Apply For 2023 ISDB Scholarship For Muslim Communities

ISDB Scholarship for Muslim Communities

I. Background

In many developing countries where Muslim communities reside, there is often a lack of access to education, particularly in technical and professional fields. This educational deficit presents a challenge for these communities as they strive to better their socio-economic standing, maintain their cultural and religious heritage, and play a meaningful role in the growth of their respective countries.

To tackle this issue, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) created the Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities (SPMC) in 1983. The program’s inaugural year saw 53 students from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya receive scholarships.

II. Objective

The purpose of the Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities (SPMC) is to offer academically talented and financially disadvantaged young Muslim students the chance to obtain a first-degree education and to groom them into professionals who are dedicated and committed to improving their communities and contributing to their countries’ development.

III.  Concept of the Programme

The Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities (SPMC) is much more than just a financial aid for eligible, needy students. It is a tool for the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of Muslim communities through the scholars it produces. It is, in essence, a human development program. The scholarship serves as an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) to the students and a grant to their respective Muslim communities, since repayment is not made to the IsDB but to a local trust.

Under the program, students are required to repay the loan after graduation and employment in easy installments to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a Waqf set up in their home countries. Additionally, the students are expected to actively participate in community development. The repaid funds are then recycled to provide scholarships to other eligible students from the same community, thereby complementing direct IsDB scholarships and sustaining the program in the long term. The community development services rendered by IsDB graduates will also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the community and country.

The SPMC is a joint effort between the IsDB and the Muslim communities, with a national NGO serving as the Counterpart Organization for program implementation. The ultimate goal of the IsDB is to develop both the mind and character of the students and their communities through this investment.

IsDB also expects its students to play a leading role in the development of their communities, both morally and materially. Therefore, they are expected to be good citizens and competent professionals.

In conclusion, all these aspects are interlinked to form the fundamental concepts that define the SPMC as a unique Community Development Program. As more and more IsDB-sponsored students graduate, supporting post-graduation community activities, such as loan repayment collection and management, local scholarship programs, community services, and the formation of IsDB Graduate Associations (IGAs), becomes increasingly crucial for the IsDB’s ultimate objective of socio-economic development. Thus, the roles of IETs and IGAs become even more important as the program takes root and expands through loan repayments.

IV. Fields of Study

Currently, the program emphasizes studies in medicine, engineering, agriculture and related disciplines such as dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, nursing, nutrition, computer science, forestry, and fishery.

V. Place of Study

In line with the philosophy of the program, scholarships are awarded for study at reputable government universities within the students’ own countries. In the event that students are unable to gain admission in their home countries, IsDB may help them secure a place at universities in member countries that have established agreements with IsDB, such as Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkey..

Other public universities in IsDB member countries may also be considered if their academic standard and ranking can be substantiated as being high in the fields of study proposed by the candidates.

VI. Eligibility Requirements

The SPMC scholarship is intended for academically talented Muslim students who are financially needy and passionate about community development and social services. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Require financial support in order to continue their studies
• Must be 24 years of age or younger
• Cannot be an IsDB employee or relative of an employee
• Must have completed senior secondary education with good grades in science subjects
• Must demonstrate language proficiency in the language of instruction at the university
• Must provide certified English or French translations for all non-English/French documents
• Must be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical exam
• Preferably already admitted to a recognized university in their home country for a program covered under the scholarship
• Must be residing in their home country
• Cannot be receiving another scholarship at the time of application or during their studies.

Note: 

The IsDB scholarship is meant to supplement, not duplicate, any existing financial support the applicant may have received. If the applicant is selected for the scholarship, they must promptly notify IsDB of any additional scholarships they may have received.

Please note that submitting an application or being accepted into an academic institution does not guarantee the awarding of an IsDB scholarship. The applicant should avoid making any changes to their current employment or other commitments until they have received official notification from IsDB regarding the scholarship award.

VII.  Benefits and Facilities

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.

