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Islamic Development Bank Scholarship 2025 | IsDB Scholarship 

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Imagine having the opportunity to study in a diverse and vibrant academic environment, while all your being supported by one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions. The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship popularly known as the IsDB Scholarship opens a gateway to an opportunity like this for ambitious scholars worldwide. Thus, this scholarship offers a fully funded award that covers tuition, a living allowance, health insurance, and round-trip airfare. Also, the recipient of this award will have the opportunity to study at any of the ISDB partnering institutions. 

Moreover, the ISDB Scholarship program aims to promote human resource development by providing scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses. As a result, it encompasses a wide range of fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, economics, and social sciences. Therefore, if you are an ISDB member or a member of a Muslim community in a non-member country looking for assistance for your studies, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this piece, you will learn about the benefits of the ISDB Scholarship, its eligibility requirements, and how to apply. This post will show you how to improve your application and increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship.

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Table of Contents

Scholarship Summary

Summary

Award Type

Fully Funded

Provider

Islamic Development Bank

Scholarship Study Type

Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Post-doctoral, Training

Eligible Courses

See list above

Eligible Students

IsDB member countries. Check List Here

Location

Member Countries

About the Host OF the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship

Established in 1973, by the Finance Ministers at the first Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now called the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) with the support of the King of Saudi Arabia at the time. Furthermore, the Islamic Development Bank aims to build a pool of skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth of their countries and the Muslim world as a whole. It also promotes economic and social progress while also building cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among member countries through this program 

Therefore, it sponsors economic and social infrastructure projects, provides technical assistance to member countries, and assists in the promotion of foreign trade. The bank has received credit ratings of AAA from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch. Similarly, the ISDB Scholarship is a prominent program designed to promote education and development in Islamic Development Bank member countries. This award provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing higher education in a variety of professions. Read on to learn more about the ISDB scholarship.

Associated Partners

The associated partners of this scholarship are as follows:-

  • University of Cambridge
  • Queen Mary
  • Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
  • University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
  • McGill University

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Why Apply for The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship?

The IsDB Scholarship provides financial aid to member countries by providing funding for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. If you want to enroll in this program but aren’t sure if it’s worth your time, here are some reasons why you should consider applying:

  • Tuition fees.
  • A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Round-trip airfare to the host country.
  • Research support for Ph.D. students. 
  • Coaching and mentorship opportunities from experts.

How Much is the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Worth?

The exact amount and coverage for the IsDB scholarship differ from one scholarship program to another. However, it typically covers the following: 

  • Tuition fees are payable to the universities directly.
  • Monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study.
  • Books/clothing allowance, the equivalent of three months monthly stipends, once a year.
  • Cost of medical treatment.

The scholarship does not cover the following:

  • Visa application(s) costs
  • Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members
  • Extracurricular courses or training
  • Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree
  • Language training not provided by the study program
  • Additional travel during the study program
  • Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, exchange programs, conferences, or internships 
  • Educational equipment, such as computers
  • Residence permit fee 

Please keep in mind that the IsDB scholarship is meant to augment, not replace, any other financial assistance the applicant may have. Thus, if the candidate is awarded a scholarship, they must notify IsDB immediately if the student has other scholarship support. 

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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?

We are unable to provide an exact number of students who will be awarded the ISDB scholarship. However, we know that thousands of people apply for scholarships each year, with only a handful being chosen. Therefore, the scholarship is limited to just a small number of students.

What is the Acceptance Rate of the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship?

We can’t for sure state the percentage of people that are offered the IsDB scholarship, but we do know that it receives a large pool of applicants but only a few are chosen. Hence, it’s a very competitive scholarship program.

Eligible Nationality 

Generally, IsDB scholarship is open to students from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or Muslim-majority countries. Eligible member countries include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda & Yemen.

Host Nationality 

The host country for the IsDB scholarship can vary based on the scholarship recipient’s chosen field of study and the university they desire to attend. Nonetheless, the Program is hosted by the Islamic Development Bank itself, which is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship?

