IsDB Scholarship Program 2026: Who is Eligible for the Fully Funded Islamic Development Bank Award?
Islamic Development Bank opens fully funded IsDB scholarships
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has officially opened applications for the IsDB Scholarship Program 2026, offering a fully funded opportunity for academically outstanding and financially disadvantaged students from member countries and Muslim communities worldwide.
The prestigious scholarship supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, post-doctoral, and professional training programmes, reinforcing IsDB’s long-term mission of human capital development, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth across its member states.
With a deadline of January 31, 2026, the IsDB Scholarship Program remains one of the most comprehensive international scholarships available to students from developing nations.
What Is the IsDB Scholarship Program?
The IsDB Scholarship Program is an educational funding initiative sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank to empower academically meritorious but financially challenged students. The program enables beneficiaries to pursue higher education in leading institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
The scholarship is part of IsDB’s broader strategy to support science, technology, innovation, and capacity building in its member countries and Muslim communities in non-member states.
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Types of IsDB Scholarship Programs Available
The IsDB currently administers four major scholarship schemes, each tailored to specific academic and development needs:
1. Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
Launched in 1983, this program targets young Muslim students living in non-IsDB member countries, enabling them to pursue undergraduate studies in priority fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and information technology.
2. IsDB Master of Science (M.Sc.) Scholarship Program
Introduced in 1998, this scheme focuses on human capital development in Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) by supporting postgraduate studies in science and technology-related disciplines.
3. IsDB Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology (MSP)
Established in 1992, this highly competitive program funds PhD and post-doctoral research in 16 advanced science and high-technology fields critical to the development of IsDB member countries.
4. IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Program
Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), this program supports students from 21 Least Developed Member Countries, with a focus on poverty reduction and access to higher education.
Who Is Eligible for the IsDB Scholarship Program 2026?
To qualify for the IsDB Scholarship Program 2026, applicants must meet strict academic, financial, and age requirements.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Maximum age limits:
- 24 years (Undergraduate)
- 30 years (Master’s)
- 35 years (PhD)
- 40 years (Post-Doctoral)
- Must not be an IsDB staff member or close relative
- Completed secondary education with strong academic results
- Proof of language proficiency in English or French (where applicable)
- Must not be receiving another scholarship
- Must be medically fit
- Admission into a recognized institution is desirable but not mandatory at application stage
Eligible Countries for the IsDB Scholarship
The scholarship is open to applicants from IsDB member countries, including Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Uganda, Senegal, and dozens of others.
In addition, Muslim communities in non-member countries such as Australia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Rwanda are also eligible under the SPMC scheme.
Benefits of the IsDB Scholarship Program 2026
The IsDB Scholarship Program is fully funded, offering beneficiaries extensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Medical insurance
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation and settlement allowance
- Books and clothing allowance
- Research, thesis, and conference grants (for postgraduate and doctoral scholars)
These benefits ensure that scholars can focus fully on their academic and research goals without financial stress.
How to Apply for the IsDB Scholarship Program (Step-by-Step)
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official IsDB Scholarship portal
- Create and verify an online account
- Complete the application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit the application before January 31, 2026
Only online applications submitted through the IsDB portal will be considered.
Why the IsDB Scholarship Program Matters
Beyond financial support, the IsDB Scholarship Program plays a vital role in bridging educational inequality, strengthening scientific capacity, and developing future leaders who will contribute to economic growth and social progress in their home countries.
FAQ
What is the IsDB Scholarship Program?
The IsDB Scholarship Program is a fully funded international scholarship sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank to support students from member countries and Muslim communities worldwide.
Is the IsDB Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition, living stipends, travel costs, medical insurance, accommodation, and academic allowances.
Who can apply for the IsDB Scholarship Program 2026?
Eligible applicants include undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral candidates from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities in non-member states.
Is IELTS required for the IsDB Scholarship?
No. IELTS is not mandatory, but applicants must provide proof of language proficiency where required by the host institution.
What is the age limit for the IsDB Scholarship?
The age limit is 24 for undergraduate, 30 for master’s, 35 for PhD, and 40 for post-doctoral applicants.
Can Nigerians apply for the IsDB Scholarship?
Yes. Nigeria is an eligible IsDB member country, and Nigerian students can apply.
What is the application deadline for the IsDB Scholarship 2026?
The deadline for submission is January 31, 2026.
Can applicants with another scholarship apply?
No. Applicants must not be beneficiaries of another scholarship at the time of application.
