IsDB Scholarship 2026 : Requirements & How to Apply

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If you are a student from an Islamic Development Bank member country or a Muslim living in a non-member country and you have been looking for a fully funded scholarship to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral studies, the IsDB scholarship is one of the most established and comprehensive international scholarship programs you will ever come across. It has been running for more than four decades, has supported over 15,000 students across the globe, and continues to open every year with zero application fees, full tuition coverage, monthly living stipends, return airfare, medical insurance, and other allowances that together make it one of the most generous scholarship programs in the world.

In this complete guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about the IsDB scholarship in 2025 and 2026. We will explain what the Islamic Development Bank is and what drives its scholarship mission, break down all the scholarship programs available under the IsDB umbrella including the SPMC, M.Sc., MSP, IsDB-ISFD, and the YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship, detail the full list of financial benefits per program, clarify the eligibility requirements for each track, walk through the step-by-step application process, and share practical tips for putting together a competitive application. Read this from start to finish because each scholarship program has different requirements, and understanding the differences before you apply could be the difference between getting selected and wasting your application.

About the IsDB Scholarship

Before getting into the scholarship details, you need to understand the institution behind this opportunity. The Islamic Development Bank, commonly abbreviated as IsDB, is a multilateral development financing institution established in 1973 and headquartered at 8111 King Khaled Street, Al Nuzlah Yamania, Unit 1, Jeddah 22332-2444, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It began operations in 1975 with the primary mandate of fostering economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries, in accordance with the principles of Islamic finance.

The bank was founded during the First Islamic Summit Conference of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which took place in Rabat, Morocco in 1969. A resolution was adopted at that summit to establish an international Islamic bank, and this was eventually realized in the Articles of Agreement signed at the Second Islamic Finance Ministers Conference in Jeddah in 1973. The IsDB formally opened its doors in October 1975.

Today, the Islamic Development Bank has 57 member countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. Its activities cover development financing, infrastructure investment, trade promotion, technical assistance, and human capital development. The scholarship program falls under its human capital development mandate and is one of the most visible and impactful components of the bank’s direct support to individuals and communities in its member states and beyond.

IsDB’s Realigned Strategy 2023 to 2025 dedicated an entire pillar specifically to comprehensive and inclusive human capital development. Through this pillar, IsDB aims to help member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries address human capital challenges through capacity development initiatives, of which the scholarship programs are a central component. The strategy frames scholarship investment as a key driver of economic development and shared prosperity through global development of human capital.

The bank maintains regional hubs in Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Paramaribo, Rabat, Senegal, Turkiye, and Uganda. These hubs play an important role in local outreach, scholarship management, and communication with applicants and partner organizations in their regions. If you have questions about the IsDB scholarship and want to speak with someone in your region, reaching out to the nearest regional hub is a useful first step.

Overview of IsDB Scholarship Programs in 2025 and 2026

The IsDB scholarship is not a single award. It is an umbrella program that covers several distinct scholarship tracks, each designed for a specific group of students at a specific level of study. The 2026 to 2027 application cycle, for which the deadline was January 31, 2026, includes the following core programs. Here is a full breakdown of each one:

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

The Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries, known as the SPMC, is the oldest of IsDB’s scholarship programs. It was launched in 1983, making it over 40 years old as of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The SPMC was created in recognition of the fact that Muslim communities living in countries that are not members of the Islamic Development Bank were often significantly disadvantaged in terms of access to quality higher education, particularly in technical and professional fields.

The SPMC supports academically meritorious but financially impoverished young Muslim students from non-member countries to pursue undergraduate studies in their own countries. Specifically, the scholarship is tenable at recognized government universities in the student’s home country. This is an important distinction. Unlike some other IsDB programs, the SPMC does not send students to study abroad. You study at a recognized institution in your own country, with the IsDB providing the financial backing to make that possible.

The fields covered under the SPMC are medicine, engineering, computer sciences, information technology, agriculture, and other related fields. The scholarship is targeted at students who come from communities where quality professional education has been historically out of reach due to financial constraints, and who have the academic potential to succeed if given the support.