The IsDB Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. The specific courses available are determined by the institutions that collaborate with the IsDB. In general, the scholarship covers development-related topics of study, including but not limited to:

  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Education
  • Education for Sustainable Development
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Responsible Growth
  • Waste Management
  • Population Growth
  • Green Chemistry
  • Biodiversity
  • Plastic pollution and Micro-plastics
  • Water and Hygiene
  • Health
  • ICT for Development
  • Innovation & Infrastructure Development
  • Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking
  • Development-related Social Sciences

Which Level is Eligible for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship?

The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Program typically offers various scholarship levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. scholarships.

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Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for the IsDB Scholarship Program may vary depending on the specific scholarship type and host country Check List Here to see. However, some common eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must be citizens of IDB member countries.
  • Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with excellent grades. 
  • Applicant must not be an IsDB staff member or Executive Director.
  • They must provide evidence of language proficiency in the university medium of instruction as relevant.
  • Be medically fit and willing to undergo medical examination after selection.
  • They must have secured admission in one of the disciplines covered under the program at a recognized college or university in their own country 
  • Not living in a country other than his/her home country.
  • Applicants must not be a beneficiary of any other scholarship at the time of application and during studies.

1. For Undergraduate Program: 

  • The eligible candidates should have completed their senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) and ensure they have good grades in major subjects.
  • Not in receipt of any other scholarship
  • Show that they are medically fit and willing to undergo medical tests after selection.

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2. For Master Program: 

  • Have minimum “Very Good” academic standing;
  • Show that they are medically fit and willing to undergo medical tests after selection.
  • Preferably have work and/or research experience.
  • Have a research proposal in one of the fields of study of the program stating its scientific and development relevance to the community/country.

3. For PhD Study: 

  • Have a Master’s degree in one of the fields of study of the program.
  • Have minimum “Very Good” academic standing;
  • Be medically fit and be willing to undergo medical tests after selection.
  • Have a research proposal in one of the fields of study of the program stating its scientific and development relevance to the community/country.
  • Preferably have work and/or research experience.

4. For Post-doctoral Research:

  • Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in one of the approved fields of the program.
  • You should have a minimum “Very Good” academic standing.
  • Acquired not less than two (2) years of experience in the field of research.
  • Must have a record of publications/research in the same field.
  • Have a research proposal in one of the fields of study of the program stating its scientific and development relevance to the community/country.
  • Show you are medically fit and willing to undergo medical tests after selection.

5. For Vocational Education Training (VET):

  • Citizens of any of the 21 IsDB LDMCs Countries.
  • Students must have completed high school and have minimum good grades in major subjects
  • Not in receipt of any other scholarship; and
  • You must prove you are medically fit and willing to undergo medical tests after selection.

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Age Requirements 

Applicants for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship must be below 24 years.

How to Apply for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship?

The IsDB Scholarship’s emphasis on science, technology, and innovation led solutions to the world’s greatest development challenges, through boosted connectivity and funding, and a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals. To apply for an IsDB Scholarship, follow these general steps:

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Steps To Apply for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship 

Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes

Here are the steps to apply for the scholarship:

  1. Visit the IsDB Scholarship Program Website:


    Go to the official website of the IsDB Scholarship Program to find detailed information about the scholarship. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria specified for the scholarship program you’re interested in. 

  2. Select a Program:


    IsDB offers scholarships for various levels of study, including undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., and post-doctoral research. Hence, select the scholarship program that aligns with your academic and career goals.

  3. Gather Required Documents:


    Prepare all the necessary documents, which typically include your academic transcripts, certificates, a curriculum vitae (CV), a research proposal (for research-based scholarships), and letters of recommendation.

  4. Online Application:


    Create an account on the IsDB Scholarship Program’s online application portal and fill out the application form accurately, providing all required information.

  5. Submit Application:



    Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy. Once satisfied, submit your application through the online portal before the specified deadline.

  6. Interview (if required):


    Depending on the scholarship program, you may be required to attend an interview. Prepare for this interview by reviewing your application and researching potential interview questions.

  7. Wait for Evaluation:

    Research-scholarships-scholarafrika
    After the application deadline, IsDB will evaluate all applications based on the eligibility criteria and academic merit. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or further assessments.

