I. Background
Muslim communities in many developing countries that are not members of IsDB generally lag behind in education, especially in technical education and professional specialization. This is a handicap and an obstacle that must be overcome if the communities are to improve their socioeconomic conditions, preserve their cultural and religious identities and make meaningful contributions to the development of their countries.
To respond to their development needs, IsDB established the Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities (SPMC) which was launched in 1983 with 53 students from India, Sri Lanka and Kenya.
II. Objective
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.
III. Concept of the Programme
The SPMC is more than just a straight financial assistance to eligible needy students. It is also a tool for improvement of socioeconomic conditions of Muslim communities through the scholars it produces. It is basically a human development programme, since the scholarship is in effect an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) to the students and a grant to the Muslim communities to which they belong (since repayment is not made to IsDB but to a local trust).
Under the programme, the students are required to repay the loan after graduation and employment, in easy instalments, to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a Waqf set up (or to be set up) in the students’ countries. The students are also required to play an active role in community development.
The repaid fund is recycled to provide more scholarships to other eligible students from the same community to complement the direct IsDB scholarships and to sustain the programme in the long run. On the other hand, the community development services rendered by the IsDB graduates will contribute to the socioeconomic development of the community and country.
The Scholarship Programme is also a joint effort between IsDB and the Muslim communities, as IsDB engages a national NGO to serve as the Counterpart Organization (CPO) for the programme implementation.
IsDB and its partners have a vision to develop the human potential of Muslim communities. That is why IsDB has been consistently making commitments to these communities ever since the inception of the programme in 1983. In brief, IsDB wishes to develop the mind as well as the character of the IsDB students and the community itself, which is the ultimate target of IsDB’s investment.
IsDB also expects its students to play a leading role in guiding and assisting the development of their communities, both morally and materially. Therefore, IsDB expects them to be good citizens and competent professionals at the same time.
In summary, all these features are linked together in an integrated whole to constitute the basic concepts that characterize the SPMC as a distinct Community Development Programme (loan to individual students, grant to the community, repaid loan as the funding base for Waqf (IET) to complement as in-country scholarship programme, local implementation by community organizations as Counterpart Organizations and the emphasis on in-country study and post-study community development services).
As a growing number of IsDB-sponsored students are graduating, the need to support the postgraduation community activities (i.e., loan repayment collection and management, local scholarship programme, community services, formation of IsDB Graduate Associations (IGAs), etc.) are becoming more vital. Indeed, the ultimate IsDB objective of socioeconomic development depends on this aspect. Thus, the roles of IETs and IGAs are becoming more crucial, as the programme takes local roots and expands with refunds.
IV. Fields of Study
At present, the programme focuses on medicine, engineering, agriculture and other related fields such as dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, nursing, nutrition study, computer science, forestry and fishery.
V. Place of Study
Consistent with the concept of the programme, scholarships are provided for studies at recognized government universities 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 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 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.
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
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 participate in the development of their communities, through their respective professions;
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;
Repay the loan after gainful employment, in easy instalments, to a local IsDB Education Trust set up in his/her country;
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 IsDB as an Islamic institution.
IX. Roles of Counterpart Organizations (CPOs)
The programme is a joint effort between IsDB and Muslim communities, as IsDB engages a national NGO to be 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 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, IsDB (in cooperation with the CPOs) has established IETs to deal with scholarship loan refunds, to develop local programmes using collected/repaid loans and to assist the graduates and graduate associations in their community development activities/services.
The trustees of an IET are drawn from various Muslim 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 community 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 community-based scholarship and development programme.
XI. IsDB Graduate Associations (IGAs)
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.
List of eligible countries with Muslim Communities
1) Australia
2) Canada
3) Croatia
4) Ethiopia
5) Fiji
6) Germany
7) Ghana
8) India
9) Kenya
10) Madagascar
11) Malawi
12) Myanmar
13) Namibia
14) Nepal
15) Netherlands
16) Russian Federation
17) Rwanda
18) Singapore
19) South Africa
20) Sri Lanka
21) Tanzania
22) Thailand
23) The Philippines
24) Trinidad-Tobago
25) Vietnam
26) Zambia
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 programme covers studies and research at two levels: (i) three-year or 36 months Ph.D. study; and (ii) 6-12 months Post-Doctoral research. The duration of both Ph.D. study and post-doctoral research are in line with international standards and practice.
Fields of studies and subjects are determined by the direct need and the purpose of meeting the countries’ developmental needs related to science and technology. The needs are categorised by the following justifications: (i) lack of expertise; (ii) emerging science; (iii) problem-solving; and (iv) science management.
For general guidance, a broad list of 17 fields of studies is drawn and outlined hereunder. However, as the field of study is chosen from this list, it must gain merit by the relevance and value to the countries’ development needs and fall within one of the above four categories.
