Are you looking for fully funded scholarships in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries?
Many OIC member states offer generous scholarships for international students, especially those from other Muslim-majority countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and more, aiming to foster cooperation and academic exchange across the Islamic world.
What Are OIC Scholarships?
OIC scholarships are educational funding programs offered by member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. These scholarships aim to promote academic collaboration, skill development, and cultural exchange among Muslim-majority countries.
Key Features of OIC Scholarships
- Available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Offered by both government and university bodies
- Open to students from OIC and non-OIC countries
- Cover full or partial tuition fees
- Include monthly stipends and health insurance
- Often include airfare and accommodation
- Promote Islamic values and cultural understanding
- Focus on development-related fields
- Available in various disciplines
- Offered in top universities across the OIC region
Top Countries Offering OIC Scholarships
Several OIC member countries offer competitive scholarships to international students. These programs are well-funded and academically recognized.
Leading OIC Scholarship Providers
- Turkey: Turkiye Burslari Scholarship Program
- Malaysia: MTCP Scholarships, IIUM Scholarships
- Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah, Islamic University of Madinah
- Pakistan: HEC and COMSATS scholarships for OIC nationals
- Indonesia: KNB Scholarship, Islamic University of Indonesia
- Iran: Al-Mustafa International University
- Egypt: Al-Azhar University grants
- Qatar: Qatar University Scholarships
- UAE: Khalifa University, UAEU Scholarships
- Morocco: Moroccan Agency of International Cooperation (AMCI)
Turkiye Burslari: Turkey’s Premier OIC Scholarship
The Turkiye Burslari program is one of the most sought-after scholarships among students from Muslim-majority countries.
Turkiye Burslari Benefits
- Fully funded programs from bachelor’s to PhD
- Monthly stipend (up to $500 for PhD students)
- Free Turkish language course for one year
- University placement provided by the state
- Round-trip airfare
- Full health insurance
- Accommodation provided
- Access to academic seminars and workshops
- Cultural immersion programs
- Open to students from 100+ countries
Malaysian Scholarships for OIC Students
Malaysia, as a major education hub, offers scholarships through its government and Islamic institutions.
Major Malaysian Scholarships
- MTCP Scholarship (for postgraduate studies)
- IIUM Scholarships (undergraduate and graduate)
- UTM and USM scholarships for international students
- Zakat aid for needy students
- ASEAN and Islamic scholarships
- Full tuition coverage
- Living allowance included
- Study at globally ranked universities
- English-medium instruction
- Strong academic support system
Saudi Arabia’s Academic Opportunities
Saudi Arabia offers prestigious scholarships that attract thousands of students annually from OIC countries.
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Notable Saudi Scholarships
- Islamic University of Madinah (for Islamic studies)
- King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- KAUST Graduate Scholarships
- Monthly stipend and free housing
- Medical care included
- Travel allowance
- Strong focus on STEM and Islamic studies
- Welcomes students from across the Islamic world
- English and Arabic instruction
How to Apply for OIC Scholarships
Application procedures vary by country and institution but usually follow similar steps.
Common Application Requirements
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Language proficiency test results (English/Arabic/Turkish)
- Medical report or health clearance
- Online application form
- Interview (in some cases)
- Specific forms per country
- Submission within the deadline period
Eligibility Criteria for OIC Scholarships
Most scholarships have standard eligibility conditions, although specifics may vary.
Typical Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship of an OIC or eligible developing country
- Minimum academic achievement (e.g., 70%+ GPA)
- Age limits (usually under 25 for undergraduate)
- Good health and clean legal record
- Language proficiency
- Commitment to return and serve home country
- No simultaneous scholarships
- Strong academic and leadership background
- Interest in Islamic values and cooperation
- Field of study relevance to OIC goals
Popular Fields of Study in OIC Scholarships
OIC scholarships prioritize areas aligned with developmental needs and Islamic cooperation.
Common Disciplines Offered
- Islamic Studies and Shariah Law
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Business and Economics
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Environmental Science
- Political Science and International Relations
- Education and Teacher Training
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Scholarships by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) runs a well-known scholarship program targeting development-focused students.
Highlights of the IsDB Scholarship
- Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral support
- Fully funded including tuition, travel, living allowance
- Priority to STEM and development-related fields
- Partner institutions in OIC member states
- Return service obligation after graduation
- Focus on community development projects
- Offered in multiple languages
- Emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship
- Annual call for applications
- Available to both men and women
Benefits of Studying in OIC Countries
Studying in an OIC country offers cultural familiarity and valuable academic networks.
Advantages for International Students
- Shared religious and cultural values
- Affordable cost of living
- High-quality education
- Multicultural academic environments
- Career opportunities in OIC economies
- Government-funded facilities and labs
- Strong alumni networks
- Internship and job placement support
- Safe and supportive societies
- Halal food and religious freedom
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OIC scholarships?
OIC scholarships are educational grants provided by member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to support students, especially from Muslim-majority nations.
Who can apply for OIC scholarships?
Applicants must typically be citizens of OIC countries or Muslim communities and meet academic, health, and language requirements.
Are OIC scholarships fully funded?
Yes, most are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more.
Can non-Muslim students apply for OIC scholarships?
Some programs are open to non-Muslim applicants, especially if they reside in OIC countries or support cooperation goals.
Is knowledge of Arabic or Turkish mandatory?
Language requirements vary. Many programs offer courses in English or provide a language preparatory year.
How competitive are these scholarships?
They are highly competitive, especially those from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and IsDB, due to full funding and global recognition.
When do applications open for OIC scholarships?
Most programs open between December and April, with some variations depending on the country.
Do OIC scholarships require a service obligation?
Yes, particularly IsDB scholarships require students to return and contribute to development in their home country.
Can I work while studying on an OIC scholarship?
Work rights vary by country, but academic performance must be prioritized.
Where can I find more information?
Each scholarship has its own portal, usually through the education ministry or a national scholarship body.
Conclusion
OIC scholarships provide a gateway to quality education, cultural exchange, and impactful careers.
They are ideal for students committed to academic growth and Islamic cooperation.
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