SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students 2026, a prestigious fully funded opportunity designed for socially committed young talents from developing countries. This scholarship supports Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees (and in exceptional cases, vocational training) in all scientific, social, and artistic disciplines at state-recognized universities or universities of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany.

There is no fixed application deadline – applications are accepted all year round on a rolling basis, with selections typically made ahead of semester starts (summer semester around March, winter around September). Early application is recommended, especially for 2026 intakes, to allow time for university admission and visa processing.

Key Details

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded (covers living expenses, accommodation, tuition, and possible travel)
• Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s (exceptional cases: vocational training)
• Fields of Study: All disciplines – scientific, social, artistic
• Study Location: State-recognized universities in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany
• Application Deadline: No fixed deadline – rolling applications accepted year-round
• Application Fee: None
• Number of Scholarships: Limited (approximately 20 places total, awarded based on vacancies per semester)
• Available for all Nationals

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a foreign national from a country in particular need of development assistance
• Hold a student visa or residence permit for studies in Germany
• Aged between 18 and 30 years
• Have professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector (proven by recommendation letter)
• Not have resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application
• No first-degree family members permanently residing in Germany
• Possess a university entrance qualification
• Average grades equivalent to a German GPA of at least 2.0
• Proven low net household income (below average for home country)
• Intention to return home and work there for at least 18 months after graduation
• Applying before starting studies or enrolled in the 1st, 2nd, or max. 3rd semester (or starting Master’s soon after Bachelor’s)

Important: You must independently secure admission to a university in Berlin or Potsdam – the scholarship does not handle this.

Also Check: ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive support to allow recipients to focus on studies and projects:

• Furnished room in gender-specific shared student apartments in Berlin
• Monthly living allowance (currently ~€480)
• Full coverage of tuition fees
• Possible reimbursement for travel to Berlin and return home
• Ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities
• Support for project implementation

Funding begins only after arrival in Berlin and move-in. No coverage for preparatory courses, language classes, or family members. If recipients choose to stay in Germany permanently, they must repay the scholarship in 12 interest-free monthly installments.

Also Check: Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

Social Project Requirement

A standout feature of this scholarship is the mandatory social project:

• Projects should address needs in your home country, focusing on education, social work, medical care, or ecology
• Aim to help disadvantaged groups and benefit society broadly
• Can be new ideas or expansions of existing non-profit initiatives
• During studies: Dedicate 2–8 hours weekly
• Post-graduation: Continue in home country

Also Check: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

How to Structure Your Project Description (2–5 pages)

• Describe the problem/situation in your home country
• Identify the target group and your proposed solution
• Set clear short-term (6 months) and long-term (2 years) goals
• Outline a realistic timeline and required resources
• Reference UN SDGs if applicable

Also Check: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027 (Study in Hungary)

Application Process

Applications are processed year-round with this step-by-step flow:

1. Read the Guidelines – Download and review the latest guidelines from the official website.
2. Submit Initial Letter – A non-profit organization in your home country sends a letter of recommendation/motivation (PDF) to [email protected].
3. Initial Review – SBW Berlin evaluates the letter.
4. Receive Application Portal Link – Outstanding candidates get access to the full online form.
5. Submit Complete Application – Including project description and supporting documents.
6. Interview – Shortlisted applicants attend an interview (possibly with practical tasks).
7. Final Decision & Verification – Selected candidates submit certified documents and sign contract.

Also Check: Sophie Germain Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Required Documents

• Project description (2–5 pages)
• Letter of recommendation from non-profit organization
• Academic certificates/transcripts with grades
• Proof of university admission in Berlin/Potsdam
• Proof of low household income
• Language certificate (for study program language)
• CV, internship certificates, etc.

Submit in German or English.

Also check: Türkiye Scholarships for BS, MS and PHD 2026 (Fully Funded)