Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral)

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of IsDB member countries (57, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey) aged up to 35 for a PhD or up to 40 for post-doctoral research. Needs an M.Sc. (PhD) or a PhD (post-doc) in one of 17 listed high-technology fields, a "Very Good" academic record, a publication record, 2 years (PhD) or 5 years (post-doc) of related experience and a good command of the host institution's language. You cannot apply alone: you must be nominated by an institution in your home country. Post-doc applicants who worked abroad in the past two years are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme (MSP) funds PhD studies (36 months) and post-doctoral research (6 to 12 months) in applied sciences and high technology for citizens of IsDB member countries. Candidates must be nominated by an institution in their country.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of IsDB member countries (57, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey) aged up to 35 for a PhD or up to 40 for post-doctoral research. Needs an M.Sc. (PhD) or a PhD (post-doc) in one of 17 listed high-technology fields, a "Very Good" academic record, a publication record, 2 years (PhD) or 5 years (post-doc) of related experience and a good command of the host institution's language. You cannot apply alone: you must be nominated by an institution in your home country. Post-doc applicants who worked abroad in the past two years are not eligible.
2. Note the deadline. Check the IsDB scholarship portal (the programme page states no deadline; applications go through isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com via a nominating institution; questions to [email protected]) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Nomination or endorsement letter (where the scheme requires it); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral)?

Citizens of IsDB member countries (57, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey) aged up to 35 for a PhD or up to 40 for post-doctoral research. Needs an M.Sc. (PhD) or a PhD (post-doc) in one of 17 listed high-technology fields, a "Very Good" academic record, a publication record, 2 years (PhD) or 5 years (post-doc) of related experience and a good command of the host institution's language. You cannot apply alone: you must be nominated by an institution in your home country. Post-doc applicants who worked abroad in the past two years are not eligible.

What does Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral) cover?

Tuition paid to the university, a monthly stipend tied to the cost of living in the country of study, medical insurance, thesis and paper support, a conference allowance (PhD), and a return air ticket plus an installation allowance for scholars studying abroad. Visa fees, family expenses and research expenses are not covered.

When is the deadline for Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral)?

Check the IsDB scholarship portal (the programme page states no deadline; applications go through isdbscholarships.smartsimple.com via a nominating institution; questions to [email protected]) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral)?

Host countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey.

What documents do I need for Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Nomination or endorsement letter (where the scheme requires it); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Islamic Development Bank Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (PhD and Post-doctoral) application?

Very High: Institution nomination + research proposal endorsed by the institution + endorsement by the IsDB Governor's office + academic documents