Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship IS to enable academically meritorious and financially impoverished young Muslim students from Muslim communities in non-Muslim Communities to undertake Undergraduate or Postgraduate education and training.
The IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship offer to cover the full tuition, $4,800 living stipends per year, travel costs to and from the applicant’s country, accommodation, cost of healthcare, language, and other training programmes.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an IsDB member country or belong to a Muslim community in a non-member country
- Have a strong academic background, as evidenced by their previous academic records
- Be applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program
- Meet the age requirements (usually not older than 21 for undergraduate, 30 for master’s, and 35 for PhD programs)
- Be willing to undergo a one-year Turkish language course, as most programs are taught in Turkish
- Provide proof of medical fitness
For PhD applicants, a research proposal in one of the approved fields of study, stating its scientific and development relevance to their community or country, is also required.
Supported Fields of Study
The IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship supports a wide range of fields of study, with a special focus on sustainability sciences to empower communities and assist them in achieving their national and global development plans, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of the supported fields include:
- Science and technology subjects for development
- A variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered at participating Turkish universities
To see the complete list of eligible countries, available programs, host institutions, and languages of instruction, please refer to the corresponding links provided in the application guidelines.
Application Process
The application process for the IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship is entirely online through the official Türkiye Scholarships website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships website and create an account if you are a new user.
- Complete the application form carefully, providing all required personal, academic, and professional information.
- In the “Joint Scholarship Programs” section, select “yes” to indicate your interest in the IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship program.
- Upload all necessary documents, such as academic records, identification documents, language proficiency certificates, and any other required materials.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy, then submit it within the application period.
The application period for the 2024-2025 academic year was from January 10 to February 20, 2023. Interested candidates should keep an eye out for future announcements regarding the next application cycle.It’s important to note that neither the IsDB nor Türkiye Burslari charges any fees at any stage of the scholarship process.
Benefits and Commitments
The IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship offers a comprehensive support package that covers all essential aspects of university life abroad. The benefits include:
- University and program placement
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Health insurance
- Accommodation support
- One-year Turkish language course
- Academic and professional programs
For associate degree and bachelor’s degree students, the scholarship is an interest-free loan (Qard-Hasan) to the students and a grant to the Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) to which they belong. These students are required to repay the loan after graduation and employment, in easy installments, to the IsDB Education Trust (IET), a Waqf set up (or to be set up) in their home countries. Postgraduate students who have completed their studies are obliged to repay 50% of the monthly stipend amount they received during their studies to the Local Education Foundation Fund (LETF) in the IsDB member countries in small installments after they are employed.
Impact and Alumni
The IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship has had a significant impact on the lives of its recipients and the development of their home countries. By providing access to high-quality education at prestigious Turkish universities, the program has empowered students to become agents of change in their communities. The scholarship program has also fostered cultural exchange and international cooperation, as students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn and grow. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, contributing to the social, economic, and political progress of their nations.
Conclusion
The IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities to pursue their educational dreams and contribute to the development of their nations. By offering a comprehensive support package and access to world-class education, the program empowers students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about pursuing higher education in Turkey, don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Stay informed about the latest updates and application deadlines by regularly checking the official websites of the IsDB and Türkiye Scholarships.
Remember, with hard work, dedication, and the support of the IsDB/Turkiye Scholarship, you can unlock a future filled with possibilities and make a lasting difference in your community and beyond.