Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
البنك الإسلامي للتنمية (IsDB)
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with 57 member countries. Since 1983 it has run scholarship programmes, including an undergraduate programme for Muslim communities in non-member countries (provided as an interest-free loan), a master's scholarship in science and technology for its least developed member countries, and the Merit Scholarship Program for PhD and postdoctoral research in high technology. Candidates are usually nominated by a partner institution or a local counterpart organisation and endorsed by the IsDB Governor's office in their country, and scholars commit to return and serve their home country after graduating.
Information last verified: October 27, 2026Official source
Available programmes (3)
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
- View Details
IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP) for PhD and Postdoc 2027–2028
PhD, PostdocFully Funded23 majorsNext cycle not announced yet - View Details
IsDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries (SPMC) 2027–2028
Bachelor22 majorsNext cycle not announced yet - View Details
IsDB M.Sc. Scholarship in Science and Technology for Least Developed Member Countries 2027–2028
MasterFully Funded37 majorsNext cycle not announced yet
Life and living
Jeddah · Saudi Arabia
Life and living
Jeddah · Saudi Arabia
Living in Jeddah
The “bride of the Red Sea” and gateway to Makkah and Madinah, home to King Abdulaziz University.
Student housing
Scholarship guides say King Abdulaziz University scholarship students get free furnished on-campus housing and a monthly stipend of SAR 850–1,000 for undergraduates and SAR 900 for graduates (unofficial figures — check with the university).
Transport for students
There is no metro in Jeddah; getting around relies mainly on cars, taxis and ride-hailing apps, and the Haramain high-speed train links Jeddah to Makkah and Madinah.
Top landmarks
King Fahd's Fountain
Ferdinand Reus from Arnhem, Holland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Al-Balad, Jeddah
Francisco Anzola · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Al-Rahmah Mosque
Tahir mq · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Last verified: October 2026
Sources:Wikipedia – List of cities and towns in Saudi Arabia (2022)Opportunity Inside – King Abdulaziz University scholarship 2027
Studying and living in Saudi Arabia
Costs and living
Full external scholars at public universities pay no tuition and, as published by the universities (King Saud, King Abdulaziz and the Islamic University of Madinah), receive: • A monthly stipend throughout their studies, equal to the Saudi student reward. The officially published amounts in Northern Borders University’s rewards guide (2024): SAR 1,000 for science bachelor’s, SAR 850 for humanities, and SAR 900 for master’s and doctorate. • An arrival allowance equal to two months’ stipend, and a graduation allowance for shipping books equal to three months’ stipend. • An annual book allowance of one month’s stipend (Northern Borders guide) and an excellence reward of SAR 1,000 for bachelor’s students with a 4.50+ average in both semesters (University of Jeddah). • University housing, subsidised meals and health care for the student (and accompanying family at some universities). • A ticket on arrival, a return ticket at the end of each academic year per regulations, and a free residence permit. Internal (partial) scholarships for residents usually cover only the tuition exemption, without stipend or housing. Private universities (Alfaisal, Prince Sultan, Effat, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd…) charge fees — for example Alfaisal SAR 94,000 a year for bachelor’s. KAUST offers full scholarships for master’s and PhD students.
Working while studying
In 2024 the Education Visa Initiative announced that holders of long-term study visas may work part-time and bring their families “according to regulations”, but detailed hours and conditions have not been published in an official source, so check with your university before taking any job. Scholarship students are also bound by their university’s scholarship rules.
Last verified: October 2026· Source
Guide to studying in Saudi ArabiaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Eligible levels: Bachelor, Master, PhD, Postdoctoral.
Next cycle not announced yet. Follow the official website for updates.
Your application goes through an official body in your home country: the Ministry of Higher Education (nominating agency) or the host country's embassy or commission there; applications sent only to the granting body are not accepted. Each country has its own deadline and procedure, so follow that body's announcements and check the official website (https://www.isdb.org) for details. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
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