The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship 2026-27 is a premier fully funded program aimed at fostering social and economic development in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries. Unlike traditional scholarships, this is a unique interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) to the students, which is to be repaid to a local trust after graduation to fund future students from the same community.
Scholarship Overview: IsDB 2026
The program is designed to create professional leaders who can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of their home nations.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Organization | Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Post-Doc |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded (Interest-free loan) |
| Eligible Countries | 57 IsDB Member Countries & Muslim communities in non-member countries |
| Application Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
Comprehensive Financial Coverage
The IsDB scholarship covers the entire cost of education at top-ranked universities worldwide, including those in the UK, Turkey, and Malaysia.
- Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the host university.
- Monthly Living Allowance: Adjusted based on the cost of living in the host country.
- Travel Support: Economy class air tickets at the start and end of the program.
- Health Insurance: Full coverage during the study period.
- Academic Grants: Allowances for books, thesis preparation, and clothing (where applicable).
Eligibility and Academic Standards
Selection is based on academic merit and the potential impact on the student’s home country.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an IsDB member country or a Muslim in a non-member country.
- Academic Record: * Undergraduate: 12 years of education with high grades.
- Master’s: A Bachelor’s degree with a grade higher than “Good.”
- PhD: A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field.
- Health: Must be medically fit.
- Commitment: Must not hold any other scholarship and must agree to serve their country upon graduation.
Focus Fields of Study
IsDB prioritizes “Sustainability Sciences” that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Health: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health.
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Renewable Energy, Water Resources.
- Science: Agriculture, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Physics.
- Others: Economics, Statistics, and Social Sciences.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
The application is entirely online and requires significant preparation of documents.
- Portal Registration: Visit the IsDB Scholarship Portal.
- Profile Building: Complete your personal and academic profile in the system.
- Document Upload: Upload clear scans of your transcripts, passport, health certificate, and research proposal (for PhD).
- Submission: Submit the application before the April 30 deadline.
- Placement: While you can secure your own admission, IsDB also has partnerships with universities in Turkey, UK, and France to help place scholars.
Required Documents Checklist
- Academic Transcripts: For all previous levels of education.
- Valid Passport: Must have a minimum of 1 year validity.
- Health Certificate: A recent medical report confirming you are clinically fit.
- Research Proposal: Required specifically for PhD and Post-Doctoral applicants.
- English/Language Certificate: IELTS or TOEFL if applying to a university in an English-speaking country.
Important Note on Repayment
As this is a Qard Hasan (Interest-free loan), undergraduate and Master’s graduates are expected to repay the loan in installments once they secure employment. This money goes into a Local Education Trust in their home country to ensure the program’s sustainability.