Apply Now: Islamic Development Bank Scholarship

If you are a Muslim student from a developing country and you have been looking for a fully funded scholarship that does not discriminate between fields of study or income levels, the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship is one program you absolutely need to know about. Every year, the Islamic Development Bank funds hundreds of scholarships across bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels for students from 57 member countries and from Muslim communities in dozens of non-member countries. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are open now, and the deadline is January 31, 2026.

This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to understand about the IsDB Scholarship Programs for the 2026/27 cycle. We will cover what the Islamic Development Bank is, the history and mission behind its scholarship programs, each of the four scholarship tracks in detail, what financial support you receive, who is eligible for which track, the countries that qualify, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and what you can do to give your application the best possible chance. By the end of this article, you will have a complete picture of this program and exactly what to do next.

What Is the Islamic Development Bank?

The Islamic Development Bank, commonly abbreviated as IsDB, is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1975 following the First Islamic Conference of Finance Ministers in Jeddah, with the goal of fostering economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities worldwide in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shariah. It is one of the major multilateral development institutions in the world and currently counts 57 member countries across four continents.

The Islamic Development Bank operates in a manner consistent with Islamic banking and finance principles, which means it does not charge or pay interest in the conventional sense. Instead, it uses profit-sharing arrangements, cost-plus financing, leasing contracts, and interest-free loans known as Qard Hasan to fund development projects. This Islamic finance model is a defining feature of the institution and distinguishes it from other multilateral development banks like the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank.

Beyond its core development financing activities, the IsDB has maintained a sustained commitment to human capital development since its earliest years. It recognized early on that financing roads, dams, and energy projects would only achieve so much if the countries it supported lacked the trained professionals and researchers needed to sustain development over the long term. That recognition is what gave birth to the scholarship program in 1983 and what continues to drive it today under the Bank’s Realigned Strategy 2023 to 2025, which dedicates an entire pillar to comprehensive and inclusive human capital development.

As of the most recent impact data, the IsDB has awarded scholarships to 19,491 students and scholars from 56 member countries and 66 Muslim communities globally, with 14,044 of those students having already graduated from universities and gone on to contribute to the development of their home countries. The male to female ratio among awardees stands at approximately 70 to 30, and the Bank is actively working to improve gender balance within its scholarship portfolio. These numbers reflect a program with genuine scale and real impact on human capital across the Muslim world and beyond.

Overview of the IsDB Scholarship Programs 2026/27

The IsDB does not run a single monolithic scholarship. It operates four distinct scholarship programs, each targeting a different student profile, academic level, and geographic population. Understanding these four tracks clearly before you apply is the most important thing you can do to make sure you are targeting the right program for your situation.

The four programs are:

• The Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
• The Master of Science Scholarship Program (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries
• The Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries
• The IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs)

Each program has its own eligibility conditions, fields of study, level of funding, and target audience. Each also has its own official booklet published by the IsDB, which provides the most authoritative and detailed information about that specific track. We will go through each one in detail below.

One overarching principle applies to all four programs: the IsDB does not charge any application fee at any stage of the scholarship process. If you receive any communication asking you to pay money in connection with an IsDB scholarship, it is a scam. Report it immediately through official IsDB channels at the email address info@isdb.org. Apply only through the official IsDB scholarship portal at isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com.

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

Background and Purpose

The Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries, known as SPMC, was the first scholarship program ever launched by the IsDB. It was established in 1983 with a very specific purpose: to support academically gifted but financially disadvantaged young Muslim students who live in countries that are not IsDB member states. These are Muslim minorities living in places like India, Ghana, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and dozens of other non-member countries where access to higher education in technical and development-relevant fields is limited.

The program has been running continuously since 1983 and remains one of the most impactful undergraduate scholarship programs available to Muslim students in non-member countries. It specifically focuses on fields that are directly relevant to community and national development, including medicine, engineering, computer science, information technology, agriculture, and related disciplines.

