About the opportunity
SBW Berlin offers funding for international students, refugees, and individuals enrolled in social degree programs in Berlin. The scholarship scheme combines higher education funding with social engagement. During their studies, scholarship holders dedicate 2 to 8 hours per week to developing and running social projects aimed at helping disadvantaged communities. The initiative emphasizes returning knowledge and skills to scholars’ home regions or target non-profit projects upon completion.
Funding and benefits
- Furnished room in a shared student apartment in Berlin for the duration of the funding period
- Coverage of university tuition fees (depending on the specific scholarship tier)
- Monthly living allowance (depending on the specific scholarship tier)
- Participation in project workshops, regular networking events, and mentoring by SBW Berlin
Who can apply?
- Socially engaged young talents, including international students, refugees, and students enrolled in social degree programs
- Proven experience and active involvement in social work or community service
- Previous and ongoing cooperation with a non-profit or social institution in the applicant's home country
- Submission of a clear personal development plan and commitment to social project work
- Demonstrated financial need (no financial support available from family members or third parties)
Required documents
- Personal development plan outlining educational and professional objectives
- Proof of previous and ongoing collaboration with a recognized social or non-profit organization
- Academic transcripts and proof of university admission or enrollment in Berlin
When to apply
- Applications follow SBW Berlin's official application guidelines and intake cycles; candidates should consult official guidelines for open application periods
How to apply
- Submit an initial inquiry and application following the official guidelines on the SBW Berlin website
- Provide verified documentation of social engagement and non-profit organization support in your home country
- Participate in evaluation rounds and interviews if selected by the review committee
Additional information
- Recipients are expected to devote 2 to 8 hours weekly to designing and implementing social projects during their studies
- Scholars must maintain good academic standing; failing or postponing two mandatory examinations can lead to scholarship termination
- Repayment obligations apply if funding is terminated due to academic failure, misuse of funds, or if international scholars choose to remain in Germany after graduation rather than returning to apply their skills
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You have a verified history of non-profit or volunteer engagement in your home country and intend to return after completing your studies in Berlin
- You are eager to devote 2 to 8 hours per week alongside your academic studies to building and managing community welfare projects
What should you think carefully about?
- Be aware of the post-graduation return clause: choosing to remain in Germany converts the scholarship into a notarized, interest-free loan that must be repaid
- Academic failure or postponing two required exams can result in termination of funding and repayment requirements
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
: This opportunity is ideal for community-focused individuals aiming to gain a degree in Berlin while gaining hands-on project leadership experience, specifically designed to prepare them for driving social change in their home regions.
Our take
A strong fully-funded option for passionate social activists and refugee students, though applicants planning long-term immigration in Germany should carefully evaluate the mandatory repayment obligation triggered by staying post-graduation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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