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The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 is a fully funded international scholarship initiative administered by the Islamic Development Bank to support academic advancement and human capital development among students and researchers from eligible IsDB member countries and Muslim communities in non‑member countries. The programme aims to cultivate expertise in fields relevant to socioeconomic progress, scientific innovation, and technology, by enabling recipients to pursue higher education or research degrees at accredited universities or research institutions worldwide.
Location
The IsDB Scholarship Programme does not restrict study to a single host country. Instead, it supports study and research in your country of choice or in a host country where the approved degree is offered, depending on the specific scholarship track and eligibility. Recipients from eligible countries can typically study either in their home countries (if programmes are available locally) or abroad at recognized institutions.
Benefits
As a fully funded initiative, the IsDB Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive support designed to cover academic and living needs throughout the study period. Common benefits typically include:
Full tuition fee coverage paid directly to the institution.
Monthly living stipend or allowance to help with daily expenses.
Health and medical insurance for the duration of the studies.
Books and academic materials allowance, where applicable.
Travel costs (economy return airfare) at the beginning and end of the scholarship for eligible international study.
Installation and equipment allowance in some programmes for study abroad.
Conference or research support allowances for Ph.D. and post‑doctoral candidates in some cases.
The exact composition of the support package may vary by programme track (e.g., undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., TVET, post‑doctoral) and the applicant’s destination or study plan, as defined in each programme’s official booklet.
Compensation / Funding
The IsDB Scholarship Programme is fully funded — meaning eligible awardees do not pay tuition or usual academic costs out of pocket. Funding is designed to enable scholars to focus on their studies or research without major financial barriers. Financial support is provided for the entire duration of the approved study period, which varies depending on the academic level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., or post‑doctoral research).
Positions / Study Fields
The IsDB Scholarship Programme supports a range of academic levels and fields that align with development priorities and technological advancement. Typical scholarship streams include:
Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate) – including technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in priority sectors.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) programmes for candidates from least developed member countries (LDMCs).
Ph.D. and Post‑Doctoral research in advanced sciences and high technology fields under the Merit Scholarship Programme (MSP).
Scholarship opportunities for Muslim communities in non‑member countries (SPMC) across various eligible disciplines.
The scholarship emphasises fields with significant development impact, such as science, technology, engineering, agriculture, health sciences, information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy, natural resources, and related social sciences.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship track, but general requirements typically include:
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an IsDB member country or part of a Muslim community residing in a non‑member country that qualifies for the programme.
Academic qualifications: Relevant prior qualifications for the intended study level — e.g., high school completion for bachelor’s, a bachelor’s degree for master’s, a master’s degree for Ph.D., and a Ph.D. for post‑doctoral research.
Academic merit: Strong academic records relative to the programme’s standards are required.
Institutional admission: Applicants usually must meet the admission requirements of the host institution for the chosen programme.
Commitment to development impact: Candidates should demonstrate how their intended study aligns with development objectives in their home context and contributes to human capital development.
Language proficiency: Where applicable, proof of language proficiency (e.g., English or another language required by the host institution) may be necessary.
Applicants should consult regional rules and the official scholarship booklet for their track to verify any additional requirements (e.g., age limits, work experience, or research proposals).
Who Should Apply
This scholarship programme is appropriate for:
Students from eligible IsDB member countries are seeking fully funded opportunities across academic levels.
Members of Muslim communities outside member states who qualify under the SPMC track.
Early‑career and advanced researchers targeting graduate or post‑doctoral research in science, technology, and development‑oriented disciplines.
Applicants are committed to using their education to contribute to socioeconomic development, innovation, or community advancement in their home countries.
Required documents
Required documents vary by academic level and scholarship track, but common materials typically include:
Completed online application form via the IsDB Scholarship portal.
Certified academic transcripts and diplomas with translations if not in the application’s language.
Proof of citizenship or community affiliation (passport or ID).
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
Letter(s) of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
Statement of purpose or study/research proposal (especially for postgraduate levels).
Proof of language proficiency is required by the host institution.
An admission letter or conditional acceptance from an accredited institution (for some tracks).
Other documents may be required based on the specific track and the country or the programme’s guidelines, so applicants should reference the booklet for detailed instructions.
How to Apply (Steps)
Visit the official IsDB Scholarship portal: Access the programme’s official page and review the available scholarship tracks.
Choose your scholarship track: Select the appropriate level (undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., post‑doctoral, or community track) that aligns with your academic profile and goals.
Read the official booklet: Download and study the programme booklet for your track to understand specific eligibility and document requirements.
Prepare documents: Gather and prepare all required documents, ensuring they are certified and translated if needed.
Register and complete your application: Create an account on the IsDB Scholarship portal (www.isdb.org/scholarships) and fill in the application form accurately.
Upload supporting files: Attach all required certificates, transcripts, CV, proposal, and any other requested documents.
Review and submit: Check all entries and attachments thoroughly before submitting the application.
Submit before the deadline: Ensure submission by the closing date to avoid rejection.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips:
Start your application early to avoid last‑minute issues, especially with document preparation.
Pay close attention to the separate booklet guidelines for your chosen scholarship track.
Tailor your statement of purpose or research proposal to show how your studies will support development.
Double‑check that translations are complete, accurate, and certified if required.
Common Mistakes:
Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documentation.
Ignoring programme‑specific eligibility rules (e.g., age limits, prerequisite degrees).
Waiting until the deadline approaches — this can cause delays or technical problems.
Deadline
The application period for the IsDB Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 closed on 31 January 2026. Applications received after this date were not accepted for this cycle.
Apply here
https://www.isdb.org/scholarships
FAQ
Q1: Is the IsDB Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Programme provides full financial support covering tuition, living allowances, medical insurance, and travel costs as defined under each scholarship track.
Q2: Which academic levels are supported?
The programme supports multiple levels, including undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Master’s (M.Sc.), Ph.D., post‑doctoral research, and TVET tracks, depending on the eligibility and country of the applicant.
Q3: Who can apply?
Applicants must be citizens of eligible IsDB member countries or part of a qualifying Muslim community in non‑member countries, with prior academic qualifications corresponding to the desired study level.