The Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026/2027 Fully Funded Scholarship Programme, offering educational opportunities to students from member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries across the world.

The ISDB scholarship scheme is open to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral candidates, as well as applicants seeking postdoctoral research and vocational education and training (VET), with no application fee required.

According to information released by the Bank, the scholarship is designed to attract highly talented male and female students and support the development of critical skills required to empower communities and advance national and global development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Bank stated that beneficiaries of the programme would be enrolled in leading universities across several countries, including institutions in the United Kingdom, Turkey and other partner nations, depending on the field of study and programme category.

Under the scheme, the ISDB will provide full financial coverage, including tuition fees (subject to approval), a monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the host country, medical care at approved university or government hospitals, and economy-class return air tickets at the beginning and end of the programme.

Other benefits include installation and equipment allowances for students studying abroad, thesis preparation grants, and additional allowances where applicable.

The duration of the scholarship varies by programme, with four years for undergraduate studies, two years for master’s programmes, and three years for PhD research, while the ISDB–Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISDB-ISFD) supports vocational education and bachelor’s studies in 21 least-developed member countries.

The scholarship covers a wide range of academic fields, including Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Natural Resources, Education, Climate Change, Energy, Sustainable Cities, Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking, and Development-related Social Sciences, among others.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be citizens of ISDB member countries or Muslim communities in non-member countries.

Undergraduate applicants must have completed senior secondary education with good grades, while master’s candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree with at least a “Good” grade. PhD applicants are required to hold a relevant master’s degree.

Applicants must also not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship, be medically fit, and be willing to undergo medical examinations upon selection.

The ISDB noted that the deadline for submission of applications is Jan. 31, 2026, and interested candidates are required to apply through the official online application portal of the Bank.

The Islamic Development Bank currently has a membership of 57 countries and continues to support human capital development through education, research and capacity-building initiatives across its member states and beyond.