IsDB Scholarship Program 2026–2027 ( Fully Funded )

IsDB Scholarship Program 2026–2027 (Fully Funded): The Complete Guide for International Students

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) offers one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship programs worldwide, supporting talented students from its 57 member countries as well as Muslim communities in non-member countries. The IsDB Scholarship Programs aim to empower individuals through high-quality education that contributes directly to the social and economic development of their home countries.

The IsDB has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, marking a major opportunity for students looking to pursue fully funded studies at the undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels.

This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know about the IsDB Scholarships  : the available programs, eligibility criteria, financial coverage, application procedures, required documents, and important deadlines—along with the official links for application.

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1. Overview of the IsDB Scholarship Programs

The IsDB Scholarship Programs are designed to develop human capital across the Islamic world and among Muslim communities globally. These scholarships focus not only on academic excellence but also on community development, leadership, and the ability of scholars to contribute to the advancement of their societies after graduation.

What makes the IsDB Scholarship Program highly competitive is its holistic approach:

• Fully funded financial support

• Placement at recognized universities

• Leadership training

• Development-focused academic fields

• Strong emphasis on returning home to contribute to national progress

The scholarships are available yearly, and the application window for 2026–2027 is now open through the IsDB online application portal until 31 January 2026.

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2. Scholarship Programs Available in 2026–2027

The Islamic Development Bank offers four major fully funded scholarship programs, each targeting different academic levels and beneficiary groups.

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

Launched in 1983, this program supports academically qualified students from Muslim communities living in countries that are not members of the Islamic Development Bank. It aims to help minority communities access quality higher education that may otherwise be unavailable.

Academic Levels Supported:

• Undergraduate studies (Bachelor’s degree)

• Technical and vocational diplomas

Eligible Beneficiaries:
Muslim students living in non-member countries.

Examples of Eligible Countries Include:
Australia, Cambodia, Croatia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Republic of Congo, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago, Vietnam, Zambia, and others.

This program is extremely valuable as it uplifts Muslim minorities by providing access to higher education that can improve their socioeconomic conditions and strengthen community development.

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2.2. Master of Science Scholarship Program (M.Sc.)

Initiated in 1998, the M.Sc. Scholarship is targeted at students from the least developed member countries (LDMCs). The program focuses on scientific and technological fields that can contribute directly to development needs.

Academic Level:

• Master’s degree (typically 2 years)

Eligible Beneficiaries:
Students from 21 least developed member countries.

The purpose of this program is to develop skilled professionals in areas such as engineering, applied sciences, technology, agriculture, environmental studies, and other STEM disciplines.

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2.3. Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP)

Launched in 1992, this is one of IsDB’s most prestigious scholarship programs. It supports highly talented students who aim to pursue advanced research in cutting-edge technological fields.

Academic Levels Supported:

• PhD (Doctorate)

• Postdoctoral research

Eligible Beneficiaries:
Nationals of IsDB member countries only.

Research Focus Areas Include:

• Artificial intelligence

• Renewable energy

• Biotechnology

• Nanotechnology

• Advanced materials

• Telecommunications

• Climate sciences

• Engineering and applied sciences

This program aims to increase scientific research capacity in member countries and supports scholars who can contribute to innovation and development through high-technology fields.

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2.4. IsDB–ISFD Scholarship Program

Established in 2019, this joint program between IsDB and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) focuses on supporting students from the least developed member countries to pursue higher education as a means of reducing poverty and improving living standards.

Eligible Beneficiaries:
Students from 21 least developed member states.

Academic Levels Supported:
Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs in development-related fields.

The program is strongly aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing fields that improve public health, education, agriculture, and economic resilience.

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3. Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies depending on the academic level. Below is a detailed summary:

3.1. Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have completed 12 years of education (high school or equivalent).

• Achieve strong grades in core science subjects or subjects relevant to their future field of study.

• Provide proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) if required by the university.

• Be medically fit (a medical report will be required upon selection).

• Obtain admission or be able to obtain admission from an accredited university.

• Not be receiving another scholarship simultaneously.

This level of the program seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to the development of their community.

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3.2. Master’s Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• Demonstrate a strong academic record.

• Meet the required language proficiency standards.

• Submit a CV outlining academic achievements and professional experience (if any).

The master’s program prioritizes applicants whose intended fields of study align with national development priorities.

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3.3. PhD Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in one of the approved fields.

• Preferably have research or professional experience in the proposed field.

• Submit a detailed research proposal addressing a development-related topic.

• Show the potential to contribute to scientific and socio-economic development.

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3.4. Postdoctoral Research Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD degree with a minimum “Very Good” academic standing.

• Have at least two years of research experience.

• Provide a publication record relevant to the research field.

• Submit a research proposal approved by the host institution.

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4. Benefits and Financial Coverage (Fully Funded)

The IsDB Scholarships Program are fully funded, covering all major academic and living expenses. Benefits typically include:

• Full tuition fees, paid directly to the university.

• Monthly living allowance, adjusted according to the cost of living in the host country.

• Medical insurance throughout the study period.

• Round-trip airfare (at the start of the program and upon completion).

• Allowance for books and study materials.

• Allowance for clothing, depending on climate and living conditions.

• Research support for PhD and postdoctoral students.

• Installation and equipment allowance for students studying abroad.

This comprehensive package ensures that students can focus entirely on their academic progress without financial stress.

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5. Application Deadline for 2026–2027

The last day to apply for the IsDB Scholarship Programs for the academic year 2026–2027 is:

31 January 2026

Early preparation is essential, as applicants must upload several official documents that may take time to obtain.

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6. How to Apply for the IsDB Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

The application process is completed online through the official portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Portal

Submit your application through the official IsDB Scholarships Program platform:

https://isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com

Step 2: Create an Account

Register with your email address and set up a secure password.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Scholarship Program

Choose the program that matches your academic level and goals.

Step 4: Upload the Required Documents

These may include:

• National ID or passport

• Certified birth certificate

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• University admission letter (if available)

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Medical certificate

• Curriculum Vitae (for graduate programs)

• Research proposal (for PhD & postdoctoral applicants)

Step 5: Submit the Application

Carefully review all uploaded information before final submission.

Important Note:
The Islamic Development Bank does not charge any fees at any stage of the application process.

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7. List of IsDB Member Countries (57 Countries)

The scholarship is open to citizens of all member states, which include:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, 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, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

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8. Official Resources and Links

IsDB provides detailed brochures for each program, including participating institutions, fields of study, evaluation criteria, scholar obligations, and financial benefits.

Official Links:

Arabic Information:
https://www.isdb.org/ar/node/50747

English Information:
https://www.isdb.org/scholarships