About this opportunity
The SBW Berlin Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded bachelor's and master's study in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany, for talented students from developing and emerging countries. Aimed at socially committed changemakers, it covers tuition fees, a furnished room in Berlin, a €480 monthly living allowance and possible travel support. Applicants must show proven social engagement and a plan to run a non profit project in their home country after graduation.
The SBW Berlin Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by SBW Berlin gGmbH for applicants heading to Germany.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be a foreign national from a country in particular need of development support (Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, South America), a stateless foreigner or a recognised refugee
- Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- Hold a university entrance qualification (or be about to obtain one); master's applicants must hold a completed bachelor's degree
- Have an average grade equivalent to a German GPA of at least 2.0
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 18 months before applying
- Have no first degree relatives permanently living in Germany
- Come from a household with proven relatively low net income
- Show professional or voluntary experience in the non profit or social sector, backed by letters of recommendation from the organisation
What the opportunity may offer
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the standard duration of the degree
- A furnished room in SBW Berlin's shared student flats in Berlin
- A monthly living allowance of €480
- Possible travel allowance for the journey to Berlin before studies and the return home after graduation
- Workshops, project meetings and skills training in project management, reporting and presentations
- Advisory support for developing and running the social project during studies
- Continued advisory support after graduation for the home country project
Required documents
- Completed SBW Berlin application form
- Motivation letter of maximum two pages
- Current curriculum vitae
- Record of highest educational qualification (school or university diploma)
- Last school or university certificate with a grade overview
- Information about the net income of the household
- Letters of recommendation from a social institution or non profit organisation
- Copy of passport
Application process
- Check the eligibility criteria and read the official SBW Berlin scholarship guidelines
- Apply separately for admission to a state recognised university or university of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam
- Have a non profit organisation submit a recommendation letter about you to SBW Berlin
- If the initial review passes, access the official application form and document upload portal
- Complete the form and upload all required documents in English or German
- If shortlisted, attend the personal interview or video conference and provide any extra documents requested
- Receive the final decision and begin the visa and housing process
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by SBW Berlin gGmbH
- □Prepare your 8 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
There is no fixed application deadline: SBW Berlin accepts applications on a rolling basis all year round, so apply well before the start of your intended semester. Places are limited, so early application is strongly advised.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SBW Berlin Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition fees, a furnished room in Berlin, a €480 monthly living allowance and possible travel costs for the journey to and from Berlin.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No, applications are accepted all year round on a rolling basis, but applying early is strongly advised because places are limited.
Who is eligible for the SBW Berlin Scholarship?
Foreign students aged 18 to 30 from countries in need of development support, with a German GPA equivalent of at least 2.0, low household income, proven social engagement and no first degree relatives permanently in Germany.
Do I have to return to my home country?
Yes, scholars intend to work in their home country for at least 18 months after graduation to develop their social project, or stay engaged in charitable activities in Germany until any repayment terms are fulfilled.
Do I need German language skills?
Application documents may be submitted in English or German; the language required for study depends on the chosen university programme.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with SBW Berlin gGmbH. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.