IsDB – Islamic Development Bank Scholarship
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About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme is a fully funded scholarship offered by Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group for study in Universities across IsDB member countries and select international institutions. The scholarship supports students pursuing Undergraduate, Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral studies in STEM, Agriculture, Health, Medicine, Economics, Business, Education, Engineering. Priority to science, technology and advanced/high technology. M.Sc. track covers broader development fields. Recipients receive Monthly stipend commensurate with cost of living for a duration of Full duration of the selected programme.
Eligible applicants: 20 IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (M.Sc. track), broader IsDB member-country nationals (Merit PhD/Postdoc track). They include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Yemen.. Academic standing: Above-average academic standing ("Very Good" or equivalent).
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme selection criteria, this represents a life-changing opportunity to study with full financial support. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: Monthly stipend commensurate with cost of living
- Tuition fees: Yes
- Accommodation: Included via stipend/installation allowance
- Airfare / travel: Yes, return air tickets
- Health insurance: Yes
- Family / dependants: No
- Program duration: Full duration of the selected programme
- Number of awards per year: 1,000+ per year
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means recipients receive complete financial coverage throughout their study period, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and research goals without financial burden.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: B.Sc. in science and technology for the Master's track. M.Sc. for the PhD track. PhD for the Postdoctoral track
- Academic standing: Above-average academic standing ("Very Good" or equivalent)
- Academic background: B.Sc. (M.Sc. applicants), M.Sc. (PhD applicants), PhD (Postdoctoral applicants), plus institutional nomination for M.Sc. track
- Fields of study: STEM, Agriculture, Health, Medicine, Economics, Business, Education, Engineering. Priority to science, technology and advanced/high technology. M.Sc. track covers broader development fields
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: 20 IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (M.Sc. track), broader IsDB member-country nationals (Merit PhD/Postdoc track). They include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Yemen.
- Residency: Must be a citizen/resident of an IsDB member country
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Set by host institution
- Language test: Yes, proof of proficiency in the language of instruction
- Minimum score: Not fixed, set by host institution
Other requirements
- Age: M.Sc.: under 30. PhD: under 35. Postdoctoral: under 40
- Gender: Open to all genders
How to Apply for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme
Applications for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme are submitted through the official channels of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: Transcripts/certificates, institutional nomination letter, language proficiency proof, research proposal (PhD/Postdoc), passport copy. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, typically via institutional nomination. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is 31 January 2027. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme is 31 January 2027. Application window: 6 January 2027.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means it covers all or most major costs — see the Benefits section above for a full breakdown.
Who can apply for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme?
Applicants must be from 20 IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (M.Sc. track), broader IsDB member-country nationals (Merit PhD/Postdoc track). They include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Yemen.. Additionally, applicants must hold B.Sc. in science and technology for the Master's track. M.Sc. for the PhD track. PhD for the Postdoctoral track. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme is 31 January 2027. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Yes, recipients sign a bond committing to return home and contribute to national development.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.