Academic Level and Duration

The SPMC supports undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) diploma programs. Bachelor’s programs are typically four to six years depending on the field and institution. TVET diploma programs are typically two to three years. The scholarship covers the full duration of the approved program as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress and continues to meet all program conditions.

Eligible Countries for SPMC (2025/26 Cycle)

The list of eligible non-member countries for the SPMC is published annually and can vary slightly between cycles. For the 2025/26 academic year, eligible countries include 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 and Tobago, Vietnam, and Zambia, among others. Always check the latest SPMC booklet for the 2026/27 cycle to confirm whether your country of residence is on the current eligible list.

Fields of Study Under SPMC

The SPMC specifically supports fields related to community and national development. For bachelor’s degree programs, eligible fields include medicine and health sciences, pharmacy, engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and related disciplines), computer science, information technology, agriculture and agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and other development-related sciences. For TVET diploma programs, eligible fields include areas such as electrical installation and maintenance, civil works and construction, mechanical engineering technology, information and communication technology, vehicle transport and maintenance, and related technical disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria for SPMC

To be eligible for the SPMC, you must be a Muslim student residing in one of the eligible non-member countries. You must have completed senior secondary education, equivalent to approximately 12 years of schooling, with strong grades in major science subjects. You must not be older than 24 years of age at the time of application. You must demonstrate financial need. You must be in good health and be willing to undergo a medical examination after selection. You must not hold any other scholarship concurrently during your IsDB scholarship period. You must not be a current employee of the Islamic Development Bank, an Executive Director, or a close relative of either. Admission to a recognized local government university in an eligible field is preferred, though not always mandatory at the application stage.

Language proficiency evidence is required in the language of instruction of your target institution. For English-medium institutions, this means providing TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent certificate. All documents not originally in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations into one of those languages.

Important Note on Qard Hasan for SPMC

This is a critically important point that many applicants overlook. The SPMC is not technically a free grant in the traditional sense. It is structured as an interest-free loan called Qard Hasan under Islamic finance principles. After graduation and employment, scholarship recipients are required to repay the scholarship amount to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a Waqf fund, in easy installments. The repaid funds are then recycled to provide scholarships to future eligible students from the same country. This Qard Hasan structure is consistent with Islamic finance ethics and is designed to ensure the sustainability of the program, but it means you should understand that a repayment obligation exists before accepting the award. The same Qard Hasan structure applies to bachelor’s applicants under the IsDB-ISFD program.

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

Background and Purpose

The Master of Science Scholarship Program, known as M.Sc., was launched in 1998 as what the IsDB describes as a “feeding program” for its more advanced Merit Scholarship Program. The reasoning was straightforward: the Bank realized that 20 of its Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) lacked the domestic pool of master’s-level graduates needed to produce competitive PhD and postdoctoral candidates for the MSP. The M.Sc. program was therefore created to build that pipeline by funding master’s-level studies in science, technology, engineering, and related disciplines for students from these least developed countries.

Academic Level and Duration

The M.Sc. program supports master’s degree programs, typically up to two years in duration, through coursework, research, or a combination of both. The exact duration depends on the specific program and institution requirements.

Eligible Countries for M.Sc.

This program is specifically targeted at the 20 Least Developed Member Countries of the IsDB. These are Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, and Yemen.

Fields of Study Under M.Sc.

The M.Sc. program focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields that are relevant to the development needs of the LDMCs. Eligible fields typically align with those supported under the MSP and include areas such as applied sciences, engineering disciplines, computer science, health sciences, agricultural sciences, and environmental sciences. Successful candidates are expected to secure admission to a university within an IsDB member country that is ranked within the top 1000 by the Times Higher Education (THE) or QS World University Rankings.

Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc.

To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of the 20 LDMCs listed above. You must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic results. You must have a clear plan for contributing to your country’s development after completing the program. You must be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical examination after selection. You must not hold any other scholarship concurrently. You are expected to secure or be in the process of securing admission to an eligible top-ranked university in an IsDB member country.

