the scholar has moved into the shared student flat. (sbw.berlin)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Confirm eligibility: Review criteria (age, grades, prior stay in Germany, social work experience, etc.).

2. Obtain a university offer / plan: Either have admission to a recognized university in Berlin or Potsdam, or be applying for admission.

3. Prepare social commitment documentation: Get letters of recommendation from nonprofit/social institutions showing past or ongoing work.

4. Draft project description: Outline a nonprofit/social project you plan to implement (2-5 pages) during or after studies in your home country.

5. Send letter of recommendation / motivation: For international students, send proof of social commitment (letter of recommendation) to [email protected] (or as per instructions in guidelines). SBW Berlin uses this as first screening. (sbw.berlin)

6. Await invitation to full application: If recommendation/motivation passes initial check, you will get access/link to the full application form.

7. Fill application form completely: Include academic records, income documents, certificate of university entrance, copies of prior degrees, transcript of grades, possibly language certificates. (sbw.berlin)

8. Submit all required documents: Upload or send (PDF or as instructed) before SBW Berlin deems the application complete.

9. Interview / video conference: If shortlisted, attend an interview or video call. You may need to discuss your project for first six months. (sbw.berlin)

10. Receive decision / contract & begin studies + project: If selected, sign scholarship contract with obligations related to project work, reports, etc., move into the student flat, begin semester.

Required Documents Checklist

• Letter of recommendation from nonprofit/social institution (home country) showing past/proposed engagement.

• Project description (2-5 pages) for your social/nonprofit project.

• Proof of qualification for university entrance (high school diploma or equivalent).

• Highest academic degree certificate (if applicable).

• Transcript / grade overview (school or university, as applicable).

• Information on household / net income (proof via income statements, family/salary etc.).

• Passport copy; visa or residence permit showing purpose of study.

• Admission letter (or confirmation) to university in Berlin or Potsdam, if already obtained.

• Language proficiency certificate (if required for university program).

• Additional certificates: internships, trainings, volunteer work, etc.

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look for

• Academic merit: GPA equivalent to German GPA ≥ 2.0; good performance in prior studies. (sbw.berlin)

• Social commitment: a track record in volunteer or nonprofit work, plus a meaningful project plan.

• Motivation & clarity: clarity of goals, plans after graduation; transparency in communication.

• Financial need: low household income relative to home country average.

• Eligibility compliance: age, prior stay in Germany, enrollment stage, no close family residing in Germany, etc.

• Sustainability of project: how well the social project can be carried out during studies and continued after.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start early: collect all documents (income proofs, transcripts), translate them if needed.

• Get strong letters of recommendation: from nonprofit/social organization leaders who can talk specifically about your role and impact.

• Choose a project that is realistic & scalable: one that you can work on 2-8 hours/week as required, and that aligns with both your studies and social interests.

• Be explicit about post-study plans: Where will the project go after graduation? How will you use skills gained in Germany?

• Show academic readiness: If your grades are somewhat borderline, include explanations or additional proof of capability (courses, extracurriculars).

• Demonstrate financial need clearly: Provide official documents; show household income, costs, etc.

• Ensure eligibility criteria are met strictly: E.g., the required prior stay in Germany, semester of enrollment, etc. Missing one detail can invalidate application.

Official Links & Apply Now

• SBW Berlin Scholarship – official program page (International Students): The scholarship for foreign/international students on SBW Berlin site (sbw.berlin)

• SBW Berlin Guidelines & Criteria (International Students) PDF (sbw.berlin)

• Application Portal / Apply page: Scholarship application page on SBW Berlin website. (sbw.berlin)

Apply Now via official portal:
SBW Berlin Scholarship Application Portal (sbw.berlin)

FAQ

Q1. Is there a deadline?
A: No fixed deadline. Applications are accepted year round for the international students stream. (sbw.berlin)

Q2. Can I combine this scholarship with university scholarships or other funding?
A: If you are already receiving a scholarship in Germany, you may not be eligible. There are exceptions, e.g. BAföG (German government assistance), but SBW will adjust its support accordingly. (sbw.berlin)

Q3. What happens if I want to stay in Germany after graduation instead of returning home?
A: If you remain in Germany after the funding/study period, a notarized repayment plan will be required (usually 12 monthly instalments), starting 3 months after the end of studies or funding. (sbw.berlin)

Q4. Does SBW cover language courses or preparatory year?
A: Generally no. Costs for language courses or a preparatory year are not covered. (sbw.berlin)

Q5. What if my grades are from a different grading system? How is that evaluated?
A: Grades are converted to a German GPA scale. For example, to meet the minimum ~2.0 equivalent, you may need something like “upper second class” or 80 % depending on your system. Guidelines explain conversion methods. (sbw.berlin)

Summary & Call-to-Action

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students offers a strong opportunity for socially committed young people to study in Berlin or Potsdam with comprehensive financial support and project mentorship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, preparing a thoughtful, well-documented application and social project plan can greatly increase your chances.

Apply now via the official portal:
SBW Berlin Scholarship Application Portal (sbw.berlin)

Disclaimer

While all key facts have been verified from official SBW Berlin sources as of September 23, 2025, scholarship details (allowances, eligibility, etc.) may change. Always double-check the latest guidelines & criteria on the official SBW Berlin website before applying.