2026 Fully Funded IsDB Scholarship Program

Job Description

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The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has officially opened applications for the 2026 IsDB Scholarship Program, a fully funded scholarship opportunity for academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged Muslim students from member countries and Muslim communities worldwide.

The scholarship supports students at undergraduate, master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and professional training levels, enabling them to study in leading institutions across the globe.

IsDB Scholarship Program Summary

• Host Organization: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
• Study Destinations: USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Students from IsDB member countries & Muslim communities worldwide
• IELTS Requirement: Not required
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Available Scholarship Categories

The IsDB Scholarship Program covers multiple academic levels:

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Master’s Degree Scholarships
• PhD Scholarships
• Postdoctoral Research & Professional Training Programs

Scholarship Coverage

The IsDB Scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation support
• Round-trip airfare
• Medical insurance
• Books and clothing allowance
• Settlement allowance (for international study)
• Research and thesis support (postgraduate levels)
• Conference participation allowance
• Scientific paper preparation support (postdoctoral scholars)

About the IsDB Scholarship Program

As part of its commitment to human capital development, the Islamic Development Bank funds education and research in fields critical to sustainable development.

Priority disciplines include:

• Science & Technology
• Engineering
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Computer Science & IT
• Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
• Other development-focused fields

IsDB Scholarship Program Categories Explained

1. Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)

Established in 1983, this program supports financially disadvantaged Muslim students from non-member countries to pursue undergraduate studies in priority fields such as:

• Medicine
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Agriculture

Studies may be completed either in the applicant’s home country or in IsDB member countries.

2. IsDB Master of Science (M.Sc.) Scholarship Program

Launched in 1998, this program builds scientific and technological capacity in Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) through funding for master’s degree studies in development-oriented disciplines.

3. IsDB Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP)

Introduced in 1992, this highly competitive program supports:

• PhD studies (up to 3 years)
• Postdoctoral research (6–12 months)

It focuses on 16 high-technology and applied science disciplines essential for economic and technological advancement.

4. IsDB–ISFD Scholarship Program

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), this program targets poverty reduction in 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries by funding:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Technical diplomas

Priority fields include medicine, engineering, agriculture, and related disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria (General)

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Meet age limits:
  • Undergraduate: up to 24 years
  • Master’s: up to 30 years
  • PhD: up to 35 years
  • Postdoctoral: up to 40 years
• Not be an IsDB staff member or immediate relative
• Have strong academic results, especially in science subjects
• Provide proof of language proficiency (English or French)
• Submit certified translations of documents where required
• Be medically fit and willing to undergo screening
• Preferably have secured admission in an eligible discipline
• Reside in their home country at the time of application
• Not be receiving another scholarship during the study period

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to applicants from IsDB Member Countries, including (but not limited to):

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Sudan, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Uganda, Benin, Cameroon, Afghanistan, Somalia, and others.

Eligible Non-Member Countries (SPMC) include:

Australia, India, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Netherlands, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines, Zambia, and more.

Why Apply for the IsDB Scholarship?

• Study in top universities worldwide
• Fully funded education with living support
• Focus on development-driven and high-impact fields
• Access to global academic and professional networks
• Strong support for students from underserved communities

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Early application is strongly encouraged due to high competition.