Project Overview
About the Scholarship
The Islamic Development Bank operates one of the largest multilateral scholarship portfolios in the Muslim world, supporting students from its 57 member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries. The programmes span undergraduate studies in science and technology, master's degrees, the Merit Scholarship for high-technology PhD and postdoctoral research, and dedicated schemes for students from least developed member countries. The 2027-28 round continues this structure with programme-specific calls published on the official IsDB scholarship portal.
Awards generally cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, health insurance and, for research degrees, thesis and scientific paper preparation support. Depending on the programme, scholars may also be eligible for computer and equipment allowances or internship placements linked to development institutions. IsDB scholars commit to returning knowledge to their home countries, and the alumni network now spans academia, government and industry across member states.
Choosing the Right Programme
Each IsDB scholarship stream has its own eligibility rules, degree levels, priority fields and application window, so applicants should identify the programme that matches their level and field before applying. The scholarship portal lists the currently open calls, quota tables and required documents, and all applications are submitted through the bank's online scholarship portal rather than by email. Typical documentation includes academic transcripts, admission evidence or university preferences, proof of citizenship from an eligible country, and a study or research plan aligned with the programme's development priorities.
Highlights
- Merit Scholarships for high-technology PhD and postdoctoral research
- Science and technology undergraduate awards
- Master's degree scholarships for member-country students
- Dedicated programmes for least developed member countries
- Tuition coverage, monthly stipend and health insurance
- Research and thesis support for doctoral scholars
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | Scholarship award |
| Stipend / salary | Tuition + monthly living stipend + health insurance + thesis support |
| Duration | Per the programme's award terms |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Per the chosen IsDB programme's eligibility rules and quota table |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | Rolling - programme-wise announcements for the 2027-28 round |
| Location | Jeddah / member countries, Saudi Arabia |
About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, serving its 57 member countries and Muslim communities worldwide. Its scholarship programmes, including the IsDB Merit Scholarship, the Science and Technology programme and awards for least developed member countries, have supported tens of thousands of students in STEM, medicine and development-related fields. Awards typically cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, health insurance and thesis or research support for the duration of study. Calls for applications are announced programme-wise on the IsDB scholarship portal, and applications are submitted online through the bank's scholarship portal.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: Open - Apply as soon as possible - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: Rolling - programme-wise announcements for the 2027-28 round. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Research Proposal for Europe: Structure and a Worked Example
- Applying for a PhD Without a Master's: Check the Programme Rules
Official Link
https://www.isdb.org/scholarships
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia)?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Open - Apply as soon as possible). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
Is IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia) fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Stipend/salary rate set by the funder — see the official listing.
Who is eligible to apply for IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia)?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Saudi Arabia. Applications are assessed by Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
How do I apply for IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia)?
Applications for IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia) are submitted directly to Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia)?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Saudi Arabia are published by the provider.
What study level does IsDB Scholarship Programmes 2027-28 (Merit, Science & Technology, Master, PhD) (Saudi Arabia) offer?
This listing is offered at Master's / PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, serving its 57 member countries and Muslim communities worldwide. Its scholarship programmes, including the IsDB Merit Scholarship, the Science and Technology programme and awards for least developed member countries, have supported tens of thousands of students in STEM, medicine and development-related fields. Awards typically cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, health insurance and thesis or research support for the duration of study. Calls for applications are announced programme-wise on the IsDB scholarship portal, and applications are submitted online through the bank's scholarship portal.
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