University of Birmingham - Islamic Development Bank - International PhD Scholarship Programme

What the IsDB PhD scholarship covers

You will receive a full PhD scholarship for 3 years (36 months) or a postdoctoral fellowship for 6 to 12 months. Instead of a one-off lump sum, the Islamic Development Bank will pay your tuition fees directly to the university. You will receive a monthly living allowance based on the cost of living in the country where you are studying, calculated for a single person. In addition, health insurance through the university and a grant for writing your dissertation and publishing your research findings will be covered. You will also receive a conference allowance for PhD graduates, a return flight and a settlement allowance for your studies abroad. This is the ‘Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology’ (MSP), which the Bank has been running since 1992 to build scientific and technological expertise in its member countries.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of one of the 57 IsDB member countries.
• Your job: You already hold a permanent post at a university, research centre or academic institution in your home country.
• Your degree: You need a Master’s degree to apply for a PhD, or a doctorate to apply for a postdoctoral position.
• Field of study: Your field of study falls within one of the 17 areas of applied science and technology, such as biotechnology, renewable energies, computer science, medicine and pharmacy, water management, environmental engineering, materials science or aerospace engineering.
• Age: to 35 for doctoral studies, up to 40 for postdoctoral research.
• Grades: Your academic performance is above average (‘very good’).
• Experience: At least 2 years’ professional experience in your field of specialisation for a PhD, or 5 years for a postdoctoral position, as well as published research papers.
• Research plan: You have a research project that is relevant to your country’s development needs and is supported by your home institution.
• Language: You can study in the language in which lessons are taught at your host university.
• Where you go: You are studying abroad. Priority is given to partner universities in Malaysia, Turkey, Queen Mary University in the United Kingdom and Makerere University in Uganda, as well as one of the 1,000 best universities in a member state.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly to the Bank. Your home university will put you forward and prepare the necessary documents. The IsDB Governor’s Office in your country will then review the applications and make recommendations regarding the candidates. Applications must be submitted via the online portal. The deadline for applications for a degree programme starting the following September is 31 December.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria for this award are very strict. You must already be working at a research institution in an IsDB member country, hold the relevant qualification, not exceed the age limit, and have been nominated for a high-tech sector that is relevant to your country’s development. This small, clearly defined group works to your advantage if you meet the criteria exactly. Please note that you must sign a commitment to return to your home country and work there in the field of science or development for at least twice as long as your studies lasted.