SBW Berlin International Scholarships 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. SBW Berlin runs a fully funded scholarship for international students who combine strong academics with genuine social commitment. It is run by SBW Berlin gGmbH, a non-profit organisation based in Berlin, not by a single university.
This is not a typical tuition-fee scholarship. It funds students already admitted to, or applying to, a public university or university of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam, and it centres on a social project component alongside study.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis rather than one fixed annual date, so international students can apply well ahead of a 2027 intake once they have a university place lined up.
SBW Berlin International Scholarships 2027 Details:
| Provided by: | SBW Berlin |
| Degree level: | Bachelors, Masters |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All countries |
| Award country: | Berlin, Germany |
| Last date: | All the Year |
Florida State University Scholarships in USA (Funded)
The programme is aimed specifically at students from countries considered to be in particular need of development support, making it distinct from broad merit scholarships open to any nationality.
SBW Berlin also runs related, separate scholarship streams for students in the social sector and for refugees living in Germany, so applicants should check which stream best fits their situation before applying.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | SBW Berlin gGmbH (nonprofit) |
| Study Locations | Berlin or Potsdam, Germany |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years old |
| Application Timing | Rolling; apply before studies start or within the first three semesters |
| Special Focus | Social commitment and a self-run social project during studies |
Financial Benefits
SBW Berlin’s support is built around housing and a monthly living allowance rather than direct tuition payment, which matters since German public universities already charge little or no tuition for most degree programmes.
Support continues for the standard duration of the student’s degree programme, provided academic performance and social project commitments are maintained each semester.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Furnished Accommodation | A room in shared student flats at SBW Berlin’s Rudower Strasse location |
| Monthly Living Allowance | Around €480 per month (subject to review by SBW Berlin) |
| Mentoring & Workshops | Regular project meetings, workshops, and advisory support |
| Post-Graduation Advisory Support | Continued guidance while recipients run their social project at home |
| Duration | Standard length of the recipient’s bachelor’s or master’s programme |
Available Study Programs
SBW Berlin does not restrict scholars to one academic field, since the scholarship funds the student’s living costs rather than a specific university programme.
Bachelor’s Programmes: Open to applicants applying before their studies begin or already enrolled in their first, second, or third semester at a recognised university.
Master’s Programmes: Open to applicants shortly before or after completing a bachelor’s degree, provided they meet the age and background requirements.
Social and Nonprofit-Sector Studies: SBW Berlin also runs a related, separate scholarship stream specifically for students in social-sector coursework.
Any State-Recognised Degree Field: Since funding is tied to the student rather than a subject, engineering, social sciences, business, and other fields are all eligible if the university is state-recognised.
List of Universities to Study in Ireland Without IELTS
Top Universities in Berlin & Potsdam
Because SBW Berlin requires enrolment in Berlin or Potsdam specifically, applicants should apply separately and directly to one of the region’s public universities before or alongside their scholarship application.
| University | City | World Ranking (approx.) | Tuition Range (per year) | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | Top 130 | No tuition fee; ~€300 semester contribution | Eligible for SBW Berlin funding |
| Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) | Berlin | Top 150 | No tuition fee; ~€300 semester contribution | Eligible for SBW Berlin funding |
| University of Potsdam | Potsdam | Top 400 | No tuition fee; ~€300 semester contribution | Eligible for SBW Berlin funding |
Rankings and semester fees change periodically, so confirm current figures on each university’s official admissions page before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
SBW Berlin’s eligibility rules are specific and detailed, since the programme targets students from backgrounds with genuine financial and developmental need.
Meeting every listed criterion does not guarantee selection, since SBW Berlin also evaluates the strength and feasibility of the applicant’s proposed social project alongside academic performance.
- Be a foreign national from a country considered to be in particular need of development support, per SBW Berlin’s guidelines.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Hold a valid student visa or residence permit for study purposes, or be eligible to obtain one.
- Have professional or volunteer experience in the nonprofit or social sector, backed by a recommendation letter.
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 18 months before applying.
- Hold university entrance qualifications, with an average grade equivalent to a German GPA of 2.0 or better.
- Have no first-degree family members permanently living in Germany.
- Show relatively low household net income, per SBW Berlin’s published thresholds.
- Intend to work in the home country for at least 18 months after graduation, or continue charitable work in Germany until any repayment plan is complete.
Applicants must separately apply for, and secure, admission to a state-recognised university in Berlin or Potsdam, since SBW Berlin’s scholarship application is handled independently from university admission.
Bond University HDR Scholarship in Australia (Fully Funded)
Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Submitted once SBW Berlin invites a full application |
| Project Description | A two-to-five-page outline of the proposed social project |
| Letter of Recommendation | From a non-profit or social organization confirming prior involvement |
| Academic Certificates | Highest degree certificate and most recent school or university transcript |
| University Entrance Qualification Proof | Confirms eligibility to study at a German university |
| Household Net Income Details | Supports the financial need assessment |
| Passport Copy | Confirms identity and nationality |
| Student Visa or Residence Permit Copy | Required later in the verification process |
Application Process
Step 1: Apply separately and directly to a state-recognised university or university of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam.
Step 2: Read SBW Berlin’s official scholarship guidelines carefully, since eligibility and document rules are detailed.
Step 3: Gather proof of your social or nonprofit-sector experience, including a recommendation letter.
Step 4: Prepare a clear project description covering the social project you intend to run during your studies.
Step 5: Submit an initial inquiry or application through SBW Berlin’s official website or the DAAD scholarship database listing.
