Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology

1. Introduction
	The IDB Merit Scholarship Programme aims at developing technically qualified human resources in the IDB member countries by providing scholarships to promising and/or outstanding scholars and researchers to undertake advanced studies and/or research in the fields of applied science and technology needed for the development of the member countries. The main objectives of this programme are: To develop technically qualified human resources in the IDB member countries; To enhance the scientific, technological and research capability and potential of scholars and researchers in IDB member countries; To help meet the needs of the IDB member countries in areas of science and technology; and To strengthen the scientific, technological and research capability of institutions in member countries. The IDB Merit Scholarship Programme was introduced in 1411H (1991-92). The first five-year phase of the Programme 1413H-to-1417H (1992-to-1997) was completed in December, 1997, during which time, a total of 93 scholars from 35 IDB member countries were selected, or 13 above the initial target of 80 scholars in five years as originally planned. After a successful evaluation, the second five-year phase was launched, covering a period from 1418H-to-1422H (19997-to-2003) A second evaluation has been conducted in April/May 2002 which leads to the streamlining and enhancement of the Programme in the next phase, which include among others the expansion of institutions of studies beyond the West to include those high-tech countries in Asia and Centres of Excellence in IDB member countries. As of Dhul Hijja 1424H (February 2004), a total of 244 scholars have been selected, benefiting 44 countries and 173 of their institutions. A total of 134 scholars (58 Ph.Ds and 76 Post-Doctorals) have comnpleted their studies and return to their respective countries to fulfil the aim and objective of the Programme.
2. Scope & Fields of Study
	The Programme covers two types of studies/research: three-year Ph.D study and one-year Post-Doctoral research. The duration of study of three years or 36 months for Ph.D study and 3 - 6 months for Post-Doctoral research is fixed and not extendable. The currently approved fields of study are as follows: Laser and Fiber Optics Conductors/Semi-Conductors Polymer Science Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology Nuclear Science/Engineering Electronics/Micro Electronics/Telecommunication Computer Science (including CAD/CAM) Renewable Energy/Fuel Technology Hydrology/Water Resources Metallurgy Chemical Engineering/Material Sciences Medicine/Pharmaceutical Agriculture/Food Technology System Engineering Space Science/Technology Environmental Preservation Technology Technology Management and Innovation (For Post-Doctoral only)
3. Institutions of Study
	The list of internationally renowned institutions of study offering the areas of study covered under the Programme is available at the Offices of the IDB Governors for the member countries, the designated focal/contact points for the Programme and the Office of the Scholarship Programme, IDB. However, since admission is not mandatory during the application process and the choice of school is not open for approval until the candidates have been selected, seeing the list of institutions of study is not necessary for an interested applicant when applying for the Programme. In general, the institutions that are acceptable under the Programme are those renowned ones in the scientifically and technologically advanced industrial countries of the world (North America, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, etc), emerging High-Tech Asian countries and centres of excellence in IDB member countries. However, on an exceptional circumstance and on a case-by-case basis, institutions of study from other developing countries may be considered if their superiority in specific areas of study can be substantiated (based on research/teaching staff, faculties and facilities) as being the best in the fields of study proposed by the candidates.
4. Schedule of Activities
	The Programme is announced between February and March every year (after the final selection of the previous year has been completed) through the Offices of the Governors of the IDB. The Programme activities are scheduled as follows: Preparation February Announcement of new Academic Year March Receiving applications March-September Deadline of application September 30 Processing/short-listing October-December Internal/External review January(of subsequent year) Final selection February Announcement of selection result March Admission and deadline March-August 31 Placement September-January