Call for Applications: IsDB Scholarship Programs

Deadline: 15-May-23

Then Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is now accepting applications for the Scholarship Programme (2023-24).

In IsDB’s Realigned Strategy 2023 – 2025, the Bank dedicated an entire pillar to the support of comprehensive and inclusive human capital development.  Through this pillar, IsDB aims to help MCs and Muslim communities in non-MCs to address these challenges with capacity-development initiatives, including scholarship programmes. It is also an important component of IsDB’s efforts to promote economic development and shared prosperity through the global development of human capital by investing in education.

Through this pillar, IsDB aims to help MCs and Muslim communities in non-MCs to address these challenges with capacity-development initiatives, including scholarship programmes. It is also an important component of IsDB’s efforts to promote economic development and shared prosperity through the global development of human capital by investing in education.

Mindful of the importance of qualified human resources for social advancement and sustainable development, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has been very keen from the outset of its establishment to focus on human capital development alongside its mainstream development financing activities.

Currently, there are four programmes offered by IsDB:

• IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
  • The SPMC was launched in 1983 to enable academically meritorious and financially impoverished young Muslim students from Muslim communities in non-MCs to undertake undergraduate studies in medicine, engineering, computer sciences, information technology, agriculture, and other related fields in their own countries or the IsDB MCs.
• IsDB Master of Science  Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.)
  • The M.Sc. Scholarship Programme was launched in 1998 to assist 20 IsDB LDMCs in the development of their human capital, especially in science and technology, which are both relevant and necessary for their development.
• IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP)
  • The implementation of the Merit Scholarship Programme commenced in 1992. The programme is dedicated to advanced studies and/or research (3-year Ph.D. and 6-12-month post-Doctorate) in 16 applied science and high technology areas deemed necessary for the development of the MCs.
• IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme
  • The IsDB-ISFD Programme was launched in 2019 by IsDB and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), with the specific aim of reducing poverty in 21 Least Developed IsDB Member Countries (LDMCs). The programme provides educational opportunities for academically meritorious and financially impoverished young men and women from 21 LDMCs to pursue bachelor studies in medicine, engineering, agriculture and other related fields or a technical diploma at a public institute in their home countries or in other IsDB member countries

Objectives

• IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
  • The objective of the SPMC is to provide opportunities for academically meritorious and financially needy young Muslim students to pursue undergraduate or first-degree studies and to train them as professionals with dedication and commitment to develop their communities and countries.
• Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries
  • The objective of the MSP is to develop technically qualified human resources in IsDB MCs by providing scholarships to promising and outstanding scholars and researchers to undertake advanced studies and research in the fields of applied science and technology needed for the development of the member countries. The main objectives are:
    • To develop technically qualified human resources in the MCs;
    • To enhance the scientific, technological and research capability and potential of scholars and researchers in MCs;
    • To help meet national needs for science and technology; and
    • To strengthen the scientific, technological and research capability of institutions in MCs.
• Master of Science Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries
  • The objective of the M.Sc. is to assist the LDMCs in the development of the human resources in science and technology that are both relevant and necessary for their socioeconomic development and specifically:
    • To increase the number of intermediate-level technological manpower in the 20 LDMCs, which is necessary for effective technology development, transfer and maintenance;
    • To increase access to the educational opportunities available under IsDB initiatives in human capital development for MCs by creating a special programme suited to their circumstances and needs;
    • To enhance the ability of LDMCs students to participate in the IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme for High technology.
• IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs)
  • The objective of the programme is to provide educational opportunities for financially impoverished but academically successful young men and women from LDMCs to pursue a bachelor’s degree and/or technical diploma (TVET) in scientific and social disciplines. The aim is to improve their socioeconomic conditions and enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the development of their countries.