- Laser and Fibre Optics
- Conductors/Semiconductors
- Polymer Science
- Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology
- Nuclear Science/Engineering
- Electronics/Micro Electronics/Telecommunication
- Computer Science (including CAD/CAM)
- Renewable Energy/Fuel Technology
- Hydrology/Water Resources
- Metallurgy
- Chemical Engineering/Material Sciences
- Medicine/Pharmaceutical
- Agriculture/Food Technology
- System Engineering
- Space Science/Technology
- Environmental Preservation Technology
- Technology Management and Innovation (For post-doctoral research only).
V. Institutions of Study
Priority is given to Ph.D. applicants with secured admission at universities that have concluded a cooperation agreement with IsDB, such as the University of Cambridge; the University of Oxford; the University of Queen Mary; the University of London in the United Kingdom; a number of reputable universities in Malaysia, Turkey and the Makerere University in Uganda.
Successful candidates for the Ph.D. programme may also secure admission at one of the reputable universities in IsDB member countries listed among the top 1,000 in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) or QS international universities ranking.
Successful candidates for post-doctoral research are invited to undertake their research project at centres of excellence in IsDB member countries that have facilities and equipment to undertake cutting-edge research projects.
VI. Eligibility requirements
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 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
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.
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
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31. Maldives |
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32. Mali |
|
33. Mauritania |
|
34. Morocco |
|
35. Mozambique |
|
36. Niger |
|
37. Nigeria |
|
38. Oman |
|
39. Pakistan |
|
40. Palestine |
|
41. Qatar |
|
42. Saudi Arabia |
|
43. Senegal |
|
44. Sierra Leone |
|
45. Somalia |
|
46. Sudan |
|
47. Suriname |
|
48. Syria |
|
49. Tajikistan |
|
50. Togo |
|
51. Tunisia |
|
52. Turkey |
|
53. Turkmenistan |
|
54. Uganda |
|
55. United Arab Emirates |
|
56. Uzbekistan |
|
57. Yemen |
|
|
|
|
|
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. Please visit the THES website
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 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;
Above 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.
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 programme is more than just a straight financial assistance to eligible needy qualified students. It is also a tool for improvement of socioeconomic conditions of LDMCs through the scholars it produces. It is basically a human development programme, since the scholarship is an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) to the students and a grant to the LDMCs to which they belong (since repayment is not made to IsDB but to a local trust).
Under the programme, the students are required to repay the loan after graduation and employment, in easy instalments, to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a Waqf set up (or to be set up) in the students’ countries. The students are also required to play an active role in community development.
The repaid fund is recycled to provide more scholarships to other eligible students from the same country to complement the direct IsDB-ISFD scholarships and to sustain the programme in the long run. On the other hand, the community development services rendered by the IsDB-ISFD graduates will contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country.
The programme is also a joint effort between IsDB and the offices of IsDB Governors, who are required to engage a national NGOs to serve as the Counterpart Organization (CPOs) for the programme implementation.
IsDB and its partners have a vision to develop the human potential of the LDMCs. That is why IsDB has been consistently making commitments to these countries ever since the inception of the programme in 2019. In brief, IsDB wishes to develop the mind as well as the character of the IsDB students and the country itself, which is the ultimate target of the IsDB-ISFD investment.
IsDB also expects its students to play a leading role in guiding and assisting the development of their countries, both morally and materially. Therefore, IsDB expects them to be good citizens and competent professionals at the same time.
In summary, all these features are linked together in an integrated whole to constitute the basic concepts that characterize the programme as a distinct Country Development Programme (loan to individual students, grant to the country, repaid loan as the funding base for Waqf (IET) to complement as in-country scholarship programme, local implementation by local NGOs as Counterpart Organizations and the emphasis on in-country study and post-study community development services).
As a growing number of IsDB-ISFD-sponsored students are graduating, the need to support the postgraduation community activities (i.e., loan repayment collection and management, local scholarship programme, community services, formation of IsDB Graduate Associations (IGA), etc.) are becoming more vital. Indeed, the ultimate IsDB objective of socioeconomic development depends on this aspect. Thus, the roles of IETs and IGAs are becoming more crucial, as the programme takes local roots and expands with refunds.
IV. Fields of study
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:
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.
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
Beneficiaries awarded the scholarship shall:
1. Sign a surety Bond stating their commitment to their studies, to return to their countries upon completion of their studies and to participate in the development of their countries, through their respective professions;
2. 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;
3. Repay the loan after graduation and gainful employment, in easy instalments, to a local IET to be established by IsDB in their countries
4. 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
5. 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.
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. Bangladesh
3. Benin
4. Burkina Faso
5. Chad
6. Comoros
7. Djibouti
8. Gambia
9. Guinea
10. Guinea Bissau
11. Mali
12. Mauritania
13. Mozambique
14. Niger
15. Senegal
16. Sierra Leone
17. Somalia
18. Sudan
19. Togo
20. Uganda
21. Yemen
