IsDB Scholarship Programs: A Complete Guide for Global Students
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Since its inception, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has been steadfast in its commitment to nurturing human capital. In 1983, the Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC) was launched, dedicated to supporting academically gifted yet financially constrained Muslim students from non-member countries pursuing undergraduate studies in medicine, engineering, computer sciences, and related fields.
Expanding its scope, the Merit Scholarship Program for Ph.D. and post-doctoral research in applied sciences was introduced in 1992, followed by the Master of Science Scholarship Program in 1998. While the M.Sc. program is tailored to the least developed member countries to foster excellence in science and technology, the Merit Scholarship is open to scholars from all IsDB member countries.
Aligned with its strategy, IsDB reaffirms its dedication to human capital development, recognizing it as the cornerstone of economic growth and prosperity. Central to this strategy are the following scholarship programs:
Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC): Launched to empower academically bright and financially disadvantaged young Muslim students in countries that are not members of the IsDB, the SPMC aims to cultivate professionals dedicated to advancing their communities and nations.
Master of Science Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.): Geared towards enhancing human capital in 20 IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), this program prioritizes science and technology education, vital for sustainable progress.
Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries: Initiated in 1992, the MSP champions advanced studies and research in critical applied sciences and high technology areas, bolstering the scientific prowess and research capabilities of all IsDB member countries.
IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme: Launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), this program targets poverty reduction in 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries (LDMCs). By providing educational opportunities to talented yet financially challenged youth, it aims to uplift socioeconomic conditions and foster meaningful contributions to national development.
Through these scholarship programs, IsDB remains steadfast in its mission to harness the potential of human capital, thereby driving sustainable development and prosperity across member countries and beyond.
Eligibility :
1. IsDB Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
Target Audience: Muslim students in non-member countries.
Financial Condition: Financial need is essential.
Age Limit: Up to 24 years.
Education: Completion of 12 years of education with strong grades in major science subjects.
Admissions: Preferably already admitted to a recognized local institution in a relevant discipline.
Language: Proof of language proficiency for the medium of instruction (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). All non-English/French documents must be translated.
Residency: Must reside in the home country.
Restrictions: Cannot hold another scholarship concurrently. Excludes IsDB staff, Executive Directors, and their close relatives.
Health: Must be medically fit (examination required post-selection).
Eligible Countries (Muslim Communities):
Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Vietnam, Zambia.
2. IsDB Master of Science Scholarship Program (M.Sc.)
Target Audience: Citizens of Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs).
Age Limit: Up to 30 years.
Education: Hold a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in science/technology with "Good" or above-average grades.
Nomination: Must be nominated by a national scientific or academic institution.
Admissions: Admission to a listed university for M.Sc. is preferred.
Language: Proficient in the language of the study institution.
Restrictions: Excludes IsDB staff, Executive Directors, and their relatives.
Eligible Countries (20 LDMCs):
Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Yemen.
3. IsDB Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP)
Target Audience: Scholars from all IsDB Member Countries (PhD & Post-Doctoral).
Age Limit: Up to 35 years for Ph.D.; up to 40 years for Post-doc.
Education:
For Ph.D.: Must hold a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in a relevant field.
For Post-doc: Must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant high-technology field.Experience:
For Post-doc: Minimum of 2 years of research experience in a related field.Academic Record: Must have a "Very Good" academic standing and a record of publications.
Research Proposal: Proposed study must align with approved MSP fields and show development relevance to the home country.
Restrictions: No post-doc experience abroad within the last 2 years. Excludes IsDB staff and relatives.
Eligible Countries (All IsDB Member Countries):
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
4. IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program
Target Audience: Bachelor & Technical Diploma students from specific LDMCs.
Financial Condition: Open to academically excellent but financially needy students.
Age Limit: Up to 24 years.
Education: Completed 12 years of education with strong grades in science subjects.
Endorsement: Must be recommended by a local Counterpart Organization (CPO).
Admissions: Prior admission in a related discipline at a public university/college is preferred.
Language: Proficiency certification required. Documents must be translated into English or French.
Commitment: Must contribute to the home country's development post-study.
Restrictions: No concurrent scholarships. Not affiliated with IsDB staff/relatives.
Eligible Countries (21 LDMCs):
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Yemen.
Required documents :
Applicants are required to upload the following documents as part of the application process:
Completed online application form
Copy of passport or national ID
Academic certificates and transcripts
Admission letter from a recognized institution (if available)
Curriculum Vitae (for postgraduate programs)
Statement of purpose or study/research plan
Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL, if required)
Recommendation and/or nomination letter from the relevant institution
Medical fitness declaration
How to apply :
To apply for any of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) scholarship programs, candidates should follow these general steps:
Check Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the academic, nationality, age, and field-of-study requirements.Prepare Required Documents
Gather all required documents, such as academic transcripts and certificates, identification, admission letter (if available), recommendations, and other supporting documents.Choose the Appropriate Program
Select the scholarship program that best matches your academic background and career goals.Complete the Online Application
Fill out the application form accurately through the official IsDB scholarship portal.Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your completed application and documents within the specified application period.Acceptance & Enrollment
Selected candidates must confirm acceptance and follow instructions related to enrollment and study commencement.
Secure Admission (Strongly Recommended)
Obtain provisional or full admission from a recognized university
M.Sc. & MSP → Universities in IsDB member countries (Top 1000 THES/QS preferred)
SPMC & ISFD → Universities in your home country
Admission is not mandatory, but it greatly increases selection chances.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the university/institution.
Monthly Living Stipend: A regular allowance to cover basic living expenses (amount varies based on the cost of living in the study country).
Medical Insurance: Full medical coverage for the student during the study period.
Travel Expenses: Economy class return airfare to and from the country of study (for students studying abroad) + an installation allowance to help settle in.
Academic Allowances: Funds provided for books, clothing, and necessary study materials.
Research & Scientific Support:
For Master’s (M.Sc.): Support for thesis preparation.
For PhD/Post-Doc (MSP): Allowances for preparing scientific papers and attending international scientific conferences.