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

Background and Purpose

The Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology, universally referred to as MSP, was the second scholarship program ever launched by the IsDB. It was established in 1992, capitalizing on the decade of experience the Bank had accumulated through the SPMC. The MSP targets advanced studies and research at the PhD and postdoctoral level in applied science and high technology fields that are critical to the scientific, technological, and research development of IsDB member countries. It is the most research-focused and academically advanced of the four IsDB scholarship tracks.

Academic Level and Duration

The MSP supports two levels of study. PhD scholarships cover three years, equivalent to 36 months, of doctoral research. Postdoctoral research fellowships cover between six and twelve months. These durations are set in line with international academic standards and the program’s emphasis on producing graduates who are genuinely capable of independent scientific research and who can go back and strengthen research institutions in their home countries.

Eligible Countries for MSP

The MSP is open to citizens of all 57 IsDB member countries. This makes it the broadest in terms of geographic eligibility among the four programs. The full list of IsDB member countries includes nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including major countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Uganda, and many others.

Fields of Study Under MSP

The MSP focuses on 17 applied science and high technology areas that are deemed necessary and directly relevant to the development needs of IsDB member countries. These fields include agronomy and agricultural sciences, biotechnology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer sciences and information technology, electrical and electronics engineering, environmental sciences, food science and technology, industrial engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, medical sciences, microbiology, natural resources management, nuclear engineering and technology, petroleum engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. If your proposed PhD or postdoctoral research falls within one of these 17 areas and has a clear development relevance to your home country, the MSP is the appropriate track for you.

Eligibility Criteria for MSP

For PhD applicants, you must hold a master’s degree in one of the eligible fields of study. You must have a research proposal that clearly states the scientific and development relevance of your proposed work to your community and country. You must have work experience and research experience, though prior experience is preferred rather than strictly required. For postdoctoral applicants, you must hold a PhD and be in the early stages of your independent research career. All MSP applicants must be citizens of an IsDB member country and must be medically fit. You must not hold any other scholarship concurrently and must not be related to IsDB staff or Executive Directors.

Program 4: IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries

Background and Purpose

The IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program is the newest of the four tracks, having been launched in 2019 as a collaborative initiative between the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, known as ISFD. The program was designed with a specific poverty reduction mandate: to provide educational opportunities to academically meritorious but financially impoverished young men and women from the 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries. Its purpose goes beyond individual student development. It is explicitly framed as a tool for socioeconomic uplift at the country level, targeting some of the most fragile and least developed economies in the world.

Academic Level and Duration

The IsDB-ISFD program supports bachelor’s degree programs and TVET technical diploma programs. Bachelor’s programs run for the full duration of the approved course at the host institution, typically four to six years. TVET diplomas typically run for two to three years. Study can take place either in the student’s home country at an eligible public institution or at a public institution in another IsDB member country.

Eligible Countries for IsDB-ISFD

This program is restricted to citizens of the 21 Least Developed Member Countries of the IsDB: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Yemen.

Fields of Study Under IsDB-ISFD

The IsDB-ISFD program focuses on fields that are most relevant to national development in the context of least developed countries: medicine, engineering, agriculture, and closely related disciplines. TVET applicants can choose from technical fields like electrical installation, construction, IT, mechanical technology, vehicle maintenance, and others relevant to workforce development in their home countries.

Important Note on Qard Hasan for IsDB-ISFD

Like the SPMC, the IsDB-ISFD bachelor’s program is structured as a Qard Hasan interest-free loan rather than a free grant. Recipients are required to repay the scholarship amount after graduation and employment, in easy installments, to the IsDB Education Trust in their country. This recycling of repaid funds is designed to sustain the program by creating a revolving pool of scholarship money available to future students from the same countries.

IsDB Scholarship Benefits: What Does It Actually Cover?

