The IsDB Scholarship has eligibility criteria so not everyone can get it. You must follow the rules to apply. The eligibility requirements change a little for each type of scholarship. But many rules are the same for all.
This page tells all the rules in easy words. We use facts from official IsDB booklets and website. Always check www.isdb.org/scholarships for latest. Rules from recent cycles (like 2026-2027) are similar for next years. You can also see the IsDB Scholarship types and apply.
IsDB Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Main Eligibility Requirements for All IsDB Scholarships
These rules apply to almost every type (bachelor, master, PhD, etc.):
- You must be citizen of IsDB member country. Or from Muslim community in country not in IsDB.
- You need good marks in school. Marks must be strong.
- You need money help. Many are for poor families or students who cannot pay without help.
- You must be healthy. You may need doctor check after they choose you.
- You cannot get another big scholarship at same time.
- You promise to go back home after finish study.
- You promise to help your community and country with what you learn.
- You agree to give back money later (like kind loan).
- You cannot be IsDB worker. Or close family of IsDB worker (mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew).
No fake apply. Use only official site.
Citizenship Requirements – Who Can Apply?
IsDB has 57 member countries. Students from these countries can apply most types.
Examples of member countries: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Iran, Nigeria, Sudan, and many more.
For Muslim communities in non-member countries (SPMC type): You can apply if Muslim in places like India, Kenya, Philippines, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana, Nepal, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Croatia, Rwanda, Liberia, and others. IsDB lists them in booklets.
For poor countries (LDMCs): Special help for 20 very poor member countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.
If you from Pakistan: Yes, Pakistan is member country. You can apply for all types if meet other rules.
Age Limits – How Old Can You Be?
Age is important. You must be under certain age when apply.
- Bachelor’s (undergraduate normal or SPMC): Up to about 24 years old at deadline.
- IsDB-ISFD for poor countries (bachelor or job training): Up to 24 years old.
- Master’s (M.Sc.): Up to about 30 years old.
- PhD (Merit MSP): Up to 35 years old.
- After PhD research (post-doc): Up to 40 years old.
Age from last birthday before deadline. If you older, you cannot apply that type. Some booklets say “not over” that age.
Marks and Grades Needed
You need good school marks. IsDB wants smart students.
- Bachelor’s: Finish high school (12 years school) with good grades. Strong in main subjects like science, math. Often around 70% or more (or “very good”).
- Master’s: Good bachelor’s degree. Above average marks (“very good”).
- PhD: Good master’s degree. Some research or papers help.
- After PhD: Good PhD degree with research work.
You need to show marks sheets. If marks low, hard to get.
For some: Good command of language (English or French or other school language). May need test like TOEFL or IELTS.
Financial Need and Poor Family
- Many scholarships for students who need money. If family can pay full, maybe not get.
- You must show you need help. Without scholarship, study may stop.
- This is big point for poor countries and communities.
Health Rules
- You must be healthy. After they choose you, you may need doctor paper or test.
- If health problem stops study, you cannot get.
Other Important Rules
- No other scholarship: Cannot take two big helps same time.
- Commit to go back: Promise return home after finish. Help your country.
- Language proof: If school in English, show you know English (test or certificate).
- Papers in English/French: If your papers other language, send translation.
- Not live outside home country: Some types say you should live in home country now.
- Endorsed by group: Some need local NGO or institution say yes.
No IsDB family members can apply.
Rules by Scholarship Type – Quick Table
Here table to compare easy:
| Type | Age Limit | Marks Needed | Who Special | Other Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Normal | Up to 24 | Good high school (70%+ science) | Member countries | Strong science subjects |
| SPMC Muslim Communities | Up to 24 | Good high school | Muslim in non-member | Study home country |
| IsDB-ISFD Poor Countries | Up to 24 | Good high school | Very poor LDMCs | Financial need big |
| Master’s M.Sc. | Up to 30 | Good bachelor’s (very good) | LDMCs priority | Research ready |
| PhD Merit MSP | Up to 35 | Good master’s + research | All members | Papers or experience |
| Post-Doc MSP | Up to 40 | Good PhD + research | All members | 2-5 years experience |
(Here add picture: Table drawing or icons for types. Alt text: IsDB types eligibility simple)
What If You Not Meet One Rule?
If one rule miss, hard to get. But check booklet. Some cases special.
Always read official booklets. They have full rules.
Download from IsDB site:
- ISFD booklet
- Master’s booklet
- Merit PhD booklet
- SPMC booklet
For Pakistan students: Rules same as member country. Many Pakistan students got it before.
This page tells all eligibility in easy way. If meet rules, prepare apply!