  8. Acceptance:


    After the application deadline, IsDB will evaluate all applications based on the eligibility criteria and academic merit. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will receive an official notification from IsDB. This notification will include details about the scholarship award, terms, and conditions.

    For further information, please write to scholar@isdb.org.

Tools
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Materials
  • Online Application
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Application Form

What are the Documents Required For the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Application?

The specific documents required for an Islamic Development Bank scholarship application may vary depending on the program. However, general documents required for such applications include the following:

  • Application Form 
  • Identification Documents such as your passport or national ID card.
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Statement of Purpose  
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume 
  • Language Proficiency Test Scores 
  • Research Proposal (if applicable)
  • Medical Certificate 
  • Proof of Financial Statements 

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1. Undergraduate Applicants Will Need the Following Documents:

  • National ID\Passport.
  • A certified true copy of their Birth Certificate.
  • Certificate of Good Health from a medical doctor or a hospital.
  • A certified true copy of their High School transcripts certificate.
  • English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).

2. Masters Applicants Will Need the Following Documents:

  • National ID\Passport.
  • Curriculum Vitae/CV.
  • Certificate of Good Health from a medical doctor or a hospital.
  • B.Sc. degree and transcripts.
  • Work experience certificate.
  • Letter or evidence of pre-admission, if applicable.
  • language certificate or test score, if applicable.
  • Certificate of Medical Fitness from a Doctor/Public Hospital.

3. PhD Applicants Will Need the Following Documents:

  • National ID\Passport.
  • Curriculum Vitae/CV.
  • Certificate of Good Health from a medical doctor or a hospital.
  • B.Sc. degree and transcripts.
  • M.Sc. degree and transcripts.
  • Work experience certificate.
  • A research proposal in one of the fields of study of the program stating its scientific and development relevance to the community/country
  • Letter or evidence of pre-admission, if applicable.
  • Language certificate or test score, if applicable.
  • Certificate of Medical Fitness from a Doctor/Public Hospital.

4. Post-doctoral Applicants Will Need the Following Documents:

  • National ID\Passport.
  • Curriculum Vitae/CV.
  • Certificate of Good Health from a medical doctor or a hospital.
  • B.Sc. degree and transcripts.
  • M.Sc. degree and transcripts.
  • PhD degree.
  • Record of publications/research in the same field.
  • A research proposal in one of the fields of study of the program stating its scientific and development relevance to the community/country.
  • Work experience certificate.
  • Letter or evidence of pre-admission, if applicable.
  • Language certificate or test score, if applicable.
  • Certificate of Medical Fitness from a Doctor/Public Hospital.

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Types of ISDB Scholarship Programs 

Below are the major types of the IsDB scholarship programs: 

#1. IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)

The SPMC is a merit and financial need award for impoverished young Muslim students from Muslim communities in non-MCs. This award is for undergraduate studies in medicine, engineering, computer sciences, information technology, agriculture, and other related fields in their own countries or the IsDB MCs.

#2. IsDB Master of Science  Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.)

The M.Sc. Scholarship Programme was launched in 1998 to assist 20 IsDB LDMCs in the development of their human capital, especially in science and technology, which are both relevant and necessary for their development.

#3. IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP)

The implementation of the Merit Scholarship Programme commenced in 1992. The program is dedicated to advanced studies and/or research (3-year Ph.D. and 6-12-month post-Doctorate) in 16 applied science and high technology areas deemed necessary for the development of the MCs.

#4. IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme 

The IsDB-ISFD Programme was launched by IsDB and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), with the specific aim of reducing poverty in 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries (LDMCs). The program provides educational opportunities for academically meritorious and financially impoverished young students from 21 LDMCs to pursue bachelor’s degrees. 

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Is the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?

As of the time of this publication, application for the IsDB scholarship will soon commence. Therefore, we encourage you to prepare and hop in early when the next application window opens.

What Can I Do To Win an Islamic Development Bank Scholarship This Year?

