You want a life-changing degree without student debt. You also want impact, not just a certificate. The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship delivers both. It is a prestigious, fully funded award designed to build talent in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide, while tackling real development challenges back home.
If you are aiming for Undergraduate, Master, PhD, or Postdoctoral study in 2026 or 2027, this is one of the most generous scholarships you can win. No application fee. Powerful funding. A clear path to top universities. And a mission-driven network that keeps supporting you long after graduation.
Here is exactly what you get, who can apply, and how to submit a strong application this cycle.
Why this scholarship stands out in 2026/2027
- Fully Funded: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel, books, and research support covered.
- No Application Fee: Apply free through the IsDB online portal.
- Multiple Levels: Undergraduate, Master, PhD, and Postdoctoral Research.
- Development Focus: Study programs that directly support the Sustainable Development Goals and priority needs of your home country.
- Global Study Options: Placement at reputable universities in IsDB Member Countries and other top institutions with IsDB agreements.
- Community Impact: Graduates commit to serving their communities, turning education into real outcomes.
What the IsDB Scholarship covers
The IsDB Scholarship is fully funded. While exact entitlements can vary by level and host country, successful scholars typically receive:
- Full tuition at approved universities
- Monthly living stipend for accommodation and expenses
- Health insurance
- Round-trip economy airfare at the start and end of studies, plus potential travel allowance
- Books and thesis/research grant as applicable to your program
- Computer allowance or study materials support where applicable
- Language course support if required by the host institution
There is no application fee to apply for the IsDB Scholarship.
Programs and duration
- Undergraduate: Typically up to 4 years, depending on the program and host university.
- Master: Usually 2 years.
- PhD: Usually 3 years, with possible additional time for thesis write-up.
- Postdoctoral Research: Generally 6 to 12 months, aligned with approved research proposals.
Study length may vary by country, program structure, and academic performance. Funding is renewed annually based on satisfactory progress.
Who can apply: eligibility summary
| Level | Academic requirements | Typical age limit | Eligible applicants | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Strong secondary school results meeting host university entry criteria | Up to about 24 | Citizens of IsDB Member Countries, and Muslim communities in non-member countries | Medically fit, good conduct, commitment to community service |
| Master | Recognized Bachelor degree with good GPA in relevant field | Up to about 30 | As above | Proposed study aligned with development priorities |
| PhD | Relevant Master degree, strong research potential | Up to about 35 | As above | Research proposal addressing priority development challenges |
| Postdoctoral | PhD completed in a priority field, active research record | Up to about 40 | As above | Host supervisor acceptance, feasible impact plan |
Age limits and fine-print can vary by program and cycle. Always verify the current call on the official website before applying.
Eligible countries and communities
You can apply if you are:
- A citizen of an IsDB Member Country, or
- A member of a Muslim community in a non-member country.
IsDB Member Countries span the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Examples include Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Senegal, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Suriname, and more. For the complete and most up-to-date list, see the official pages:
Priority fields of study
IsDB funds programs that drive sustainable development in member countries. Priority areas typically include:
- Agriculture, Food Security, and Rural Development
- Health, Public Health, and Medicine
- Education and Teacher Training
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
- Energy, Environment, and Climate Action
- Engineering, ICT, and Emerging Technologies
- Economics, Finance, Islamic Finance, and Development Studies
- Transportation, Urban Planning, and Infrastructure
- Natural Sciences and Applied Sciences
Your proposed field should match both the host university strengths and your country’s development priorities.
Selection criteria
- Academic excellence and relevant background
- Strength and feasibility of study or research plan
- Alignment with national development needs and SDGs
- Leadership, community service, and potential for impact
- Language readiness for the program medium of instruction
- Quality of references and supporting documents
How to apply for the IsDB Scholarship 2026/2027
- Review eligibility: Confirm your citizenship or community status, academic level, and age fit the program.
- Choose your level and field: Shortlist programs that directly support development priorities.
- Create an account: Register on the official IsDB portal at isdb.org/scholarships.
- Prepare documents: Upload transcripts, certificates, passport or national ID, CV, statement of purpose, research proposal if applicable, and referee details.
- Select target universities: Follow IsDB guidance on approved institutions in member and partner countries.
- Complete the online form: Enter accurate academic history, achievements, and impact plan. There is no application fee.
- Submit before the deadline: Save a PDF copy of your application for records.
- Monitor your email and portal: Respond quickly to any requests for clarification or interviews.
Required documents
Document lists vary by level. Expect to provide:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates
- Proof of English or other language proficiency if required by the host university
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Research proposal and potential supervisor acceptance for PhD or Postdoc
- Two academic reference letters
- Medical fitness evidence if requested
Only upload clear, legible scans. Use official translations where documents are not in the required language.
Host universities and placement
Would You Like To Apply For This Jobs/Sponsorship?
Enter Your Email Address HERE & You Will Receive a Notification About Your Application. If it shows "Subscribed" CLICK HERE to follow on Telegram for updatesIsDB partners with reputable universities in member countries and select institutions globally. You may indicate preferred universities, yet final placement must meet IsDB criteria on quality, cost, and field relevance. Offers are contingent on admission and funding approval.
Scholar responsibilities, return service, and code of conduct
- Academic progress: Maintain the required GPA and complete milestones on time.
- Community service: Commit to serving your home country or community after graduation.
- Ethics: Uphold good conduct. Funding can be withdrawn for academic or disciplinary reasons.
- Reporting: Provide progress reports and final documentation when requested.
IsDB may include a mutual obligations agreement focused on community impact and responsible use of funds. Review the latest terms in the current call.
Timeline and deadline for 2026/2027
- Applications run for the 2026/2027 cycle through the IsDB portal.
- Shortlisting, verification, and final selection follow after submission.
- University placement and scholarship confirmation are issued before program start.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Do not wait. Preparing documents, getting references, and shaping a strong proposal can take weeks.
Tips to build a winning application
- Align your study plan with a clear development problem in your country. Be specific about the outcomes you will deliver.
- Use data and examples to prove your impact potential, such as projects, internships, or community work.
- Secure strong references early. Brief your referees on your goals and achievements.
- Choose universities with solid track records in your field, not just big names. Fit matters.
- Proofread for accuracy and consistency. Any mismatch between documents and the form can cost you.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IsDB Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel, books, and research support, with variations by level and host country.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Not always. You apply via the IsDB portal first. Placement or admission requirements are clarified during selection. Follow the current call instructions.
Can I study outside my home country?
Yes, if the university is approved by IsDB and the field aligns with development priorities. Many scholars study in other member or partner countries.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applications are free on the official IsDB portal.
What are the age limits?
Typical upper limits are around 24 for Undergraduate, 30 for Master, 35 for PhD, and 40 for Postdoc. Always check the exact limits in the current call.
Apply now
If you are ready to turn your education into real impact, the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship 2026/2027 is your chance. Prepare your documents, shape a powerful development-focused plan, and submit a clean application early. Start here: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships.
