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.
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.
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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