SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students
Stipend
480 EUR/month living allowance
Duration
Up to 48 months (standard study period of chosen programme)
Level
Bachelor, Master
Deadline
Rolling applications (no fixed deadline) — accepted year-round. Only 20 places total.
Overview
The SBW Berlin Scholarship supports talented international students who are socially committed and plan to use their acquired skills for social projects in their home countries. It covers accommodation in Berlin, a 480 EUR monthly living allowance, and travel costs. Only 20 scholarship places are available.
Provider
SBW Berlin e.V.
Type
foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply
International students from abroad
Degree Levels
Bachelor, Master
Benefits & Financial Support
Funding Amount
480 EUR/month living allowance + furnished accommodation in Berlin + travel contribution
About
SBW Berlin (Studien- und Berufshilfswerk Berlin) supports international students studying Bachelor's or Master's programmes at universities in Berlin or Potsdam. The scholarship focuses on students who demonstrate strong social engagement and intend to contribute to their home communities after completing their studies.
Benefits
- Furnished room in a shared student flat in Berlin
- Monthly living allowance of 480 EUR
- Travel contribution (journey to Berlin and return home after successful completion)
- Tutoring and mentoring support
- Community of fellow scholarship holders
Eligibility
- International students from abroad
- Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree at a university in Berlin or Potsdam
- Demonstrated social commitment (letter of recommendation from a non-profit or social organisation required)
- Intention to use acquired skills for social projects in home country
How to Apply
Send a letter of recommendation or motivational statement to [email protected]. After review, outstanding applicants receive access to the full application form. Only 20 scholarship places are available in total, with new places opening only as scholars graduate.
Eligibility Requirements
- Studying at a university in Berlin or Potsdam
- strong social commitment with proof from a non-profit organisation
- plan to contribute to home country after studies.
What This Scholarship Covers
Living Allowance
Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses
Travel Allowance
Contribution toward flights to and from Germany
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.
Prepare Documents
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.
Find a Programme
Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.
Submit Application
Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.
Interview & Selection
If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.
Receive Decision
Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3–6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.
Application Document Checklist
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose
- Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
- Academic transcripts with grades
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
- Valid passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph
- University admission letter (if already accepted)
Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.
Need Help With Your Application?
Scholarship applications are competitive — a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.
Quick Facts
- Amount
- 480 EUR/month living allowance + furnished accommodation in Berlin + travel contribution
- Duration
- Up to 48 months (standard study period of chosen programme)
- Degree Levels
- Bachelor Master
- Deadline
- Rolling applications (no fixed deadline) — accepted year-round. Only 20 places total.
- Who Can Apply
- International students from abroad
Frequently Asked Questions About the SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students
Other Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship (Studienwerk)
Heinrich Böll Stiftung (affiliated with Alliance 90/The Greens)
The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards approximately 1,450 scholarships to students and 200 to doctoral candidates annually. It supports those who share the founda...
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Grundförderung)
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES, affiliated with SPD)
Germany's oldest political foundation (affiliated with the SPD) supports approximately 40 talented international students per year from the Global South, post-S...
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship for International Students
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS, affiliated with CDU)
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation awards scholarships to international Master's and PhD students under 30 who demonstrate strong academic performance, political in...