Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship 2026-27 offers fully funded opportunities for students from member countries and Muslim communities worldwide to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies in priority development fields. Applications are now open, with a deadline of January 31, 2026, offering a key opportunity for high-achieving scholars seeking a global education.
Basic Information
- Full Name and Provider: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programs 2026-2027, funded by IsDB to promote human capital development in member countries and Muslim communities.
- Academic Year Coverage: Targets studies starting in 2026-27, including undergraduate, master’s, PhD, postdoctoral research, and vocational training.
- Target Audience: Citizens of 57 IsDB member countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia) or Muslim communities in non-member countries; prioritizes least developed member countries (LDMCs).
- Application Portal: Official site at isdb.org/scholarships; create account on isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com.
- Deadline: January 31, 2026 – submit all certified documents by this date for consideration.
- Levels Offered: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Master’s (MSP), PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellowships, and short-term training.
- Global Reach: Study at top universities worldwide, including partner institutions in Malaysia, Turkey, UK, Saudi Arabia, and more.
Duration
- Undergraduate: 4 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- PhD (Research): 3 years
- IsDB-ISFD: VET & Bachelor programs for 21 Least Developed Member Countries
University Details
- Partner Institutions: Approved universities include those in IsDB member countries like International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), University of Malaya, and in non-members like top UK universities (e.g., University of Oxford affiliates), US institutions, and Turkish universities.
- Selection Criteria for Unis: Institutions must rank in global top tiers (QS/Times Higher Education) and offer programs in IsDB priority fields like science, technology, and sustainable development.
- Key Host Countries: Malaysia (affordable, English-medium), Turkey (high-quality tech programs), UK (prestigious research), Saudi Arabia (King Saud University), Morocco, and Germany.
- Admission Requirement: Secure pre-admission or conditional offer from host university before or alongside IsDB application.
- Examples of Partners: Birzeit University (Palestine) for Master’s in science/tech; global centers of excellence for PhD/postdoc research visits.
- No Fixed List: Check IsDB booklet for latest partners; applications reviewed for alignment with development goals.
Study Areas
Bachelor’s Degree (BS) – Major Fields
- Health & Life Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Biology, Biotechnology, Veterinary, Nutrition
- Engineering & Technology: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Urban Planning, Sustainable Infrastructure
- Agriculture & Forestry: Sustainable agriculture, food systems
- Industrial & Environmental Sciences: Green chemistry, plastic pollution, responsible growth
- Physical Sciences & Energy: Physics, Geology, Renewable Energy
- ICT & Computing: Computer Science, IT, Telecom, Electronics (ICT for Development)
- Natural Resources & Environment: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Water & Hygiene
- Social Sciences & Development: Law, Media, Political Science, Entrepreneurship, Trade
- Economics & Finance: Islamic Economics, Finance & Banking
- Statistics & Population Studies: Demography, Population Growth
- Education & Psychology: Education policy, Sustainable Development education
🎓 Master’s Degree (MS) – Key Areas
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
- Education & Education for Sustainable Development
- Climate Change & Environmental Protection
- Energy & Renewable Technologies
- Sustainable Cities & Urban Planning
- Waste Management & Responsible Growth
- Population Growth & Urban Studies
- Green Chemistry & Pollution Control
- Biodiversity & Ecosystems
- Plastic Pollution & Micro-plastics
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
- Health Sciences: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition
- ICT for Development
- Innovation & Infrastructure Development
- Islamic Economics, Finance & Banking
- Development-related Social Sciences
PhD & Post-Doctoral Programs
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
- Education & Teaching Quality
- Climate Change & Carbon Reduction
- Renewable Energy & Green Technology
- Sustainable Cities & Infrastructure
- Responsible Growth & Ethics
- Waste Management & Circular Economy
- Population Growth & Urban Density
- Green Chemistry
- Biodiversity & Ecosystem Conservation
- Plastic Pollution & Recycling
- Water & Sanitation
- Health Sciences
- ICT & Advanced Technologies
- Innovation & Industrial Development
- Islamic Economics, Finance & Banking
- Development-focused Social Sciences
Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend (based on living cost of host country)
- Full tuition fees (subject to IsDB approval)
- Medical care at university/government hospitals
- Economy return air tickets (at start and end of study)
- Installation & equipment allowance (for study abroad)
- Additional allowances
- Thesis preparation allowance
Excluded Benefits
- No Dependent Tuition: Family members’ education costs not covered.
- Private Medical Extras: Only public/university hospitals; elective treatments excluded.
- Multiple Scholarships: Cannot combine with other full scholarships.
- Visa/Immigration Fees: Personal responsibility.
- Post-Study Work Visas: No guaranteed employment support.
- Luxury Expenses: Stipend covers basics only; no entertainment or high-end housing.
