SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students 2026

The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students supports talented young people from countries considered to be in particular need of development support. The scholarship is designed for students who have demonstrated social or non-profit engagement and who intend to use their education to contribute to social projects during their studies and after returning to their home country. Applicants must independently secure admission to a state-recognised university or university of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam

- Be 18–30 years old. - Be a foreign/international national whose country of origin is considered in need of development support under SBW's criteria. - Have professional or volunteer experience in the non-profit/social sector. - Provide a recommendation from the relevant social/non-profit organisation. - Have a university entrance qualification. - Have a German-equivalent academic average of at least 2.0. - Demonstrate relatively low household/net income. - Have not resided in Germany for more than 18 months before applying. - Have no first-degree family members permanently residing in Germany. - Apply before starting university, or while in the 1st, 2nd or maximum 3rd semester at a recognised university. - Master's applicants may apply shortly before or after completing their bachelor's degree. - Intend to work for at least 18 months in their home country after graduation, or undertake charitable work in Germany until the applicable repayment plan is fulfilled. - Obtain admission to a university/university of applied sciences in Berlin or Potsdam separately from the scholarship application