Every year, thousands of qualified students apply for the IsDB Scholarship, making it a very competitive award to win. Hence, you need to provide a unique application that stands you out from the competition. If you’re ready to embark on this path, here are some ways you can boost your chances of earning the IsDB scholarship award:

  • Research and meet all its eligibility criteria 
  • Choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. 
  • Tailor your application to demonstrate how your background and plans align with the scholarship’s objectives.
  • Maintain a strong academic record. 
  • Ensure to meet the language requirements and consider taking language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Write an Impressive Statement of Purpose.
  • Secure strong letters of recommendation.
  • Highlight your involvement in community projects and extracurricular activities.
  • If applicable, showcase any research experience or publications that demonstrate your commitment to your field of study.
  • Financial need (if applicable).
  • Have mentors, teachers, or friends review your application and provide constructive feedback.
  • Prepare for interviews by researching the scholarship program and practicing answering common interview questions.
  • Complete your application carefully and avoid mistakes.
  • Apply early.
  • Keep an eye on the IsDB website or contact them directly for updates and any changes in scholarship opportunities.

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Application Deadline 

The application date and deadline for the IsDB scholarship are formally announced in February of each year. This schedule is based on the academic calendars of colleges and institutions around the world where IsDB students will study. Therefore, to learn about their 2025 scholarship deadline, you must be patient while preparing the required documentation.

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Selection Procedures 

The selection procedures for the IsDB Scholarship typically involve the following stages:

  • Application Submission: Candidates interested in the IsDB Scholarship will first submit their applications through the IsDB’s online application portal during the specified application period.
  • Academic Evaluation: The IsDB evaluates the academic qualifications of applicants, including their academic transcripts, certificates, and any standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) to assess their eligibility for the scholarship.
  • Technical Review: In some cases, applicants may be required to submit a research proposal, especially for doctoral studies. Following that, a technical review panel assesses the quality and relevance of the proposed research.
  • Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, either in person or via video conference. This interview assesses the candidate’s motivation, communication skills, and suitability for the scholarship program.
  • Language Proficiency Test: If the scholarship requires proficiency in a particular language (e.g., English or Arabic), candidates may need to undergo language proficiency tests.
  • Health Check: Some scholarships may require candidates to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health requirements for studying abroad.
  • Final Selection: Based on the results of all evaluation stages, a final list of selected candidates is prepared. These candidates are offered the IsDB Scholarship.
  • Acceptance and Pre-Departure Preparation: Selected candidates must confirm their acceptance of the scholarship and complete any additional documentation or requirements. Likewise, pre-departure orientations and logistical support are provided to help scholars prepare for their studies abroad.

Does The IsDB Scholarship Have Scholarship Past Questions?

When applying for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship, you must submit an essay as well as a statement of purpose describing how your past and future intentions connect with the scholarship’s aims. Likewise, you must also emphasize your participation in community projects, leadership, and extracurricular activities.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Win Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarship

If you don’t win any of the Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.

Meanwhile, you can find a good number of the Easiest scholarships to apply for and win easily here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

Is the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the IsDB is typically fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, medical insurance, and other educational costs for selected students.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship?

The minimum GPA for the IsDB award is  3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.

Can I apply Islamic Development Bank Scholarship and another scholarship?

Well, whether you can apply for both the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship and another scholarship will depend on the specific rules and requirements of each scholarship program. Some scholarships may have restrictions or conditions that prevent you from receiving multiple scholarships simultaneously, while others may allow it.

What is the primary objective of Islamic banks?

The main objective of Islamic banks is to operate by following Islamic principles, specifically Shariah law. Their primary goals include providing financial services that are consistent with Islamic ethics. These ethics include interest-free banking, profit and loss sharing, and avoiding investments in businesses that are prohibited in Islam, such as those related to alcohol or gambling. 

Conclusion 

Finally, the Islamic Development Bank offers infrastructure to help individuals live better lives and reach their full potential. As a result, it facilitates collaboration among member nations in a distinctly non-political setting, while focusing on the development of humanity. Similarly, they bring together 57 member countries from four continents to train people to meet the difficulties and opportunities of today’s world. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can apply by following the guidelines in this post.

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