Eligibility Criteria for Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarship
- Citizenship: From IsDB member countries or Muslim communities in non-member countries (e.g., India, Philippines Muslims).
- For Undergraduate, Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with good grades in major subjects.
- For Master’s, be a graduate with a grade above “Good” in his/her bachelor’s studies.
- For a PhD, have a Master’s degree in one of the fields of study of the program.
- Academic Record: Excellent grades – top percentile in secondary (undergrad), Bachelor’s (Master’s), Master’s (PhD).
- Age/Health: Medically fit; no upper age limit, but commitment to return home required.
- No Current Aid: Not receiving other scholarships during studies.
- Language Proficiency: English (IELTS/TOEFL) or host language; waivers for English-medium schooling.
- Development Commitment: Sign a surety bond to serve the community/country post-study.
- Undergrad Specific: Completed 12 years of schooling with good major subjects.
- Postgrad Specific: Relevant work experience, research proposal for PhD.
- Young Male & Female Students from IsDB Member Countries and Muslim Communities from Non-Member Countries Worldwide are eligible to apply for Islamic Development Bank Scholarship.
Required Documents
- ID Proof: Passport or National ID (valid copy).
- Academic Records: Attested transcripts/certificates (SSC/HSC for undergrad; degrees for postgrad).
- Photos: Recent passport-size photographs.
- CV/Resume: Updated, detailing academics and experience.
- Motivation Letter/SOP: Explaining goals, IsDB alignment (1-2 pages).
- Recommendations: 2 letters from teachers/principals/employers.
- Language Proof: IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if required).
- Medical Report: Fitness certificate from doctor/hospital.
- Others: Birth certificate, family income proof, research proposal (PhD), pre-admission letter.
- Bond: Signed commitment form post-selection.
Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarship Application Process
- Research & Prepare: Review IsDB booklet at isdb.org/scholarships; secure university admission.
- Register Online: Visit isdb.org/scholarships > Create account on portal (email confirmation with login).
- Fill Form: Select program/level; input personal/academic details accurately.
- Upload Docs: Scan and upload all required files (attested where needed); max sizes apply.
- Submit & Certify: Finalize by deadline (Jan 31, 2026); get documents certified if shortlisted.
- Nomination: National nominating agency (e.g., Bangladesh UGC) reviews; IsDB selects.
- Interview/Tests: Shortlisted attend medical/language checks.
- Award & Travel: Sign bond; IsDB handles tuition/travel upon confirmation.
Success Tips
- Start Early: Apply 4-6 months before deadline; secure uni admission first.
- Tailor SOP: Link goals to SDGs/IsDB priorities (e.g., Bangladesh agriculture tech).
- Strong Recos: Choose referees who know your work deeply.
- Certify Docs: Attest via notary/embassy early.
- Practice Language: Score IELTS 6.5+ if needed.
- Network Alumni: Join IsDB forums for insights.
- Proofread: Error-free app; use keywords like “IsDB Scholarship 2026-27”.
Monthly Living Expenses (USD)
| Country | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Malaysia | 500–800 |
| Turkey | 400–700 |
| UK | 1,200–1,800 |
| Saudi Arabia | 600–1,000 |
| USA | 1,000–2,000 |
| Germany | 800–1,100 |
| Canada | 1,000–1,500 (CAD 1,300+) |
- Covers rent ($300-800), food ($200-400), transport ($50-150), utilities ($100).
- IsDB stipend matches these; budget via shared housing.
Why Choose the IsDB Scholarship
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living, travel – no loans needed.
- Global Prestige: Study at top unis; boosts CV for careers in development.
- Development Impact: Aligns with SDGs; fulfills community service goals.
- No Bonds/Repay: Free aid with return commitment only.
- Diverse Levels: From Bachelor’s to Postdoc; vocational options.
- Member Focus: Prioritizes LDMCs like Bangladesh for equity.
FAQs
- Q: Is IELTS mandatory? A: Yes if not English-medium schooled; min 6.0.
- Q: Can Bangladeshis apply? A: Yes, as member country; via UGC nomination.
- Q: Deadline extension? A: Typically firm at Jan 31, 2026.
- Q: Post-study return? A: Bond requires 3-5 years home service.
- Q: Family allowance? A: Limited; focus on scholar.
- Q: PhD duration? A: Up to 5 years fully funded.
Assalamu alaikum warahmatulla.
my name is Umar tukur from Nigeria I want to apply for the university please help me,
thank you
اللهم اعز الاسلام والمسلمين.
My name is Abdulai Mahmood Conteh, a Sierra Leonean. I want to apply for a PhD program in Animal Science, please help me with the list of universities for 2026-2027 IsDB scholarship program.
Best regards.
Pingback: Best Scholarships of this Week (January 1st, 2026) - Scholarships Future