OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship Program 2025–2026

Posted by: Praise Publisher || Categories: Scholarship

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), established in 1976 by OPEC member states, is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries.

The OFID Scholarship Program, also known as the OPEC Fund Scholarship Award, has historically supported outstanding young individuals from developing countries to pursue Master’s degrees in development-related fields.

However, the program is currently undergoing restructuring, and applications for the 2025–2026 cycle are not being accepted at this time. Updated information is expected later in 2025.

This guide provides an overview based on past iterations of the program, including eligibility, benefits, and application details, along with alternative opportunities for international students. For updates, visit Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Why Choose the OFID Scholarship Program?

The OFID Scholarship has empowered over 7,400 applicants from developing countries to pursue graduate studies, fostering leaders who contribute to their home countries’ development. Key benefits of past programs include:

• Fully Funded Support: Covered tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance for one year of Master’s studies.
• Global Study Opportunities: Supported programs at accredited universities worldwide, from the University of Southampton to Purdue University.
• Development Impact: Scholars like Alaa Alaizoki (Syria) and Kadjo (Côte d’Ivoire) have advanced food safety and agricultural economics in their regions.
• Flexible Fields: Focused on development-related disciplines like economics, energy, and public health.
• Return Commitment: Encouraged scholars to apply skills in their home countries, driving sustainable change.

While the program is paused for 2025–2026, its legacy highlights its impact on global development. Check for updates at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria (Based on Past Cycles)

Previous OFID Scholarship cycles targeted motivated individuals from developing countries (excluding OFID member countries). Typical eligibility criteria included:

• Citizenship: Nationals of developing countries, excluding OFID members (Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela).
• Age: Between 23–32 years at the time of application.
• Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
• Admission: Secure unconditional admission to a Master’s program in a development-related field at an accredited university for the upcoming academic year.
• Field of Study: Focus on OFID’s core mission areas, such as economics of development (poverty reduction, energy, sustainable development), environment (e.g., desertification), or science and technology fields.
• Commitment: Willingness to return to the home country to contribute to development post-graduation.

Eligible countries included nations like Bangladesh, Guatemala, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. For future eligibility details, visit Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Benefits of the OFID Scholarship (Based on Past Cycles)

The OFID Scholarship historically provided comprehensive support for one year of Master’s studies, including:

• Tuition Fees: Up to $50,000, paid directly to the academic institution, covering full tuition and supplementary fees.
• Monthly Allowance: Covered living expenses, such as accommodation and food, for one year.
• Travel Costs: One round-trip economy flight between the home country and the university.
• Relocation Grant: Supported additional moving costs.
• Health Insurance: Provided coverage for the duration of the program.

These benefits enabled scholars like Jennet from Sierra Leone to pursue pharmaceutical sciences and address healthcare challenges. Check for updated benefits at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Fields of Study Covered

Past OFID Scholarships supported Master’s programs aligned with development goals, including:

• Economics of Development (e.g., poverty reduction, agricultural economics)
• Energy Studies (e.g., sustainable energy technologies)
• Environmental Studies (e.g., desertification, water management)
• Science and Technology (e.g., food safety, biomedical sciences)
• Social Policy and Development
• Human Rights and Justice

Examples include MSc in Food Safety at the University of Birmingham and MA in International Development at the London School of Economics. For future program details, visit Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Application Process (Based on Past Cycles)

While applications are not open for 2025–2026, previous cycles followed this process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify citizenship, age, academic background, and admission to a Master’s program.
2. Register Online: Create an account on the OFID Scholarship Portal using an email address.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the online form, saving progress to avoid session timeouts (after two hours of inactivity).
4. Upload Documents:
   • CV detailing education and experience.
   • Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
   • Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts.
   • Unconditional admission letter to a Master’s program.
   • Passport copy.
   • Personal essay (500–1,000 words) on development goals and career aspirations.
5. Submit Application: Finalize and submit by the deadline (historically April–May, e.g., May 1, 2013).

Winners were typically notified by June via the OFID website. For updates on the 2025–2026 process, visit Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Tips for a Successful Application

When the program reopens, enhance your application with these strategies:

• Align with OFID’s Mission: Emphasize how your studies address poverty, energy, or sustainable development in your essay.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can validate your academic and professional commitment to development.
• Highlight Impact: Showcase prior work or projects that demonstrate your dedication to your country’s progress.
• Prepare Early: Gather documents and secure university admission 6–12 months in advance.
• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check documents for completeness to avoid disqualification.

Monitor updates at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

As the program is under restructuring, no application window is confirmed for 2025–2026. Past cycles had deadlines around April–May (e.g., April 14, 2019), with notifications by June. Updates on the application timeline will be posted later in 2025 at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Life as an OFID Scholar

Past scholars, such as Maldon from Barbados (MSc in Sustainable Energy Technologies) and Anthony from Uganda (MSc in Biomedical Sciences), studied at top universities and returned to drive change in energy and health sectors.

Scholars benefit from global academic exposure and a network of alumni impacting over 160 developing countries. Cities like London and Birmingham offer vibrant academic environments. For future opportunities, visit Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Alternative Opportunities at OFID

While the scholarship is paused, OFID offers other programs:

• OFID Internship Program: 3–6 months for students aged 19–25, offering experience in public sector operations, finance, or IT. Requires enrollment in an undergraduate (2+ years completed) or graduate program, or recent graduation (within one year).
• Young Professional Development Program: For young professionals seeking experience in international development.
• Grants Program: Supports technical assistance, capacity building, and emergency aid in agriculture, health, and energy.

Explore these at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

For alternative funding, consider:

• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship: For Master’s in development fields at 41 programs worldwide.
• Chevening Scholarships: UK-funded awards for Master’s students with leadership potential.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s: EU-funded programs in development-related fields.

Check OFID updates at Apply for OFID Scholarship.

Conclusion

The OPEC Fund for International Development Scholarship Program, currently under restructuring for 2025–2026, has been a vital resource for students from developing countries pursuing Master’s degrees in development-related fields.

While applications are paused, its legacy of empowering scholars to address global challenges like poverty and energy access remains strong.

Monitor updates for the relaunched program and explore OFID’s internship and grant opportunities to engage with its mission. Visit Apply for OFID Scholarship for the latest information.

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