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Since its inception, the ISDB Scholarship has helped thousands of students pursue quality education in top institutions worldwide. Beyond financial support, it offers leadership training, mentoring, and access to a network of professionals dedicated to community development. This article thoroughly explores the ISDB Scholarship, covering its history, types of programs available, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and tips for prospective applicants. Whether you’re a student pursuing higher education or a policymaker interested in development partnerships, understanding this scholarship can open doors to impactful opportunities.

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ISDB Scholarship: Background and Mission

The Islamic Development Bank was established in 1973 to promote economic development and social progress in its member countries. The ISDB Scholarship was launched as part of its commitment to human capital development, emphasising fields crucial to sustainable growth like science, technology, and innovation.

The program is rooted in Islamic principles of solidarity and cooperation. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). It aims to lift entire communities through education, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

Types of ISDB Scholarships

The ISDB offers several scholarship programs tailored to different educational levels:

Undergraduate Scholarship

• Purpose: Equip students with bachelor’s degrees in development-related fields.
• Target: Students from ISDB member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.
• Fields: Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science, etc.

Master’s Scholarship

• Purpose: Train professionals to advance their countries’ development.
• Target: Mid-career professionals or students with a bachelor’s degree.
• Fields: Education, Health, Environment, Development Studies, etc.

PhD Scholarship

• Purpose: Support research that contributes to development.
• Target: Researchers aligned with ISDB’s development goals.
• Focus: High-impact, solution-driven research.

Post-doctoral Research Program

• Purpose: Enhance scientific research in member countries.
• Target: PhD holders looking to expand their research.
• Collaboration: Conducted at reputable institutions worldwide.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Purpose: Provide job-ready skills to disadvantaged youth.
• Target: Students unable to access higher education.
• Fields: Technical, vocational, and business training.

ISDB-ISFD Scholarship

• Purpose: Focus on poverty alleviation in Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs).
• Support: Combines education with capacity building.

ISDB Undergraduate Scholarship

The undergraduate scholarship program is designed for high-achieving students committed to development. It emphasises academic excellence and a strong sense of social responsibility.

• Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, medical insurance, travel, and support for academic materials.
• Conditions: After graduation, scholars must return to their home countries and contribute to national development.

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ISDB Master’s Scholarship

The Master’s program supports students who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to specialise in fields that align with their countries’ development goals.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic records, relevant work or research experience.
• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, thesis support, travel expenses.
• Requirement: Post-study service commitment.

ISDB PhD and Post-Doctoral Scholarships

These programs are aimed at researchers interested in solving critical development problems through innovation.

• Eligibility: Master’s degree or PhD for post-doctoral applicants.
• Fields: Must align with ISDB’s development goals.
• Duration: 3–4 years for PhD, 1–2 years for post-doctoral research.
• Requirement: Publish research and contribute to local institutions.

ISDB Vocational and Technical Education Scholarship

This scholarship supports individuals who need practical, hands-on skills to enter the workforce and build sustainable livelihoods.

• Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
• Focus: Agriculture, construction, IT, and other technical trades.
• Target Countries: Mainly low-income member countries.

ISDB-ISFD Scholarship Program

This program, a joint initiative with the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), is geared towards students in LDMCs.

• Goal: Reduce poverty through education.
• Eligibility: Citizens of LDMCs with strong academic performance.
• Support: Full financial coverage and mentorship.

Eligibility Criteria for ISDB Scholarships

To apply for any ISDB scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an ISDB member country or a Muslim from a non-member country.
• Demonstrate academic excellence.
• Show proof of financial need.
• Be in good health and of good conduct.
• Commit to returning home to serve their community.

Additional requirements include age limits, prior academic qualifications, and university admission (if applicable).

Benefits of ISDB Scholarship

ISDB scholarships provide holistic support:

• Academic: Full tuition coverage.
• Financial: Monthly living stipend.
• Logistics: Travel and medical insurance.
• Research: Thesis and publication support.
• Mentorship: Personal and professional development programs.
• Networking: Access to ISDB alumni and international partners.

Application Process for ISDB Scholarship

The application process is centralised via the ISDB Scholarship Portal.

Steps:

1. Register and create an account.
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Upload required documents.
4. Submit before the deadline.
5. Await confirmation and follow-up if selected.

The process generally opens in December and closes in February.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Valid passport or national ID.
• Motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters.
• Medical certificate.
• University admission letter (where applicable).

ISDB Scholarship Selection Process

Applications are screened based on:

• Academic achievements.
• Leadership potential.
• Relevance of study to development goals.
• Community involvement.

Top candidates may be invited for interviews or further documentation. Final decisions are communicated via email or the portal.

Partner Institutions and Host Countries

ISDB has partnered with globally ranked universities across:

• UK: Oxford, Cambridge, etc.
• Malaysia: IIUM, UM.
• Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and others.

Students may also study in their home countries if the institution meets ISDB standards.

Obligations of Scholarship Recipients

Recipients agree to:

• Return home and contribute to development.
• Maintain high academic standards.
• Participate in community service.
• Abide by ethical conduct codes.

Breaching the agreement may lead to scholarship termination or repayment.

Alumni Network and Opportunities

ISDB Alumni Association (ISAA) enables graduates to:

• Share knowledge.
• Mentor new scholars.
• Launch collaborative projects.
• Advocate for sustainable development.

Alumni often become leaders in education, government, and entrepreneurship.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Write a compelling motivation letter.
• Tailor your application to development goals.
• Choose strong recommenders.
• Proofread all documents.
• Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

ISDB Scholarship Success Stories

Meet past recipients who:

• Became top researchers and CEOs.
• Started NGOs in their communities.
• Returned home to transform local education systems.
• Built clean energy startups in underserved regions.

Conclusion

The ISDB Scholarship is more than financial aid—it is a development tool to nurture future leaders and problem-solvers. This scholarship is a life-changing opportunity if you’re committed to academic excellence and passionate about contributing to your country’s growth. Apply with intention, plan with purpose, and prepare to lead with integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the ISDB Scholarship?

Citizens of ISDB member countries or Muslims from non-member countries.

Can I apply without a university admission?

Yes, but admission must be obtained before final approval.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and more.

What are the competitive fields?

STEM, Health, Agriculture, Sustainable Development.