The IsDB scholarship is described as fully funded, and for most students, it genuinely covers the core costs of studying. Here is a detailed breakdown of what the scholarship covers and, importantly, what it does not cover.

What Is Covered

Full tuition fees are paid directly to the university or institution on the student’s behalf. Students never receive tuition money personally. The payment goes directly from IsDB to the host institution, which removes the risk of funds being misused.

A monthly living stipend is provided throughout the scholarship period. The exact amount varies based on the cost of living in the country of study, so a student studying in Malaysia or Jordan will receive a different stipend amount than one studying in the United Kingdom or Germany. The stipend is calculated to cover basic living costs on a single-status basis for postgraduate and research students.

Medical insurance is included for all scholarship holders. For students studying at a university with its own health scheme, coverage is provided through the university health insurance system. For others, coverage is provided through local state hospital arrangements.

A books and clothing allowance is provided annually, equivalent to three months of the monthly stipend, and is paid once per year to undergraduate and IsDB-ISFD scholarship recipients. This is specifically designated for academic materials and appropriate clothing costs.

Economy class return airfare is provided to students who are selected to study abroad, meaning at an institution in a different country from their home country. This covers one round-trip ticket at the beginning of the study period and one at the end of the study period. It does not cover additional personal travel during the scholarship period.

A settlement allowance, sometimes called an installation allowance, is provided to students who travel abroad for their studies to help them establish themselves in the new city and country when they first arrive.

For postgraduate and research students, additional allowances exist for thesis and dissertation preparation, conference participation, and in the case of postdoctoral researchers, for the preparation of scientific papers for publication.

What Is Not Covered

The IsDB scholarship explicitly does not cover certain expenses. These include visa and residence permit fees, expenses related to research field trips, participation in workshops, seminars, exchange programs, conferences, or internships beyond what is provided through standard program allowances, costs related to supplementary educational materials not covered by the books allowance, family allowances for a spouse or dependents, and personal equipment such as computers. Students should budget for these costs from their own personal resources.

The Me Program: Extra-Curricular Development

One distinctive feature of the IsDB scholarship that distinguishes it from purely financial scholarships is the Me Program, which stands for Mentoring and Exchange Program. To help scholars prepare for their future leadership roles in the development of their communities and countries, the IsDB provides all scholarship holders with access to extra-curricular activities under this special program. The Me Program includes mentoring sessions, leadership development workshops, exchange activities between scholars from different countries, and professional development support. This component reflects the IsDB’s vision of scholarships as an investment in future leaders, not just a funding mechanism for degrees.

General Eligibility Requirements Across All IsDB Programs

While each of the four programs has its own specific criteria as described above, several eligibility conditions apply universally across all IsDB scholarship tracks.

You must be from an IsDB member country (for MSP, M.Sc., and IsDB-ISFD) or from an eligible non-member country with a significant Muslim population (for SPMC). You must be a Muslim. You must demonstrate strong academic performance in your previous educational qualifications. You must be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical examination after being selected. You must not be receiving any other scholarship or external grant at the time of application and must commit to not accepting any other funding during your scholarship period. If another source of funding is approved during the scholarship, you must immediately notify the IsDB. You must not be an IsDB staff member or Executive Director, nor a close relative of one. You must be committed to returning to your home country after completing your studies to contribute to national development. This return obligation is a genuine and enforced condition of the award, particularly for the research-level programs.

Required Documents for IsDB Scholarship Applications

Gathering your documents well in advance is essential. The exact document list varies slightly depending on the scholarship track you are applying for, but here is a comprehensive list covering all four programs.