For the year 2025 to 2026, the list of eligible non-member countries for the SPMC includes Australia, Cambodia, Croatia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Republic of Congo, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, The Philippines, Trinidad-Tobago, Vietnam, and Zambia. This list is updated annually, and students should always check the current IsDB scholarship booklet for their specific year to confirm their country’s eligibility.

The scholarship is implemented through a partnership structure. IsDB engages a national non-governmental organization in each eligible country to serve as the Counterpart Organization, commonly referred to as the CPO. The CPO plays a central role in identifying and nominating eligible candidates from within the local Muslim community, verifying their documents, and liaising with the IsDB during the selection process. This means that the first point of contact for most SPMC applicants is not the IsDB directly but the national CPO in their country. Knowing who your country’s CPO is and reaching out to them early in the application cycle is essential for SPMC applicants.

2. Master of Science Scholarship Program (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries

The Master of Science Scholarship Program was launched in 1998, fifteen years after the SPMC. It was introduced specifically to support 20 of the Least Developed Member Countries of IsDB in building human capital in science and technology, fields that IsDB recognized as essential for the sustainable development of these nations but where most Least Developed Member Countries lacked sufficient high-level expertise.

The M.Sc. Scholarship Program provides funding for a two-year master’s degree program in science and technology disciplines at recognized universities within IsDB member countries. The scholarship is tenable for two years leading to an M.Sc. degree. Study may be through coursework, research, or a combination of both, provided the degree is completed within the two-year maximum duration.

The eligible countries for this program are the 20 IsDB Least Developed Member Countries, which are Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, and Yemen. If your country is on this list, you are in the target group for the M.Sc. Scholarship Program.

Successful candidates are placed at universities within IsDB member countries that are ranked within the top 1000 by the Times Higher Education Supplement or equivalent internationally recognized ranking system. Partner universities for this program are concentrated in countries including Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkiye, where IsDB has strong institutional relationships and existing bilateral academic agreements.

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

The Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology, known as the MSP, was established in 1992 and is IsDB’s most prestigious and academically demanding scholarship program. It was created to strengthen the scientific, technological, and research capabilities of institutions in IsDB member countries by funding PhD studies and post-doctoral research in high-technology and applied science fields.

The MSP is open to students from all 57 IsDB member countries, which makes it the most geographically broad of IsDB’s core scholarship programs. Unlike the SPMC, which targets financially disadvantaged communities, the MSP is a pure merit award designed to identify the most academically promising researchers across the entire IsDB membership and fund them to pursue advanced research at the best possible institutions.

Successful candidates are placed at universities anywhere in the world. The location of placement for the MSP is listed as top universities globally, not restricted to IsDB member countries. This means an MSP recipient could potentially be placed at institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, or any other country where a top-ranked institution in the relevant field is located, provided the placement is approved by IsDB. Successful MSP candidates for study within an IsDB member country are required to secure admission to a university ranked within the top 1000 by the Times Higher Education Supplement.

The fields of study supported under the MSP are those directly relevant to sustainable development in IsDB member countries. These include applied sciences, engineering, information technology, biosciences and biotechnology, renewable energy, agriculture and food science, environmental science, public health, and related high-technology disciplines. The MSP does not fund research in humanities, social sciences, or arts fields, as its mandate is specifically focused on science, technology, engineering, and related areas.

4. IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program for Least Developed Member Countries (Bachelor and TVET)

The IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program is a newer addition to the IsDB scholarship portfolio, launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, which is the IsDB’s poverty alleviation arm within the IsDB Group. ISFD stands for Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development. This program was specifically designed to address educational poverty in the very poorest IsDB member countries, providing funded pathways to bachelor’s degrees and technical and vocational diplomas for students who would otherwise have no realistic pathway to higher education.

The IsDB-ISFD program supports financially impoverished but academically capable young men and women from the 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries. The 21 eligible countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Yemen. The scholarships fund bachelor’s degrees and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) diplomas in scientific and social disciplines at universities in IsDB member countries that have concluded agreements with IsDB. The primary placement countries for this program are Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkiye.

