Introduction

The Programme was launched in 1993 aiming at developing technically qualified human resources in the IsDB member countries and Muslim Communities in non-member countries by providing scholarships to promising and outstanding scholars and researchers to undertake Ph.D. studies and Post-doctoral research in the fields of Sustainability Sciences needed for the development of their countries. The main objectives of this programme are:

• To develop technically qualified human resources;
• To enhance the scientific, technological and research capability and the potential of scholars and researchers;
• To help meet the national needs Sustainability Sciences; and
• To strengthen the scientific, technological and research capability of institutions.

Duration of Study/Research

The Programme covers two types of studies/research: Three-year Ph.D. study and up to one-year Post-Doctoral research. The duration of study/research is fixed and not extendable.

Eligibility Criteria

The Programme is designed to help promising and outstanding scholars from member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries who meet the following criteria. Candidates MUST ensure that they meet all the criteria of the programme listed hereunder, failing which the Application will not be considered:

• Must be a citizen of any of the IsDB member countries or Muslim communities in non-member countries.
• Candidate from non-member countries must be a Muslim.
• Have minimum Masters’ (for Ph.D. study) and Ph.D. (for Post-Doctoral research) in one of the approved fields listed under the Programme.
• Have above average or not less 70% of academic standing.
• Must have the ability to conduct all aspects of scientific work (reading, writing, speaking) in English or French or other languages used in the place of study. The language proficiency must be supported by a document or certificate, e.g., for English, by a recognized language certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS or passed required level test conducted such as by British Council or equivalent system in French or other languages).
• Have work and/or research experience of not less than two (2) years for Post-Doctoral research in the related field.
• Have a record of publications/research in the same field.
• Have a proposed field of study and/or research in one of the fields listed under the approved fields of study with its scientific and development relevance to the country being clearly demonstrated in a research proposal.
• Must provide certified English or French translation of all documents in case if they are initially in other languages.
• Must not be in receipt of any other scholarship at the time of application and during study.
• Must be medically fit and willing to undergo medical tests after selection.

Fields of study

The eligible candidates must apply to study/undertake research only in one of the following fields:

Benefits and Facilities

For the successful candidates, the scholarship covers:

• Monthly living allowance commensurate with the cost of living of the country of study.
• Cost of tuition (as charged by the institutions of study and approved by the IsDB).
• Thesis preparation and conference participation allowance for Ph.D. study.
• Scientific papers’ preparation allowance for Post-Doctoral research.
• Cost of medical treatment at university/government hospitals
• Economy class return air tickets (once at the time of joining and on completion of study)
• Installation allowance for the PhD students selected to study abroad at partnered universities and countries.

Obligations

Candidates granted the scholarship are expected to:

• Sign the IsDB’s prescribed Scholarship Agreement stating their commitment to their studies and serve their communities and countries upon graduation.
• Devote themselves to their studies/research on a full-time basis and without interruption and provide the IsDB with progress reports on their studies on a regular basis.
• Not to seek or accept other scholarship or remunerated work during their study under the Programme.
• Respect the laws of the country of study and maintain good personal and professional conduct consistent with the rules, regulations and objectives of the Programme and the overall mission of the IsDB.
• Register and join the IsDB Alumni after graduation to network with other alumnus and keep updating the IsDB about their progress and achievements in their communities/countries.
• Refund 50% of the amount spent on his/her studies/research after graduation and securing gainful employment, in easy installments, to a Local Education Trust Fund (LETF) established by the IsDB in their countries.