Notes:

The scholarship does not cover the following:

• Visa application(s) costs
• Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members
• Extracurricular courses or training
• Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree
• Language training not provided by the study programme
• Additional travel during the study programme;
• Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, exchange programmes, conferences or internships
• Educational equipment, such as computers
• Residence permit fee.

VIII. Obligations of the Beneficiaries

The scholarship recipients are required to:

• Sign a bond affirming their commitment to complete their studies, return to their home country, and contribute to community development through their profession.
• Focus exclusively on their studies, provide IsDB with regular reports on their academic progress and activities.
• Repay the loan through affordable installments to the local IsDB Education Trust in their home country after they have secured gainful employment.
• Avoid accepting any other scholarships or paid work that may interfere with their studies or obligations, unless approved in writing by IsDB.
• Adhere to the laws of the host country and maintain good personal and professional conduct in accordance with the rules, objectives, and mission of IsDB as an Islamic institution.

IX.  Roles of Counterpart Organizations (CPOs)

The IsDB scholarship program is a collaboration between IsDB and Muslim communities, with IsDB working with a national non-government organization (NGO) to serve as the Counterpart Organization (CPO) for program implementation. The CPO in each country is responsible for supporting the program by promoting the call for applications, verifying applicants’ information and documents, and assisting with the pre-selection process, which includes interviewing applicants to assess their commitment and financial need and validate their educational certificates, university admission, and other relevant documents.

Additionally, the CPO is tasked with setting up a local IsDB Education Trust (IET) with guidance from IsDB, to manage loan repayment and launch a post-study program that supports community service and development.

X.  IsDB Education Trusts

To sustain the longevity of the program, IsDB has partnered with CPOs to establish IETs to manage scholarship loan repayment, create local programs utilizing collected funds, and provide support to graduates and graduate associations in their efforts to advance community services and development. The trustees of the IET come from diverse Muslim organizations and individuals, and its core members include active members of the CPOs. This aligns with the program’s community-focused nature, as the IET is intended to eventually serve as the final CPO for program implementation and management.

As a growing number of IsDB-sponsored students are graduating, the need to support the postgraduate community activities (i.e., loan repayment collection and management, local scholarship programme, community services and formation of IsDB Graduate Associations (IGAs)) are becoming more vital.  Indeed, the ultimate IsDB objective of socioeconomic development depends on this aspect.

Thus, the roles of IsDB Education Trusts (IET) and IsDB Graduate Associations (IGA) are becoming more crucial as the programme takes local roots and expands with refunds.

2) Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP) for IsDB Member Countries

I. Background

The Merit Scholarship Programme (MSP) was introduced in 1992. It offers scholarships for higher study at renowned high-tech universities and institutions around the world.

II. Objective

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.

III. Concept of the Programme

The concept is to meet the needs of the MCs in science and high technology areas that are crucial to their development by enhancing the scientific, technological and research potential of their scholars/researchers and institutions. The scholars are expected to return to their countries/institutions to apply new know-how for the development of their countries.

IV.  Fields of Study

The scholarship program offered by IsDB provides coverage for studies and research in two categories: (1) three-year Ph.D. studies lasting 36 months, and (2) post-doctoral research lasting 6-12 months. These durations align with international standards and practices.

The fields of study and subjects are chosen based on the immediate needs and objectives for meeting the developmental goals of countries in the fields of science and technology. These needs are classified into four categories: (1) shortage of expertise, (2) advancing science, (3) problem-solving, and (4) science management.

A comprehensive list of 17 fields of study has been created for guidance, but the final field of study must be selected based on its relevance and value to the countries’ developmental needs, and it must fall under one of the aforementioned categories. The fields of study are:

1. Laser and Fibre Optics
2. Conductors/Semiconductors
3. Polymer Science
4. Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology
5. Nuclear Science/Engineering
6. Electronics/Micro Electronics/Telecommunication
7. Computer Science (including CAD/CAM)
8. Renewable Energy/Fuel Technology
9. Hydrology/Water Resources
10. Metallurgy
11. Chemical Engineering/Material Sciences
12. Medicine/Pharmaceuticals
13. Agriculture/Food Technology
14. System Engineering
15. Space Science/Technology
16. Environmental Preservation Technology
17. Technology Management and Innovation (applicable only for post-doctoral research).