Step 6: If shortlisted, complete the full application form SBW Berlin sends you.
Step 7: Upload academic certificates, income details, and identity documents as requested.
Step 8: Attend any interview or follow-up discussion SBW Berlin schedules as part of the selection process.
Step 9: Once accepted, coordinate move-in to the shared student accommodation and confirm your monthly allowance schedule.
Step 10: Begin regular participation in SBW Berlin’s project meetings and workshops alongside your studies.
US Fulbright Student Program in USA (Fully Funded)
Student Visa Guide
International students admitted to a university in Berlin or Potsdam generally need a German national student visa before travel, unless they already hold a qualifying residence status.
Since SBW Berlin requires proof of a student visa or residence permit as part of its process, applicants should start their visa application as soon as they receive a university admission letter.
An immigration consultant or the German embassy in your home country can confirm which visa category and document checklist applies to your specific nationality.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | German National (Type D) Student Visa |
| Processing Time | Typically 6 to 12 weeks, varying by embassy and nationality |
| Financial Proof | Blocked account or scholarship confirmation showing sufficient funds |
| Biometrics | Required in person at the German embassy or consulate |
| Required Documents | Passport, university admission letter, financial proof, health insurance confirmation, biometric photo |
Health Insurance
Health insurance is legally mandatory for all students in Germany, including SBW Berlin scholarship recipients, for the entire duration of their studies.
Most students under 30 enrolling at a German public university qualify for statutory public health insurance rather than private cover, which keeps costs predictable.
Public student health insurance in Germany typically costs around €120 to €140 per month, and proof of coverage is required before university enrolment can be finalised.
Malaysian International Scholarship MIS in Malaysia (Fully Funded)
Accommodation & Living Costs
SBW Berlin scholarship recipients live in furnished shared student flats provided directly by the organisation at its Rudower Strasse address, which removes the need to search for private housing.
Students not on this housing arrangement or comparing options should budget realistically for Berlin’s broader rental market alongside daily living costs.
- SBW Berlin shared flat room: included as part of the scholarship package
- Private shared apartment room (market rate): roughly €500–800 per month
- Groceries and daily expenses: roughly €200–300 per month
- Public transport pass (often discounted for students): roughly €30–50 per month
The €480 monthly living allowance is intended to cover food, transport, and personal expenses alongside the provided accommodation.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
It’s important to understand that the SBW Berlin scholarship is structured differently from a standard study-then-stay pathway. Recipients are expected to work in their home country for at least 18 months after graduating.
If a recipient remains in Germany after finishing their studies or funding period, SBW Berlin’s guidelines require a notarised repayment agreement, with the scholarship amount repaid in twelve monthly instalments.
Separately from this scholarship’s own rules, Germany’s general 18-month job seeker visa allows most international graduates to stay and search for skilled employment after finishing a degree.
Germany’s general skilled migration framework, including the EU Blue Card, offers a longer-term work permit and eventual PR pathway for graduates working in shortage occupations such as engineering, IT, and healthcare, though SBW Berlin scholars should factor in their specific return-home commitment first.
Average graduate salaries in Germany vary by field and city, but entry-level roles in engineering, IT, and healthcare commonly start around €42,000 to €55,000 per year, with Berlin’s job market particularly strong in technology and the nonprofit sector.
Because this scholarship’s terms differ from standard post-study work expectations, applicants planning a longer-term future in Germany should discuss their options with an immigration consultant well before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SBW Berlin scholarship really fully funded? It covers furnished shared housing and a monthly living allowance of about €480, though it is not a traditional tuition scholarship since German public universities already charge minimal fees.
Is there a fixed 2027 application deadline? No, SBW Berlin accepts applications on a rolling basis, so check the official guidelines page for the current intake window.
Do I need a university offer before applying? You need to apply separately and directly to a Berlin or Potsdam university, either before starting or within your first three semesters.
Can I stay in Germany permanently after this scholarship? The programme expects recipients to return home for at least 18 months after graduation or repay the scholarship if they remain in Germany.
Do I need an education loan for tuition? Usually not, since public universities in Berlin and Potsdam charge little to no tuition, though a blocked account may still be required for the visa.
Is health insurance included in the scholarship? No, mandatory public health insurance is arranged and paid separately by the student, typically around €120–€140 per month.
What kind of social project is required? A project connected to a non-profit or social organisation, ideally in your home country, that you develop during your studies.
Where do I find the official guidelines? Only on SBW Berlin’s official website, since third-party sites may show outdated details.
Conclusion
The SBW Berlin scholarship offers genuine support for socially engaged international students studying in Berlin or Potsdam, combining housing, a living allowance, and mentorship with a meaningful social project requirement.
Because this programme carries specific return-home and repayment conditions, read the official guidelines closely and apply only through SBW Berlin’s official website and the DAAD scholarship database.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | sbw.berlin – Scholarship for International Students | Rolling; no fixed annual date | Applications Open (Rolling Admissions) |
| DAAD Scholarship Database Listing | DAAD – SBW Berlin Scholarship Listing | Rolling: check current listing | Official |
| University Admissions (Humboldt University Berlin) | hu-berlin.de – Studies | Varies by programme and semester | Official |
| German National Student Visa | German Federal Foreign Office – Visa Service | N/A | Official |
| Immigration (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) | BAMF – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees | N/A | Official |
Note: SBW Berlin accepts applications on a rolling basis rather than one fixed yearly deadline. Always confirm the current guidelines and any updated income or age thresholds directly on SBW Berlin’s official website before applying.
