The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships program is open for applications, offering fully funded opportunities for African students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in priority development fields. These scholarships support future leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs by removing financial barriers to quality education, particularly in STEM, agriculture, health, economics, and social sciences. (isdb.org)
Whether you’re looking to deepen expertise, enter advanced research, or expand your career horizons globally, the IsDB Scholarships provide a funded path to world-class study.
What IsDB Scholarships Cover (Benefits)
Selected candidates receive comprehensive financial support, which typically includes:
✔ Tuition fees at partner universities
✔ Monthly living allowance/stipend
✔ Housing/accommodation support
✔ Travel expenses (economy airfare to and from host country)
✔ Medical insurance
✔ Research and thesis support (for postgraduate students)
This support package enables students to focus fully on their studies without financial constraints.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Eligibility varies slightly by programme level, but general conditions include:
🔹 Applicants must be citizens of IsDB member countries — including many African nations such as Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and others.
🔹 Undergraduate applicants must have completed secondary school with strong academic results.
🔹 Master’s and PhD candidates must hold relevant prior degrees with competitive academic records.
🔹 Some programmes require proficiency in the language of instruction (typically English or Arabic).
🔹 Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and alignment with development goals.
Specific requirements, such as minimum GPA, standardized test scores, or work experience — depend on the partner university and program track.
Fields of Study (Focus Areas)
The IsDB Scholarships support degrees in key development areas, including:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture & Agribusiness
- Health Sciences
- Economics, Development Studies & Public Policy
- Environmental and Climate Sciences
- Islamic Finance & Business
- Education and Social Sciences
These fields align with socio-economic priorities in Africa and global development goals.
Levels of Study Covered
🎓 Undergraduate Degrees
Great for high-achieving secondary school graduates ready to start university.
🎓 Master’s Programmes
Ideal for professionals or graduates seeking advanced skills in priority fields.
🎓 PhD Research Programmes
For researchers aiming to produce high-impact research relevant to national and regional development.
IsDB Scholarships aim to cultivate capacitated individuals who can lead solutions across sectors such as food systems, technology, public health, climate adaptation, and economic empowerment.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official IsDB Scholarships page:
👉 https://www.isdb.org/scholarships - Explore eligible programmes and partner universities listed for the current cycle. Each track typically includes application deadlines, entry requirements, and a link to the application portal.
- Prepare your documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport information
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Language proficiency certificates (if required)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Complete the online application form via the IsDB application portal, attaching all required documents.
- Submit before deadline: Deadlines vary by programme and track — check the specific year’s schedule on the official page.
Shortlisted applicants are usually contacted for interviews and further screening before final selection.