V.  Institutions of Study

The IsDB scholarship prioritizes Ph.D. applicants who have secured admission at universities that have a cooperation agreement with IsDB, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Queen Mary, and University of London in the UK, as well as top universities in Malaysia, Turkey, and Makerere University in Uganda.

Candidates for the Ph.D. program can also secure admission at universities in IsDB member countries that are ranked within the top 1,000 by the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) or QS international universities ranking.

Post-doctoral research candidates are encouraged to conduct their research at centers of excellence in IsDB member countries that have the necessary facilities and equipment to carry out advanced research projects.

VI. Eligibility requirements

The scholarship program is exclusive to scholars from Muslim communities who are affiliated with educational, scientific, and technological organizations and research centers in their home countries and actively contribute to the scientific and technological advancement of their nations.

The program does not provide scholarships to individuals, but rather to institutions. The institutions serve as partners in the program by sponsoring and nominating promising and talented individuals, who are then considered and approved by the IsDB Governors’ offices based on the developmental and scientific needs of their respective 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 above 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.

VII. Benefits and Facilities

1. Payment of tuition fees directly to the universities, as per the fees charged by the universities.
2. A monthly allowance that is equivalent to the cost of living in the country of study, for a single person.
3. Health insurance through the university’s health plan.
4. Support for the preparation of a thesis or scientific paper.
5. An allowance for Ph.D. students to attend conferences.
6. A round-trip airfare and a settling-in allowance for students who are studying abroad.

The scholarship does not cover the following:

Visa application(s) costs;

Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members;

Extracurricular courses or training;

Language training not provided by the study programme;

Additional travel during your study programme;

Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, exchange programmes, conferences or internships;

Educational equipment, such as computers;

Residence permit fee.

VIII. Obligations of the Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries awarded the scholarship shall:

Sign a surety bond stating their commitment to their studies, to return to their countries upon completion of their studies and to continue work and services to science, technology and development of their countries thereafter for at least twice the period of their studies under the IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme;

Devote themselves to their studies on a full-time basis without interruption and provide IsDB with reports on their academic studies and activities on a regular basis;

Not to seek or accept any other scholarship or remunerated work during their studies under the programme that may interfere with their studies or make the fulfilment of their other obligations difficult, unless otherwise approved in writing by IsDB;

Respect the laws of the country of study and maintain good personal and professional conduct consistent with the rules, regulations and objectives of the programme and the overall mission of the IsDB as an Islamic institution.

IX.  Roles of Nominating Institutions

As a partner in the joint effort with IsDB, the institutions nominating candidates for the programme are expected to:

• Duly nominate their candidates, assist them in all aspects of documentation preparation and secure the necessary endorsements from local authorities;
• Assist selected candidates to prepare for departure, place them on study leave and support them in their research;
• Help return scholars resettle and support them in their research and equipment needs.

X.  Roles of offices of IsDB Governors

As the channel of announcement, the offices of IsDB Governors are expected to:

• Announce the programme, as widely as possible, among the scientific and research communities in the country;
• Disseminate information to relevant scientific and research institutions and interested scholars in the country;
• Endorse the shortlisted applications in the proposed fields of study that are most needed for the development of the country.