Benefits and Facilities

• IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
  • The programme covers the following items:
    • Tuition fees, payable to the universities directly
    • Monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study
    • Books/clothing allowance, the equivalent of three months monthly stipends, once a year
    • Cost of medical treatment (either at the university or local state hospital)
    • For students who are selected to study abroad, IsDB also provides return economy class tickets to and from the countries of study (once at the beginning and at the end of study) as well as an installation allowance.
• Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries
  • For the successful candidates, the scholarship covers the following items:
    • Cost of tuition fees as charged by the universities and payable to the universities directly
    • Monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study, on a single-status basis
    • Medical insurance under the university health scheme
    • Thesis/scientific papers preparation
    • Conference allowance for Ph.D. scholars
    • A return air ticket and installation allowance for scholars studying overseas.
• Master of Science Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries
  • The programme covers the following items:
    • Tuition fees, payable to the universities directly;
    • Monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study;
    • Cost of medical treatment (either at the university or local state hospital);
    • Thesis preparation allowance;
    • Return air ticket (once at the beginning and at the end of study) and installation allowance for students studying abroad.
• IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs)
  • The programme covers the following benefits:
    • Tuition fees, payable to the universities directly;
    • Monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study;
    • Books/clothing allowance, the equivalent of three months monthly stipends, once a year;
    • Cost of medical treatment (either at the university or local state hospital);
    • For students who are selected to study abroad, IsDB also provides return economy class tickets to and from the countries of study (once at the beginning and at the end of study) as well as an installation allowance.

Guidance & Counselling Activities

• IsDB graduates are the key to deliver the impact of socioeconomic development programmes in their countries. Therefore, IsDB felt the need to motivate students to fulfil the IsDB dream of not only producing successful graduates but also developing them as good citizens and competent professionals capable of achieving IsDB’s corporate objectives regarding the development of their communities and countries.
• As a result, IsDB initiated a support programme called “Guidance and Counselling Activities” for students involving the appointment of honorary counsellors to support and guide students, organize annual seminars for group learning to support the students’ personal development, which includes mentorship and learning meetings, educational development seminars and tutoring during vacation.

