IDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries 2010

Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia

The Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries was launched in 1404H (1983G) with the objective to provide educational opportunities for the academically meritorious and financially needy young Muslim students from Muslim communities in non-member countries to pursue undergraduate or first-degree study in a university and to train them in specific fields in order to improve their socio-economic conditions, preserve their cultural and religious identities and make a meaningful contribution to the development of their communities and countries.

In the first year of implementation (Academic Year 1404H / 1983-84G), 53 students from 3 countries (India, Sri Lanka and Kenya) became the first beneficiaries of this programme. 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. Only for the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries with their special needs has the IDB approved the inclusion of additional areas of study such as administration, management, marketing, finance, banking and accountancy. The Scholarship is tenable at recognized government or private universities in the students’ own countries. Students may also be sent to IDB member countries which places in their universities.

Eligibility : The Scholarship Programme is intended to be for academically meritorious but financially needy Muslim students with strong desire to engage in social services and community development. They must also be able to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Maximum age of 24 years; Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with good grades in major science subjects; Secured admission in one of the disciplines covered under the Programme at a recognized college or university in their own countries; and Not in receipt of any other scholarship at the time of application and during studies. Recommended by the local community leaders or Muslim Organizations through the IDB Selection Procedures.

Place of Study : Consistent with the concept of the Programme, most of the IDB-sponsored students are studying in their own countries. The remaining are currently studying in 12 member countries that have been generous enough to provide places for the IDB students in their universities. In response to a request for places for some of the selected students who could not secure admission in their own countries, the Republic of Turkey was the first member country to respond positively to the IDB request. Since 1987 this positive gesture has been extended by Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Benefits and Facilities : The IDB Scholarship Programme covers the following items:

tuition-fee(*) and other related academic expenses, such as examination fees, laboratory fees, etc., 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); and
cost of one pair of eye-glasses, once during the entire period of study(if needed). (*) Not applicable to all benefiting students.

For the students who are selected to study outside of their own countries, the IDB also provides them with economy class tickets to and from the countries of study (once at the beginning and at the end of study.

Implementation : As a joint effort, the Programme has been implemented by the IDB in cooperation with selected local Counterpart Organizations (CPOs) or prominent Islamic personalities. The implementation of the Programme therefore depends on many organisations as well as committed and dedicated individuals from all over the world.

Application Form : Download Online Application Form Click www.isdb.org/irj/go/km/docs/documents/IDBDevelopments/Internet/English/IDB/CM/ScholarshipAndAssistance/Scholarship/Scholarship%20for%20Nun%20Member%20Countries/SPMC_Application.doc

Application Procedure : In countries where the IDB Scholarship Programme is being implemented), contact the Counterpart Organizations in the country. In countries where the Programme is not being implemented inquiries may be directed to the IDB directly:

The Head, Office of the Scholarship Programme
Islamic Development Bank
P.O. Box 5925, Jeddah 21432
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

E-mail : scholar(AT)isdb.org

Contact Numbers : (966-2) 636-1400; 646-6835 (direct)

Fax: (966-2) 636-6871; 646-6887 (direct)