XI.   List of Member Countries

Afghanistan	31. Maldives
Albania	32. Mali
Algeria	33. Mauritania
Azerbaijan	34. Morocco
Bahrain	35. Mozambique
Bangladesh	36. Niger
Benin	37. Nigeria
Brunei Darussalam	38. Oman
Burkina Faso	39. Pakistan
Cameroon	40. Palestine
Chad	41. Qatar
Comoros	42. Saudi Arabia
Cote d’Ivoire	43. Senegal
Djibouti	44. Sierra Leone
Egypt	45. Somalia
Gabon	46. Sudan
Gambia	47. Suriname
Guinea	48. Syria
Guinea Bissau	49. Tajikistan
Guyana	50. Togo
Indonesia	51. Tunisia
Iran	52. Turkey
Iraq	53. Turkmenistan
Jordan	54. Uganda
Kazakhstan	55. United Arab Emirates
Kuwait	56. Uzbekistan
Kyrghyz	57. Yemen
Lebanon
Libya
Malaysia

3) Master of Science Scholarship Programme (M.Sc.) for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries

I. Background

IsDB launched the M.Sc. Scholarship Programme in Science and Technology, or M.Sc. for short, for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) in 1419H (1998).  

II. Objective   

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.

III. Field of Study

The scholarship is tenable for two years leading to an M.Sc. degree. The M.Sc. study may be through coursework, research or a combination of both. Whichever the mode, it must be completed within the specified two-year time frame maximum. Under the M.Sc. programme, eligible students may apply only for studies in science, engineering, technology or medicine/medical sciences.

IV. Institutions of Study

The successful candidate for the programme must secure admission at one of the IsDB member countries’ universities listed in the top 1000 in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) ranking.

Priority shall be given to applicants with secured admission at universities in member countries that have concluded a cooperation agreement with IsDB, such as Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkey, as well the university of Makerere in Uganda.

V. Eligibility requirements

M.Sc. applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Citizen of any of the 20 Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs);

Not exceeding 30 years of age at the closing date of application;

Holding a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in science and technology;

Having above-average academic standing/grades;

Nominated by scientific, academic, or research institutions within their country;

Proficient in the language of the institution of study and capable of conducting scientific work in it;

Having provisional or full admission to universities or institutions listed under the Master of Science program is desirable and highly encouraged;

Not a staff member, Executive Director, alternate, or any type of appointed staff (including temporary and consultant) of the IsDB Group, nor a close relative (defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) of the aforementioned, by blood or adoption.

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.

VI.  Benefits and Facilities

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.

The scholarship does not cover the following:

Visa application(s) costs;

Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members;

Extracurricular courses or training;

Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree;

Language training not provided by the study programme;

Additional travel during the study programme;

Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, exchange programmes, conferences or internships.

Educational equipment, such as computers;

Residence permit fee.

VII. Obligations

Beneficiaries awarded the M.Sc. scholarships are expected to:

• Sign a surety bond stating their commitment to their studies, to their return to their countries upon completion of their studies and to continue work and services to science, technology and development of their countries for at least twice the duration of scholarships;                                                             
• Devote themselves to their studies on a full-time basis and without interruption and provide IsDB with reports on their academic studies and activities on a regular basis;
• Not to seek or accept any other scholarship or remunerated work during their studies under the Programme that may interfere with their studies or make fulfilment of their other obligations difficult, unless otherwise approved in writing by IsDB;
• Respect the laws of the country of study and maintain good personal and professional conduct consistent with the rules, regulations and objectives of the programme and the overall mission of IsDB as an Islamic institution.

VIII.  Roles of Offices of IsDB Governors

As the channel of announcement, the offices of IsDB Governors are expected to:

• Announce the programme, as widely as possible, among the scientific and research communities in the country;
• Disseminate information to relevant scientific and research institutions and interested scholars in the country;
• Endorse the shortlisted applications in the proposed fields of study that are most needed for the development of the country.

IX.  Roles of Nominating Institutions

As a partner in the joint effort with IsDB, the institutions nominating candidates for the programme are expected to:

• Duly nominate their candidates, assist them in all aspects of documentation preparation and secure the necessary endorsement from local authorities;
• Assist selected candidates to prepare for departure, place them on study leave and support them in their research;
• Help return scholars resettle and support them in their research and equipment needs.

