The SBW Berlin Foundation, in alignment with international academic exchange standards, has officially announced the 2026 SBW Berlin Scholarship Program for international students. This highly competitive, fully funded scholarship is tailored for young, talented individuals from around the globe who have a proven track record of social commitment and volunteer work in their home countries.
Scholarship Overview
| Host Country | Germany |
| Institution | Universities in Berlin and Potsdam |
| Study Location | Study in Germany |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Requirements | Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old |
| Scholarship Category | Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Reward | Full Tuition Coverage | Accommodation | €6,600 Annual Living Stipend | Travel Allowance |
| Application Closing Date | Open all Year |
The program provides comprehensive financial backing to pursue undergraduate (Bachelor’s), postgraduate (Master’s), or doctoral (PhD) degree programs, as well as specialized vocational training, at state-recognized universities in Berlin and Potsdam, Germany.
Benefits of the DAAD SBW Berlin Scholarship
The scholarship is designed to completely absorb the cost-of-living and educational overheads in Germany for the entire standard duration of the chosen program (ranging from a minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of 48 months):
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage
- Premium Housing Provision
- Cost-of-Living Allowance
- Relocation Travel Subsidies
- Professional Incubation
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Eligibility Criteria
Because this funding framework targets community-minded changemakers, applicants must meet specific social, geographical, and academic thresholds:
- Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Must possess verifiable professional or volunteer experience within the non-profit or civil society sector.
- Applicants must possess a strong, verifiable intention to return to their country of origin to work on social projects for at least 18 months immediately following graduation.
- Ability to formally prove a relatively low net household income.
- First-degree family members (parents or siblings) must not reside permanently in Germany.
- Applicants must not have stayed within German territory for more than 18 months prior to submitting their application.
- Must have strong academic grades corresponding to a minimum German Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 (Note: On the German grading scale, lower numbers represent higher performance; a 2.0 is roughly equivalent to a Second Class Upper/High B+ profile).
- Must apply before commencing university education, OR
- Be currently enrolled in their 1st, 2nd, or maximum 3rd semester at a state-recognized university, OR
- Be applying for a Master’s degree shortly before or immediately after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree.
Required Documents
- Completed official SBW Berlin Application Form.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A compelling Letter of Motivation.
- Academic certificate showing your final cumulative GPA and complete grade overview transcripts.
- If already issued: Official university admission letter to an institution in Berlin or Potsdam.
- If applicable: Globally recognized language certificate matching the language of instruction (English or German) for your specific course.
Recommended:
- 1 or 2 formal letters of recommendation signed by university professors, schoolteachers, or past employers.
- evidence of the net household income
How to Apply for the DAAD SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026
Interested and qualified candidates are to click on the button below to commence their application.
- You must email a formal letter of recommendation as a PDF to application@sbw.berlin.
- The committee will review the letter, and shortlisted applicants will be given access to the official application portal.
- Once you gain access, fill out the application form and upload your CV, motivation letter, and academic certificates.
- The selection board will review your profile, focusing on your grades, CV, and motivation letter.
- Candidates who pass the first screening will be invited to a personal interview or video conference for final evaluation.
- More details on the application procedure can be assessed via this link
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