In an era where educational access underpins societal growth, the IsDB Scholarship 2025 Program stands as a beacon of opportunity. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the IsDB is dedicated to enhancing human capital development in Muslim-majority nations and Muslim communities in non-member countries. Through scholarships awarded since the 1980s, IsDB has empowered countless students to drive sustainable development in their home regions.
For 2025–2026, the IsDB Scholarship expands its reach:
- Undergraduate (for Developed Member Countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries)
- Master’s (including a Merit Scholarship Program feeding into higher research levels)
- PhD (Merit Scholarship in applied sciences/high technology)
- Postdoctoral support
- Vocational training (VET) in Islamic Development Bank member countries.
IsDB’s mission extends beyond financial support—it seeks to equip future leaders with the tools to uplift their communities according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This guide explores the eligibility, benefits, obligations, required documents, and application steps for aspiring scholars.
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| Level / Program | Eligible Candidates | Study Fields | Duration | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (SPMC) | Level/Program | Diverse bachelor’s programs | Program length | Students from Muslim communities in non-member countries |
| Vocational Education Training (VET) | High school graduates from 21 LDMCs | Technical diploma | Varies | Same as above (+ monthly stipend) |
| Master’s (MSc) | • Full tuition • Monthly stipend • Book/clothing allowance • Medical coverage • Return airfare & installation (Note: interest-free repayment after study via Waqf) | Sciences and related fields | 2 years | Candidates with bachelor’s degrees from member/LDMCs |
| PhD/Post-Doc (MSP) | MSc or PhD holders in applied science | High-tech/research | 3–4 years / 1–2 years | Full financial package for research and career support |
What’s Included in the IsDB Scholarship 2025?
All awardees receive:
- Tuition fees directly paid to the academic institution
- Monthly stipend aligned with country living costs; postgraduate levels include an extra book/clothing grant worth three months of stipend.
- Return economy air tickets (start & end of study for international programs) + installation allowance.
- Medical insurance, usually through institution or government hospitals
- For PhD/postdoc recipients: possible research grants, career development training, and networking opportunities.
Who Can Apply for the IsDB Scholarship 2025?
General Requirements
- Citizenship/residency in an IsDB Member Country or Muslim community in a non-member country
- Strong academic record: minimum upper-third ranking (“very good”), often top 20%.
- Proof of acceptance or pre-admission to a recognized university or training program
- Commitment to return home and serve the community post-graduation (loan repayment for some levels)
Specific Criteria by Program
Undergraduate & VET
- Completed high school with good grades
- No concurrent scholarships
- Medically fit
Master’s
- Bachelor’s degree with “Very Good” standing
- Preference for work/research experience
- Research proposal relevant to program and home country
PhD/Post-doc (MSP)
- MSc or PhD holder (for post-doc) in technology/research
- Minimum two years of relevant experience (post-doc)
- Strong publication record (first author/Scopus/bioRxiv/ArXiv)
Vocational (VET)
- High school diploma for member-LDMC nationals
- Medically fit, no other scholarships
Obligations & Responsibilities for the IsDB Scholarship 2025
Recipients must:
- Sign a Scholarship Agreement, and in some cases, a surety bond
- Dedicate full-time to study; no other remunerated work or scholarship
- Respect all host country laws; no involvement in political activities.
- Provide academic progress reports (twice yearly)
- Commit to returning and working in home country for twice the study period
- Be part of the Alumni Network post-graduation
Failure to comply may lead to suspension or termination of the scholarship and enforceable repayment obligations.
Documents You’ll Need for the IsDB Scholarship 2025
| Document Type | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport/National ID | All | Must be valid throughout the program |
| Academic transcripts & certificates | All | Certified copies with official translations |
| English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS) | All | As required by host university |
| Research proposal | MSc, PhD, post-doc | Clearly demonstrating relevance to national development |
| CV/Resume | All | Documenting education, experience, publications |
| Recommendation letters | MSc, above | 2–3 academic/professional references |
| Medical fitness certificate | All | Issued by an official facility; some require a quarantine form. |
| Passport photo + ID page | All | For visa & university admission |
| For VET: high school certificate | Vocational | Must meet academic threshold |
| For post-doc: publication list | English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) | Highlighting first-author records |
| Signed scholarship agreement & surety bond | All | Accepting terms and repayment conditions |
Step-by-Step Application Process for the IsDB Scholarship 2025
- Check eligibility & review programs on [IsDB Scholarship portal]
- Secure admission/pre-admission to the desired university or training center
- Create an account on the IsDB Scholarship Portal.
- Complete online form; provide program preferences and upload documents
- Submit proposal & recommendation letters, as per level
- Confirm acceptance of scholarship award; sign required agreements
- Register at university, and send proof to IsDB.
- Enrollment letter
- Passport copy
- Scholarship agreement
- Medical certificate
- Bank detail form
- Scholarship disbursements begin after enrollment confirmation
- Submit biannual academic progress reports
- Graduate, return home, and repay scholarship (undergraduate/VET)
- Register with IsDB Alumni, engage with career network
Deadlines & Important Timelines
- Applications open February–April each year (e.g., MSP: 20 April 2025)
- Awards announced: Several weeks post-deadline
- Program start: Varies by academic calendar and country
- Loan repayment: Begins after graduation and employment (for applicable levels)
Additional Program Highlights
- PhD Merit Scholarships aim to build R&D infrastructure across Muslim communities
- Structured postdoctoral support includes coaching, advanced training, and mentorship networks.
- Vocational scholarships provide technical training in vital fields for LDMC development
FAQs
1. Is there an application fee?
No. The application process is completely free.
2. Will IsDB send me the scholarship by check?
No—tuition is paid directly, and stipends are usually bank-transferred.
3. Do I need an IELTS/TOEFL?
Yes—if your host program requires English evidence.
4. Can I study outside my home country?
Yes, especially for MSc, PhD, and postdoc levels.
5. What happens if I don’t return home?
For undergrad/VET, you must repay the loan. Higher levels must fulfill post-study return obligations or face penalties.
Final Thoughts
The IsDB Scholarship Program 2025–2026 offers a robust platform for international and Muslim learners to access quality education, research, and training. With fully covered tuition, stipends, health coverage, and professional development components, the scholarship unlocks potential for leadership and socio-economic transformation.
For all intended applicants, success hinges on
- Thorough research of study options and host institutions
- Timely preparation of documents and proof of eligibility
- A compelling personal/storytelling approach in your proposal or essay
- Clear commitment to your home community and return
Ready to begin?
Visit the [IsDB Scholarship Portal] and secure your future with education that makes a global impact.
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