X.  List of 20 eligible LDMCs

1.            Afghanistan

2.            Benin   

3.            Burkina Faso

4.            Chad     

5.            Comoros

6.            Djibouti

7.            Gambia

8.            Guinea

9.            Guinea-Bissau  

10.          Mali      

11.          Maldives

12.          Mauritania

13.          Mozambique

14.          Niger

15.          Palestine

16.          Sierra Leone

17.          Somalia

18.          Togo

19.          Uganda

20.          Yemen

4) IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme for IsDB Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs)

 I. Background

The IsDB-ISFD Scholarship Programme for Bachelor and Technical Diploma for Least developed Member Countries (LDMCs) was launched in 2019 and funded by the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD).

II. Objective

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.

III.  Concept of the Programme

The IsDB-ISFD scholarship programme is not just a financial support for eligible and qualified students, but a tool for the betterment of the socioeconomic conditions of Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) through the scholars it nurtures. The scholarship is essentially a human development initiative, as it is a combination of an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) to the students and a grant to the LDMCs to which they belong.

Upon graduation and employment, the students are required to repay the loan in easy installments to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a local trust set up in their countries. They are also expected to play an active role in their community’s development. The repaid funds are used to provide scholarships to other eligible students from the same country and to maintain the sustainability of the programme.

The IsDB-ISFD programme is a collaboration between IsDB and the offices of IsDB Governors, who work with national NGOs as Counterpart Organizations (CPOs) for the programme’s implementation. The vision of IsDB and its partners is to foster human potential in the LDMCs, and the programme is designed to produce well-rounded individuals who will play a leading role in guiding and contributing to the development of their countries.

The IsDB-ISFD scholarship programme is a distinct Country Development Programme, encompassing aspects such as the loan to individual students, grant to the country, repaid loan as the funding base for the local scholarship programme, and the emphasis on in-country study and post-study community development services.

As more IsDB-ISFD scholars graduate, the need for supporting post-graduation activities such as loan repayment, community services, and the formation of IsDB Graduate Associations (IGAs) becomes increasingly vital for the ultimate goal of socioeconomic development. The roles of IETs and IGAs are becoming crucial in the growth and expansion of the programme.

The programme for bachelor’s degrees focuses on medicine, engineering, agriculture` and other related fields such as dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, nursing, nutrition study, computer science, forestry and fishery.   Candidates interested to study technical diploma courses may apply only for the following fields of study:

• Mechanical Manufacturing Methods;
• Mechatronics;
• Air Conditioning;
• Arts and Crafts;
• Automation and Industrial Instrumentation;
• Automotive Maintenance and Repair;
• Biomedical Equipment Maintenance;
• Buildings and Public Works;
• Business and IT;
• Business Management;
• Civil Engineering Technician;
• Clothing Industries Production;
• Design and Innovation in the Apparel Industry;
• Design and Manufacture of Moulds and Tools;
• Design Techniques for the Electronic Industry;
• Development of Smart and Informative Industrial Systems;
• Diagnostics and Embedded Electronics;
• Digital Infrastructure Development;
• Early Childhood Educator;
• Electricity and Electronics;
• Electromechanics of Automated Systems;
• Food Industry;
• Furniture Study and Design;
• General Mechanics;
• Hygiene and Quality;
• Industrial Maintenance;
• Infrastructure and Networks;
• International Trade;
• Leather and Footwear;
• Logistics Operations; 
• Maintenance of Equipment for the Plastics Industry;
• Marketing and Multimedia;
• Mechanism and Industrial Media;
• Mechatronics Maintenance;
• Media and Communication; 
• Metal Construction;
• Miscellaneous Services and Industries;
• Office Design;
• Plastic Industry;
• Production Technologies for the Electronic Industry;
• Quality Control in the Food Industry;
• Quality in the Garment Industry;
• Topographical Survey;
• Technician in Commerce;
• Textiles and Clothing;
• Tourism and Hospitality;
• Transport Operations;
• Vehicle transport and Maintenance.

