The SBW Berlin scholarship for international students represents a unique opportunity for young individuals who possess a strong sense of social responsibility. This program is designed to support students from abroad who are already committed to social causes and intend to use the knowledge they gain in Germany to benefit their home countries. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, SBW Berlin empowers future leaders to develop social or nonprofit projects that address specific needs within their communities.
Objectives and Core Mission of the Program
The primary goal of the SBW Berlin scholarship is to foster global development through education and social engagement. It targets young people who will apply the skills acquired during their studies to create or improve projects at nonprofit organizations or social institutions in their home countries. This focus on the “return and implement” model ensures that the benefits of the scholarship extend far beyond the individual recipient.
Funding is typically provided for those pursuing a bachelor degree or a master degree program. These studies must be conducted at a university or a university of applied sciences located in Berlin or Potsdam. While the program covers almost all scientific, social, and artistic disciplines, the selection process places a heavy emphasis on the applicant’s professional qualifications, personal suitability, and financial need.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Prospective students must meet several strict requirements to be considered for this funding opportunity. The scholarship is aimed at foreign nationals from countries that appear to have a particular need for development assistance. This often includes many nations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
Age and Academic Requirements
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Academic excellence is a vital component of the selection process. Candidates are expected to have a grade point average that corresponds to at least a 2.0 on the German grading scale. Furthermore, they must be able to maintain this average throughout each semester of their funded studies.
Residency and Family Constraints
To ensure the scholarship reaches those who truly intend to return home, applicants must not have stayed in Germany for more than 18 months prior to their application. Additionally, the program is not open to individuals who have first degree family members residing permanently in Germany.
Financial Need
Financial need is a cornerstone of the selection criteria. Applicants must prove that they have a relatively low net income. The total household income should not exceed the average income officially stated for the applicant’s home country. SBW Berlin considers all sources of income, including employment, business activities, and pensions, when evaluating a household’s financial situation.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the SBW Berlin scholarship receive a package designed to cover their necessary living expenses while they focus on their studies and social projects. The funding period matches the regular duration of the study program, up to a maximum of 48 months.
• The scholarship provides a furnished room in shared student flats located in Berlin.
• A monthly allowance for living costs is provided, which is currently set at 480 Euro.
• Tuition fees are covered by the program, though a deductible may be expected if these fees exceed the national average.
• Travel contributions may be granted for the journey to Berlin at the start of the program and the return journey after graduation.
• The budget for travel within Europe is capped at 500 Euro, while travel outside of Europe is capped at 1,000 Euro.
It is important to note that recipients are generally not permitted to hold part time jobs while receiving the scholarship.
The Social Project Requirement
A distinguishing feature of this scholarship is the requirement to work on a social or nonprofit project. This project must be developed in collaboration with a nonprofit organization or social institution in the student’s home country.
During their time in Germany, scholarship recipients must dedicate between 2 and 8 hours per week to their project. They are also required to attend workshops, prepare regular project reports, and give presentations on their progress. SBW Berlin provides consistent mentorship to help students integrate their academic knowledge into their project work.
Application and Selection Process
The application process for SBW Berlin is unique because there is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted year round.
Initial Phase
The process begins with the submission of a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit organization or social institution. This letter must be sent as a PDF to the SBW Berlin application email address. The institution should explain how the applicant’s chosen course of study and social project align with their objectives.
Detailed Review
Only candidates who pass the initial review of the recommendation letter will be granted access to the online application portal. In the second phase, SBW Berlin carefully examines the application form, academic transcripts, and the applicant’s financial situation.
Interview and Verification
The third phase involves an interview or video conference. This discussion often includes a practical task and a detailed review of the planned social project, including its goals for the first six months. Outstanding candidates then enter a verification process where they must provide certified copies of their documents, such as their passport, student visa, and language certificates.
The Return Policy and Repayment Plan
The SBW Berlin scholarship is intended to be a temporary stay in Germany. After completing their studies, recipients have two primary options.
The first option is to return to their home country to implement their social project for at least 18 months. In this case, there is no obligation to repay any of the scholarship funds.
The second option occurs if the recipient chooses to remain in Germany after graduation. If they do not return home, they are required to repay the total amount of the scholarship. This repayment is made in 12 monthly installments without interest, beginning three months after the funding ends. To ensure this agreement is binding, a notarized repayment plan is signed during the application process.
Final Considerations for Potential Applicants
SBW Berlin maintains 20 scholarship places, and new awards are only granted when vacancies occur. Funding is granted on a semester by semester basis. To continue receiving support, students must demonstrate academic success and proactive development of their social projects. The scholarship can be terminated if a student fails two compulsory examinations or fails to meet the target agreements for their social project.
For those dedicated to social change and academic excellence, the SBW Berlin scholarship offers a robust support system to turn their visions for their home communities into reality.