• National ID or Passport: A valid copy of your national identification document or international passport clearly showing your name, nationality, and date of birth.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV covering your educational background, work experience, research experience, publications if any, and any relevant extracurricular activities or community involvement.
• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates: Official copies of transcripts and degree certificates from all educational institutions you have attended. For non-English/French documents, certified translations must be included.
• Certificate of Good Health: A medical fitness certificate issued by a registered doctor or public hospital confirming that you are in good health at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency Certificate: Evidence of proficiency in the language of instruction of your target institution, such as TOEFL or IELTS for English-medium programs.
• Admission Letter (if available): A letter or evidence of pre-admission from a recognized institution in the relevant field. Having an admission letter greatly strengthens your application. While not always mandatory at the application stage, the IsDB strongly recommends securing one before applying.
• Research Proposal (for PhD and MSP applicants): A well-developed research proposal explaining your proposed research topic, its scientific basis, its development relevance to your home country, your proposed methodology, and your expected timeline.
• Work Experience Certificate (for M.Sc. and MSP applicants): Documentary evidence from your employer or former employer confirming your relevant work experience.
• Proof of Financial Need (for SPMC and IsDB-ISFD applicants): Documentation supporting your claim of financial need.
• Completed Online Application Form: Filled in accurately through the official IsDB scholarship portal.

How to Apply for the IsDB Scholarship 2026: Step by Step

The application process for all IsDB scholarship programs runs through a single centralized online portal. Here is the complete application process.

Step 1: Download and Read the Official Program Booklet

Before you do anything else, go to the IsDB Scholarship Programs 2026/27 page and download the official booklet for the program you are targeting. These booklets are the most authoritative source of information about eligibility, benefits, fields of study, and application requirements for each specific program. Reading the booklet from cover to cover before starting your application is the most important preparation step you can take. The booklets are available in both English and French.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check every eligibility condition against your own situation. Confirm that your country is listed for the track you are applying to. Confirm that your field of study is eligible under that track. Confirm that you meet the academic level requirements. Confirm that you do not hold any other active scholarship. Do this honestly and carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Register and Log Into the Official IsDB Scholarship Portal

The application is submitted through the official IsDB scholarship portal at isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com. Register using a valid email address that you check regularly. All future communications about your application, shortlisting, selection, and award will be sent to this email address. Once registered, log in and navigate to the 2026/27 scholarship application.

Step 4: Select Your Target Program

Within the portal, select the specific scholarship program you are applying for: Bachelor/TVET (SPMC or IsDB-ISFD), M.Sc., or MSP (PhD/Postdoc). Make sure you are selecting the correct track based on your eligibility. Applying for the wrong program is a common and entirely avoidable mistake.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in every section of the application form accurately and completely. The form covers personal information, educational background, language skills, proposed field of study, target institution, financial circumstances, and program-specific sections such as research proposal details for PhD applicants. Do not leave any required fields incomplete. Incomplete applications are rejected during the preliminary review stage.

Step 6: Upload All Required Documents

Upload every required document in the correct file format as specified by the portal. Ensure all scans are clear and legible. If any of your documents are in languages other than English or French, upload the certified translations alongside the originals. Double-check that you have uploaded the correct documents in the correct fields before submitting.

Step 7: Submit Before January 31, 2026

The application deadline for the IsDB Scholarship 2026/27 is January 31, 2026. This deadline has been confirmed through the official IsDB scholarship portal. Do not wait until the final days to submit. Technical issues, document preparation delays, and institutional verification processes all take time. Plan to have your application fully submitted at least one week before the deadline.

Step 8: Track Your Application Status

After submitting, log into the portal regularly to check your application status. Successful candidates will be notified by email. The IsDB typically announces results in the months following the application deadline, and shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional documentation or attend interviews as part of the selection process.

Ready to begin? Visit the official Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Programs 2026/27 page to download the program booklets, review the full eligibility criteria, and access the application portal. To apply directly, access the official IsDB Scholarship Application Portal.

Tips for a Strong IsDB Scholarship Application

The IsDB scholarship is competitive. Candidates from 57 member countries and dozens of non-member countries apply every cycle. Here is how to make your application stand out.

Secure your admission letter before applying. The IsDB recommends having an admission letter from a recognized institution before submitting your scholarship application. Candidates who have already been admitted to a relevant program at a good university are viewed more favorably than those who are still exploring options. The admission process can take time, so start your university applications well before the January 31 scholarship deadline.