V. Place of Study

Consistent with the concept of the programme, scholarships are provided for studies at recognized government universities/technical institutes in the students’ own countries. However, for students who are unable to secure admission in their own countries, IsDB may facilitate their placement at universities in member countries that have concluded agreements with IsDB (Malaysia, Morocco, and Turkey).

Other institutions of study in IsDB member countries may also be considered if their academic credibility and reputation can be substantiated as being high in the fields of study proposed by the candidates.

VI. Eligibility requirements

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:

Eligibility criteria for the programme include:

1. Age of 24 or younger as of the application deadline
2. Demonstrated financial need that would otherwise impede their studies
3. Not an employee or close relative of an employee of the IsDB Group
4. Completion of senior secondary education with good grades in major science subjects
5. Choosing a field of study from the approved disciplines of the programme
6. Adequate language proficiency in the language of instruction at the university, supported by a recognized certificate or test result
7. Translation of all documents into English or French if originally in another language
8. Good physical health, with a willingness to undergo a medical exam after selection
9. Admittance to a recognized college or university in their home country for one of the approved disciplines
10. Residency in their home country and not living abroad
11. Endorsement by the local NGO partner through IsDB selection procedures
12. Commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies and contributing to its development
13. Not currently receiving any other scholarship.

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.

VII.  Benefits and Facilities

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.

The scholarship does not cover the following:

• Visa application(s) costs;
• Expenses to bring and/or support a student’s family members;
• Extracurricular courses or training;
• Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree;
• Language training not provided by the study programme;
• Additional travel during the study programme;
• Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, exchange programmes, conferences or internships.
• Educational equipment, such as computers
• Residence permit fee.

VIII. Obligations of the Beneficiaries

1. Agree to a Surety Bond, affirming their dedication to their education, their willingness to return to their home country after completing their studies, and their commitment to contributing to their country’s development through their profession.
2. Devote themselves fully and continuously to their studies, providing IsDB with regular updates on their academic progress and activities.
3. Repay the interest-free loan, in manageable installments, to a local IsDB Education Trust (IET) set up in their country after graduation and securing employment.
4. Refrain from accepting any other scholarships or paid work during their studies under the program, unless explicitly approved in writing by IsDB, and not interfere with their studies or obligation to the program.
5. Adhere to the laws of the host country, maintain good personal and professional conduct that aligns with the rules, objectives, and mission of the program and IsDB as an Islamic institution.

IX. Counterpart Organizations (CPOs)

The programme is a joint effort between IsDB and the LDMCs. As such, they must select a national NGO to serve as the Counterpart Organization (CPO) for the programme implementation. The CPO in each country is requested to support the implementation of the programme in terms of announcing the call for applications, verifying applicants’ information and documents and supporting the preselection process (which includes interviewing applicants to assess their commitment and financial need and validate their school certificates/ transcripts, university admission and other relevant documents).

The CPO is also required to set-up a local IET with guidance from IsDB and the office of the IsDB Governor to facilitate the loan refund and to launch and manage the post-study programme to support community services and development.

X.  IsDB Education Trusts

To ensure the continuity of the programme in the long run, the IsDB (in cooperation with offices of IsDB Governors and the CPOs) will establish an IsDB Education Trust (IET) in each LDMC to deal with scholarship loan refunds and develop local Programme using collected/repaid loans.

The trustees of the IET are drawn from reputable organizations and personalities and its core members consist of some of the active members of the CPOs. As such, it is expected that the IET will function in the country as the final CPO for the implementation of the programme in the long run. This is consistent with the concept of the programme as a development programme for the country.

 XI      List of eligible LDMCs

1. Afghanistan     
2. Mauritania
3. Bangladesh      
4. Mozambique
5. Benin  
6. Niger
7. Burkina Faso
8. Palestine
9. Chad   
10. Sierra Leone
11. Comoros         
12. Somalia
13. Djibouti Sudan
14. Gambia
15. Togo
16. Guinea
17. Uganda
18. Guinea-Bissau 
19. Yemen
20. Mali

For further information, please write to scholar@isdb.org.