IsDB Fully Funded Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD Scholarships 2026/2027

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has opened applications for its fully funded Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Scholarship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. This long-running scholarship initiative reflects the Bank’s deep commitment to human capital development as a foundation for social progress, economic growth, and sustainable development across its Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide.

Since its establishment, the IsDB has recognised that investing in education and skills development is as critical as financing infrastructure and economic projects. As a result, the Bank has developed one of the most comprehensive international scholarship portfolios, focusing on empowering talented individuals from developing regions to acquire high-quality education and return home equipped to drive change.

A Legacy of Investing in Human Capital

The IsDB scholarship ecosystem has evolved over several decades in response to the changing needs of developing countries and Muslim communities globally.

In 1983, the Bank launched the Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities (SPMC) to support students from Muslim communities residing in non-member countries. This programme was designed to address educational gaps, promote social mobility, and strengthen community development through access to higher education.

Building on this foundation, the Merit Scholarship Program (MSP) was introduced in 1992 to support PhD studies and postdoctoral research in applied sciences and high technology. The goal was to strengthen scientific research, innovation, and technological capacity within IsDB Member Countries.

Recognising that many Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) lacked sufficient postgraduate pipelines, the Bank later introduced the Master of Science (M.Sc.) Scholarship Programme in 1998. This programme serves as a feeder into advanced research and doctoral training, particularly in fields critical to national development.
Today, these initiatives sit at the heart of the IsDB’s Realigned Strategy 2023–2025, which dedicates an entire strategic pillar to inclusive and comprehensive human capital development.

Scholarship Programmes Available for 2026/2027

For the 2026/2027 academic cycle, the IsDB is offering multiple fully funded scholarship pathways tailored to different academic levels and country contexts.

IsDB–ISFD Scholarship Programme for Bachelor’s Degree and Technical Diploma (TVET)

This programme targets academically talented but financially disadvantaged students from Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs). It supports undergraduate degrees and technical or vocational diplomas in scientific, technical, and social disciplines.

The aim is to improve beneficiaries’ socioeconomic prospects while equipping them with practical skills and knowledge that directly contribute to national development. Graduates are expected to return to their home countries and apply their learning in ways that strengthen local institutions and communities.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Scholarship Programme in Science and Technology

The M.Sc. Scholarship Programme focuses on building advanced technical and scientific capacity in LDMCs. It supports postgraduate education in fields aligned with national priorities such as engineering, applied sciences, technology, and innovation.

By training professionals with strong technical expertise, the programme seeks to address skills shortages and support sustainable economic growth across developing regions.

Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Postdoctoral Studies)

This highly competitive programme is open to candidates from IsDB Member Countries pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral research in high-impact fields such as advanced engineering, applied sciences, biotechnology, and emerging technologies.

The programme is designed to strengthen research institutions, promote innovation, and foster scientific leadership within Member Countries.

Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries

This programme supports students from Muslim communities living in countries that are not members of the IsDB. It provides access to undergraduate and postgraduate education with the expectation that beneficiaries will contribute to social and economic development within their communities.

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What the Scholarship Covers

IsDB scholarships are fully funded and typically include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Health insurance
• Books and academic materials
• Travel expenses
• Additional allowances where applicable

The comprehensive nature of the funding allows scholars to focus fully on their studies without financial pressure.

Who Should Apply

The IsDB Scholarship Programme is open to:

• High-achieving students from IsDB Member Countries
• Students from Least Developed Member Countries
• Muslim students from non-Member Countries
• Candidates committed to returning home and contributing to development after graduation

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to community and national development.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the IsDB Fully Funded Scholarships is 31 January 2026.

Why the IsDB Scholarship Matters

At its core, the IsDB Scholarship Programme is not just about funding education. It is about building future leaders, researchers, innovators, and professionals who can address real-world challenges in their societies.
By investing in education across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, the IsDB helps countries strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, and promote shared prosperity. For many beneficiaries, the programme has been a life-changing pathway to global education, professional growth, and meaningful impact at home.

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