Write a development-focused research proposal. For MSP and M.Sc. applicants, your research proposal is one of the most heavily weighted components of your application. The IsDB explicitly evaluates proposals based on their scientific rigor and their development relevance to your home country and community. A strong proposal makes a clear, specific case for why your proposed research matters for national development in your country. Generic proposals that could apply anywhere do not score well.

Be transparent about other funding. The IsDB is very clear that the scholarship is meant to supplement, not duplicate, other financial support. If you are receiving or expecting funding from another source, you must disclose this. Failure to do so can result in disqualification or revocation of an award.

Do not pay anyone claiming to help with your application. Every year, fraudulent agents and consultants target students from IsDB member countries and claim to offer services that will improve their chances of receiving an IsDB scholarship. These are scams. The IsDB application is free, it is online, and it requires no intermediary. If anyone is asking you to pay for help with an IsDB scholarship application, report it to the IsDB at info@isdb.org and do not send any money.

Match your field of study to the program priorities. Each IsDB scholarship track has a defined list of eligible fields that are specifically tied to development needs. Applying for a field that is not on the eligible list for your target program will disqualify your application. Before writing a single word of your application, confirm that your proposed field of study is explicitly covered by the track you are applying for.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IsDB Scholarship

Does the IsDB scholarship require me to be from a Muslim family?

Yes. All IsDB scholarship programs are specifically designed for Muslim students. This is a firm eligibility requirement across all four programs and reflects the IsDB’s mandate as a multilateral institution rooted in Islamic principles.

Can I apply for more than one IsDB scholarship program at the same time?

No. You must apply for only one program per cycle. Choose the program that best fits your academic level, country of origin, and field of study. Applying to multiple programs simultaneously is not permitted.

Do I need to have an admission letter before applying?

An admission letter is not always mandatory at the application stage, but it is strongly recommended and significantly strengthens your application. For some programs and country contexts, having a confirmed admission can be a deciding factor between candidates with otherwise similar profiles.

Are female students eligible for IsDB scholarships?

Yes. All four IsDB scholarship programs are open to both male and female students. The IsDB is actively working to improve the gender balance in its scholarship portfolio and encourages female applicants across all programs.

What happens if I do not return to my home country after completing my studies?

Returning to your home country to contribute to national development after completing your studies is a stated obligation of the scholarship. The IsDB takes this condition seriously. Scholarship holders who do not comply with the return obligation may face consequences including demands for repayment of scholarship funds. The Qard Hasan obligation under the SPMC and IsDB-ISFD programs also means that there is a formal repayment structure linked to post-graduation employment regardless of where you settle.

What is the IsDB Education Trust (IET)?

The IsDB Education Trust, or IET, is a Waqf fund established by the IsDB in each eligible country to receive repayments from SPMC and IsDB-ISFD scholarship recipients after they graduate and gain employment. The repaid funds are recycled to provide new scholarships to future eligible students from the same country, creating a self-sustaining educational funding cycle rooted in Islamic principles of solidarity and community support.

Final Thoughts

The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship is one of the most impactful and well-structured scholarship programs available to Muslim students from developing countries today. With four distinct tracks covering undergraduate through postdoctoral levels, a track record of over 19,000 awardees from more than 56 countries, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes tuition, stipend, insurance, travel, and the Me Program for personal and leadership development, this is genuinely one of the few scholarship programs that serves students across multiple academic levels and geographic contexts through a single institutional framework.

The application deadline for the 2026/27 cycle is January 31, 2026. The application is free. The process is online. And the opportunity, for students who are academically strong, committed to development, and willing to return to their communities after completing their studies, is real.

Download your program booklet today, confirm your eligibility, secure your admission letter, and submit your application before the deadline. The Islamic Development Bank built this program for students exactly like you. Do not let the opportunity pass.