Eligibility Criteria

• IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC)
  • The programme is intended to be for academically meritorious but financially needy Muslim students with a strong desire to engage in social services and community development. They must also be able to meet the following eligibility criteria:
    • In need of financial assistance without which study may have to stop
    • Maximum age of 24 years
    • Not an IsDB staff member or Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment (including temporary and consultant) of the IsDB Group nor a close relative by blood or adoption, with the term “close relative” defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew;
    • Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with good grades in major science subjects
    • Provided evidence of language proficiency in the university medium of instruction as relevant. The language proficiency must be supported by a document or certificate, e.g., for English, by a recognized language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS or by having passed the required level test conducted such as by the British Council or equivalent system in French or other languages.
    • Provided certified English or French translation of all documents in case they are initially in other languages
    • Be medically fit and willing to undergo medical examination after selection
    • Having secured admission in one of the disciplines covered under the programme at a recognized college or university in their own country is desirable;
    • Not living in a country other than his/her home country.
    • Not a beneficiary of any other scholarship at the time of application and during studies.
• Note:
  • The IsDB scholarship may only supplement, and shall not duplicate, any other source of financial support the applicant might have. If the applicant is awarded a scholarship, he/she must inform IsDB at that time if he/she has other sources of scholarship funding.
  • Sending the application or getting admission by the academic institution does not mean that the applicant has been accepted for a scholarship. Accordingly, the applicant should not take any action concerning his/her current employment or otherwise until notified by IsDB of having been awarded a scholarship.
• Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries
  • The programme is only for scholars from MCs who are attached to educational, scientific and technological institutions and research centres in their home countries and are actively working in the scientific and technological development of their countries.
  • The programme does not award scholarships to sole individuals, but to individuals at the institutional level. The institutions are partners in the programme.  Promising and talented individuals are sponsored and nominated by their institutions and accepted as appropriate by the offices of IsDB Governors in terms of the developmental and scientific needs of their countries.
  • To be eligible, applicants for the MSP must meet set criteria, including:
    • Be up to the age of: (a) 35 years for Ph.D. study; or (b) 40 years for post-doctoral research;
    • Have an M.Sc. (for Ph.D. study) or Ph.D. (for post-doctoral research) in a field of science/technology listed under the programme;
    • Have average (“Very Good”) academic achievement;
    • Have good command of the language of the institution of study and the ability to conduct scientific work in it;
    • Have work and/or research experience of not less than two (2) years for Ph.D. study or five (5) years for post-doctoral research in the related field;
    • Have a record of publications/research in the same field;
    • Have a proposed field of study and/or research in one of the fields listed under the approved fields of study with scientific and development relevance to the country being clearly demonstrated in a research proposal endorsed by the nominating institution;
    • Applicants for post-doctoral research who have had a post-doctoral experience outside their countries within the past two years are not eligible;
    • Not be an IsDB staff member or Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment (including temporary and consultant) of the IsDB Group nor a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption, with the term “close relative” defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
• Notes:
  • The scholarship may only supplement, and shall not duplicate, any other source of financial support the applicant might have. If the applicant is awarded a scholarship, he/she must inform IsDB at that time if he/she has other sources of funding
  • Sending the application or getting admission by the academic institution does not mean that the applicant has been accepted for a scholarship. Accordingly, the applicant should not take any action concerning his/her current employment or otherwise until notified by IsDB of having been awarded a scholarship.
• Master of Science Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries
  • M.Sc. applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
    • Citizen of any of the 20 LDMCs;
    • Age not over 30 years e at the closing date of applications;
    • In possession of a B.Sc., or equivalent degree, in science and technology;
    • average in academic standing/grade;
    • Nominated by scientific/academic/research institutions of their countries;              Have good command of the language of the institution of study and the ability to conduct scientific work in it;
    • Provisional or full admission from universities or institutions listed under the M.Sc. is desirable and strongly encouraged;
    • Not an IsDB staff member or Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment (including temporary and consultant) of the IsDB Group nor a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption, with the term “close relative” being defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
• Notes:
  • The scholarship may only supplement, and shall not duplicate, any other source of financial support the applicant might have. If the applicant is awarded a scholarship, he/she must inform IsDB at that time if he/she has other sources of funding
  • Sending the application or getting admission by the academic institution does not mean that the applicant has been accepted for a scholarship. Accordingly, the applicant should not take any action concerning his/he current employment or otherwise until notified by IsDB of having been awarded a scholarship.
• IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs)
  • The programme is intended to be for academically meritorious but financially needy students from LDMCs with a strong desire to engage in social services and community development of the country.
  • The prospective candidates must also meet the following eligibility criteria:
    • Maximum age of 24 years at the closing date of applications;
    • In need of financial assistance without which study may have to stop;
    • Not an IsDB staff member or Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment (including temporary and consultant) of the IsDB Group nor a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption, with the term “close relative” being defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew;
    • Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with good grades in major science subjects;
    • Must choose a field of study listed among the approved disciplines of the programme;
    • Provided evidence of language proficiency in the university medium of instruction as relevant. The language proficiency must be supported by a document or certificate, e.g., for English, by a recognized language certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS or by having passed the required level test conducted such as by British Council or equivalent system in French or other languages;
    • Provided certified English or French translation of all documents in case they are initially in other languages;
    • Be medically fit and willing to undergo medical examination after selection;
    • Having prior admission in one of the disciplines covered under the programme at a recognized college or university in their own country is desirable;
    • Not living in a country other than his/her home country;
    • Endorsed by the local NGO partner through the IsDB selection procedures;
    • Committed to returning to his/her home country on completion of the study under the programme to contribute to its development;
    • Not a beneficiary of any other scholarship at the time of application and during studies.
• Note:
  • The IsDB-ISFD scholarship may only supplement, and shall not duplicate, any other source of financial support the applicant might have. If the applicant is awarded a scholarship, he/she must inform IsDB at that time if he/she has other sources of scholarship funding.
  • Sending the application or getting admission by the academic institution does not mean that the applicant has been accepted for a scholarship. Accordingly, the applicant should not take any action concerning his/her current engagement or otherwise until notified by IsDB of having been awarded a scholarship.

For more information, visit IsDB Scholarship Programs.