SBW Berlin Scholarship (Germany)
Need and merit-based scholarship for international students from developing countries to study in Berlin or Potsdam - covering €480/month stipend, free housing, full tuition, and return flights. Rolling deadline, apply year-round.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Rolling - no fixed deadline, apply throughout the year
Country
GermanyAbout the SBW Berlin Scholarship
SBW Berlin (Stiftung Begabtenförderung Wirtschaft) is a German foundation that offers fully funded scholarships specifically for students from developing and low-income countries who demonstrate both academic ability and meaningful social commitment. The scholarship supports Bachelor's and Master's degree students at any accredited university in Berlin or Potsdam - one of Europe's most diverse, culturally rich, and internationally connected student cities.
The financial package is among the most complete available at this level: a monthly living stipend of €480, free housing in Berlin, full tuition fee coverage, and a round-trip international air ticket. There is no application fee. The scholarship does not cover PhD or Doctoral programs - it is exclusively for undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees.
What makes SBW Berlin genuinely distinctive is its selection philosophy. Academic grades alone are not sufficient - the scholarship actively prioritizes students who can demonstrate financial need, a history of social commitment (volunteering, community work, NGO involvement), and a credible plan to return to their home country after graduation and work on a development or community project. This makes SBW a powerful fit for students with civic backgrounds and a sense of social responsibility, not just high marks.
The application process is structured in three phases. Phase 1 requires a recommendation letter sent on your behalf by a recognized non-profit, social institution, or NGO. Phase 2 is the full application form - granted only to those who pass Phase 1 screening. Phase 3 is an interview or video conference where you discuss your academic profile, financial situation, and planned community project. The rolling deadline means there is no single annual cutoff - you can apply when you are truly ready - but competition is strong and earlier applications generally receive faster decisions.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Rolling deadline
no annual cutoff means you can apply anytime you are ready
Comprehensive package: stipend + housing + tuition + return flights
one of the most complete funding packages available
Berlin is one of Europe's most exciting, affordable, and internationally diverse cities for students
The scholarship specifically targets students from developing and low-income countries - your background is an asset, not an obstacle
No IELTS required if studying in English and you provide a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous institution
Strong emphasis on social impact
ideal for students with NGO, volunteer, or community development backgrounds
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Germany
Berlin is Germany's capital and one of Europe's most vibrant, affordable, and internationally diverse student cities. With world-class universities including TU Berlin, Freie Universität, and Humboldt University, it offers unmatched academic and career opportunities in a city famous for its culture and startup ecosystem.
Eligibility Requirements
8 requirements
Documents Checklist
11 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Phase 1 - Social commitment letter: Have a non-profit organization or social institution send a recommendation letter on your behalf to application@sbw.berlin. Only applicants with outstanding letters receive access to the application form.
Phase 2 - Application form: Once granted access (link sent via email), complete the detailed application form. Academic grades and financial situation are carefully reviewed.
Phase 3 - Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview or video conference. This may include a practical task and a discussion of your planned community/social project for your home country (including objectives and a 6-month timetable).
Post-selection: If successful, submit verification documents including passport, student visa, income proof, and Uni-Assist grade conversion report.
Application Timeline
Year-round (no fixed deadline)
Application open
Apply as early as possible
Ongoing after submission
Phase 1 - Recommendation letter review
After Phase 1 approval
Phase 2 - Application form
After Phase 2 shortlisting
Phase 3 - Interview
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
The Phase 1 recommendation letter from a social/NGO organization is the first gate - arrange this with a credible organization (an NGO, charity, community group) that knows your work.
Your planned development or community project for your home country is central to the interview - prepare a clear 6-month objectives plan with specific goals before Phase 3.
If your previous degree was entirely in English, a Medium of Instruction letter can replace IELTS - contact your previous university's registrar.
Apply early even though the deadline is rolling - competition is high and early applicants generally receive faster decisions.
Academic performance, financial need, AND social commitment are all evaluated - all three must be strong.
Police Clearance Certificate must be in English or German - get it translated if needed.
Important Links & Contacts
🔗 Official Links
SBW Berlin Scholarship Portal: Official SBW Berlin website with scholarship details, application form, eligibility criteria, and annual deadlines.
DAAD Scholarship Database (Germany): Comprehensive German scholarship database - explore additional funding opportunities for studying in Germany alongside SBW.
For Pakistani Students
German Embassy in Pakistan (Islamabad)
📍 Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad
📞 +92-51-2279430
🌐 islamabad.diplo.de →For German student visa (national visa - Type D) applications. Apply 3-4 months before your program start date to allow adequate processing time.
Embassy of Pakistan in Germany (Berlin)
📍 Schaperstraße 29, 10719 Berlin, Germany
📞 +49-30-21244310
🌐 mofa.gov.pk/germany/ →Consular services for Pakistani students in Germany - document attestation, passport renewal, emergency assistance.
Students from Other Countries
SBW Berlin is open to international students from many countries. Contact the German Embassy in your home country for student visa requirements. Check sbw-berlin.de for eligible nationalities.
Find Germany Embassies Worldwide →Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions - click any to expand
No. SBW Berlin accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, competition is strong and applying earlier is always recommended.
No. SBW Berlin explicitly does not offer scholarships for PhD or Doctoral studies. Only Bachelor's and Master's degree applicants are eligible.
You need proof of volunteering, community work, or social projects - such as NGO certificates, volunteer letters, or project documentation. A recommendation letter from the relevant organization must be sent to application@sbw.berlin as Phase 1 of the process.
Not necessarily. If your previous degree was conducted entirely in English, you can submit a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous institution instead of IELTS or TOEFL.
SBW Berlin scholarship holders can study at any accredited university in Berlin or Potsdam. This includes TU Berlin (Technical University Berlin), FU Berlin (Free University Berlin), HU Berlin (Humboldt University), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the University of Potsdam, and over a dozen other institutions. You apply to and get admitted to the university separately; the SBW scholarship then funds your studies.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
Apply on Official Website →Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.
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Deadline: Rolling - no fixed deadline, apply throughout the year
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