The inclusion of TVET diplomas is a notable feature of this program. Most international scholarship programs focus exclusively on traditional four-year degree programs. By including technical and vocational qualifications, IsDB recognizes that skilled technical workers and tradespeople are just as critical to development as university graduates, and that students who excel in practical technical disciplines deserve equal access to funded international study opportunities.

5. YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship Program

The YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship Program is a partnership program co-funded by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), which is a Turkish government institution, and the Islamic Development Bank. This scholarship program enables high-achieving students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities living in non-member countries to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education at internationally recognized universities in Turkiye.

The YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship is distinct from IsDB’s own internal programs in that it specifically places all scholars in Turkiye rather than in their home countries or any IsDB member country of their choice. For the 2026 application cycle, the application window ran from January 10 to February 20, 2026, and applications were accepted only through the Turkiye Scholarships official website at ytb.gov.tr, not through the IsDB scholarship portal.

The YTB-IsDB scholarship covers a monthly stipend, accommodation support, full tuition fees, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course provided before the start of the academic program, and a one-time round-trip airfare. The one-year Turkish language course is a distinctive feature of this program because it means even students who do not speak Turkish can apply. They will learn the language in the first year before transitioning into their main degree program. Turkiye has a strong network of universities, including institutions ranked highly in global university rankings, particularly in engineering, medicine, and the social sciences.

What Does the IsDB Scholarship Cover?

This is one of the most searched questions about the IsDB scholarship, and the answer is that the financial coverage is genuinely comprehensive. Here is a detailed breakdown of what IsDB scholarship recipients receive:

Full Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are covered in full and paid directly to the university or institution by the IsDB. You do not handle any tuition payment yourself. The scholarship covers the complete cost of tuition for the duration of your approved program, whether that is a two-year master’s degree, a four-year bachelor’s program, or a multi-year PhD research track.

Monthly Living Stipend

IsDB provides a monthly stipend that is commensurate with the cost of living in the country where you are studying. This means the stipend is not a fixed global amount but is calibrated to reflect local economic realities. A student placed in Malaysia will receive a stipend appropriate to the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, while a student placed in Morocco will receive a stipend appropriate to Rabat or Casablanca. The monthly stipend is designed to cover your basic daily living needs, including food, local transportation, and personal expenses.

Medical Insurance

Full medical coverage is provided for the scholarship recipient under the university health scheme or an equivalent arrangement. This is particularly important for students studying abroad who would otherwise need to purchase independent health insurance, which can be very expensive in some countries.

Return Economy Class Airfare

For students who are selected to study abroad, IsDB provides return economy class flight tickets from the student’s home country to the country of study at the beginning of the program, and a return ticket home upon successful completion. This travel benefit is provided once at the start and once at the end of the scholarship period. The scholarship does not cover personal travel or interim trips home during the program.

Installation Allowance

Students studying abroad also receive a one-time installation allowance upon arrival in their country of study. This is a practical settling-in grant designed to help cover the immediate costs of establishing yourself in a new country, such as purchasing household items, obtaining local transportation cards, setting up your student accommodation, or handling other initial settlement expenses.

Books and Clothing Allowance

An annual books and clothing allowance equivalent to three months of the monthly stipend is provided to bachelor’s students and IsDB-ISFD scholarship recipients. This helps cover the cost of required academic textbooks and study materials, as well as clothing appropriate for the climate and cultural norms of the country of study. This benefit is paid once per year.

Thesis and Scientific Papers Preparation Allowance

For postgraduate students at the master’s and PhD level, IsDB provides an allowance specifically for the preparation of the thesis or scientific research papers required for graduation. This covers expenses such as printing, binding, data collection, and other costs directly related to completing the academic research component of the degree.

Conference Participation Allowance

Doctoral students receive an additional allowance to support participation in academic conferences, which is an important part of professional development at the PhD level. This benefit reflects IsDB’s understanding that attending and presenting at conferences is not a luxury but a genuine academic need for researchers at the doctoral level.

