Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
The application process is now open for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD Scholarship Programme for the academic year 2026/2027. Recognizing the critical role that skilled human capital plays in fostering social progress and sustainable growth, the IsDB has, since its inception, prioritized human resource development alongside its primary mission of providing development finance.
In an effort to bolster the development of human resources within Muslim communities residing in non-Member Countries (non-MCs), the IsDB introduced its first undergraduate scholarship initiative in 1983, known as the Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities (SPMC). Building on a decade of success with the SPMC, the Bank expanded its scholarship offerings by launching the Merit Scholarship Program (MSP) in 1992. This program focuses on PhD studies and post-doctoral research in applied sciences and advanced technologies, with the goal of enhancing scientific, technological, and research capacities in Member Countries (MCs).
Understanding that many of the Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) were unable to benefit from the MSP, the Bank subsequently inaugurated the Master of Science Scholarship Program (M.Sc.) in 1998. This program acts as a preparatory stage for the MSP, aiming to elevate human resource capacity in these LDMCs.
In alignment with its Realigned Strategy for 2023–2025, IsDB has dedicated a significant strategic pillar to comprehensive and inclusive human capital development. This initiative is designed to support Member Countries and Muslim populations in non-Member Countries by addressing educational and capacity-building challenges through various programs, including scholarships. This approach is a cornerstone of IsDB’s broader mission to promote economic advancement and shared prosperity by investing in global human capital development through education.
Scholarship Opportunities Available
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This scholarship is designed to provide educational access to talented yet financially disadvantaged young men and women from LDMCs. It supports studies toward bachelor’s degrees and technical diplomas (TVET) in both scientific and social disciplines, aiming to improve their socioeconomic status and empower them to contribute effectively to their home countries’ development.
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This program aims to support LDMCs by developing skilled human resources in scientific and technological fields that are critical for their socioeconomic progress. The M.Sc. scholarships provide advanced training to equip candidates with the necessary expertise to address development challenges in their countries.
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MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY (MSP) FOR IsDB MEMBER COUNTRIES
This scholarship supports PhD and post-doctoral candidates focusing on applied sciences and high-technology disciplines. It is geared toward strengthening the research and technological capacities of institutions across IsDB Member Countries, thereby promoting scientific innovation and development.
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SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN NON-MEMBER COUNTRIES
This program offers educational scholarships to talented individuals from Muslim communities living outside of IsDB Member Countries, enhancing their opportunities for academic advancement and socio-economic development.
For further details and application procedures, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme .