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

Being clear about exclusions is just as important as knowing what is included. The IsDB scholarship does not cover visa costs or consular fees. It does not cover expenses for family members accompanying the scholar. It does not cover extra or personal travel beyond the initial and final airfare provided. It does not cover participation in workshops, seminars, internships, or exchange programs that are outside the formally approved study plan. It does not cover the cost of personal equipment such as computers or mobile phones. The award is also specifically designed to supplement, not duplicate, other financial support. If you are already receiving another scholarship or significant funding from another source, you are required to notify IsDB immediately, as the scholarship amount may be adjusted accordingly. Holding another scholarship concurrently without declaring it is a violation of the scholarship terms and can result in cancellation of the award.

IsDB Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Each IsDB scholarship program has its own specific eligibility criteria, and we have covered the main ones within each program section above. However, here are the core conditions that apply broadly across the IsDB scholarship programs:

Citizenship or Religious Affiliation

For the SPMC, you must be a Muslim residing in one of the eligible non-member countries. For the M.Sc., MSP, and IsDB-ISFD programs, you must be a citizen of an IsDB member country. For the YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship, you must be from an IsDB member country or a Muslim community in a non-member country. For all programs, having citizenship from an eligible country is the primary gateway condition.

Academic Qualifications

For the SPMC (undergraduate), you must have completed secondary education equivalent to approximately 12 years of education, with strong grades particularly in major science subjects. For the M.Sc. and MSP programs, you must hold a recognized first degree with strong academic performance. For the MSP PhD track specifically, a strong master’s degree with research experience is expected. The academic bar for the MSP is particularly high, as it is a merit-only program targeting the most academically distinguished researchers from across all 57 member countries.

Age Limits

For the SPMC, the maximum age limit is 24 years at the time of application. For other programs, age limits vary and are specified in the official scholarship booklets for each program and academic year. Always check the current year’s booklet for the precise age requirement that applies to the specific program you are applying under.

Financial Need

For the SPMC and IsDB-ISFD programs, demonstrated financial need is a core eligibility requirement. These programs are specifically designed for students who are academically capable but lack the financial resources to access higher education without external support. Students who can comfortably self-finance their education are not the intended recipients of these programs. For the MSP, financial need is not a criterion, as it is purely merit-based.

Language Proficiency

You must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the medium of instruction at your proposed university. For most placements in Malaysia, Turkiye, or Morocco, this typically means demonstrating English or French proficiency through recognized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS for English, or a DELF or equivalent test for French-medium institutions. All supporting documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations into one of those languages.

Medical Fitness

All IsDB scholarship recipients must be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical examination after selection. This is a standard requirement across all programs.

Exclusions

You are not eligible if you are a current employee of the IsDB Group, an Executive Director of the bank, an alternate to an Executive Director, or a close relative of any of these individuals. The definition of close relative for this purpose includes mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece, and nephew. Current beneficiaries of any IsDB scholarship are also not eligible to apply for another IsDB scholarship simultaneously.

Obligations of IsDB Scholarship Recipients

Winning an IsDB scholarship comes with a set of formal obligations that all recipients must agree to before the scholarship is activated. Understanding these obligations before you apply is important because they reflect a serious commitment that IsDB expects from every scholar.

You must sign a surety bond committing yourself to full-time studies for the approved duration of the scholarship. You must return to your home country after completing your studies and contribute to your community and country’s development. This return-and-contribute obligation reflects IsDB’s core mission of building human capital for the benefit of member countries and Muslim communities, not for the individual recipient’s personal benefit alone. You must provide regular academic progress reports to IsDB at the intervals specified in your scholarship agreement. You must notify IsDB immediately if you receive any other source of financial support during your scholarship period. You must avoid any other scholarships or part-time employment that could interfere with your full-time studies. You must adhere to the laws and regulations of the country where you are studying and maintain professional conduct throughout the program.

How to Apply for the IsDB Scholarship

The IsDB scholarship application process is conducted online. IsDB does not charge any fees at any stage of the scholarship process. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to apply:

Step 1: Read the Official Scholarship Booklet for Your Program

Before doing anything else, visit the official IsDB scholarship page at isdb.org/scholarships and download the scholarship booklet for the specific program you want to apply under. These booklets are available for each program and contain the definitive eligibility criteria, eligible countries, partner institutions, financial benefits, required documents, and application deadlines for the current academic year. The booklets are updated annually, so always use the current year’s version, not one from a previous year.