The OPEC Fund Scholarship Award is offered by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) to support students from developing countries to pursue a master's degree. It is part of the OPEC Fund's mission to promote development and cooperation, with a focus on building human capacity in partner countries. The award is generous: in recent editions it has provided up to US$50,000 to cover the full cost of a master's degree — tuition, a monthly living allowance, accommodation, books, relocation, and health insurance — at an accredited university of the awardee's choice, typically in a development-related field. The exact structure has varied between editions of the award. Applications are made online during the annual window, and selection is competitive: applicants need strong academic results, an admission (or pending admission) to a recognised master's programme, and a fit with development-relevant fields. The number of awards each year is limited.
Apply online through the OPEC Fund scholarship application during the annual window, with your academic records, admission details, and supporting documents.
The award's exact eligibility, value, and structure have changed between editions. Always check the current OPEC Fund call for the specific rules and deadline.
Developing countries (specific list/exclusions vary by edition)
The OPEC Fund selects awardees on academic excellence, the development relevance of the chosen master's, and overall potential to contribute to development. Because the number of awards is small relative to applicants, selection is competitive and edition-specific criteria apply.
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is a development finance institution established by OPEC member states to promote South-South cooperation and support social and economic development in partner countries. Its scholarship award reflects a focus on building human capacity by funding talented students from developing countries.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
A scholarship from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) supporting students from developing countries to pursue a master's degree, as part of its mission to build human capacity in partner countries.
In recent editions, up to US$50,000 to cover the full master's — tuition, living allowance, accommodation, books, relocation, and health insurance. The exact value can vary by edition.
High-achieving students from developing countries with a bachelor's degree (completed or near completion), within the age limit (~23–32), with admission or pending admission to a recognised master's in a development field.
Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, accommodation, a books allowance, relocation and travel support, and health insurance — up to ~US$50,000 in total depending on the edition.
Online through the OPEC Fund scholarship application during the annual window, with your transcripts, admission details, references, and a statement of purpose.
The annual window commonly closes around ~April–May, though the exact date varies by edition. Always check the current OPEC Fund scholarship call.
In many editions you can choose an accredited university for a development-related master's; some editions specify partner institutions or fields. Check the current call.
Development-related master's fields such as economics, development studies, environment and energy, and public policy. Exact eligible fields can vary by edition.
Highly — the number of awards is small relative to the number of applicants, so strong academics and a clear development focus are essential.
Yes — the award's eligibility, value, and structure have varied between editions, so it is important to read the current call rather than relying on previous years.
You generally need confirmed or pending admission to a recognised master's programme; check whether your edition requires a firm offer by the deadline.
The award supports development goals, and recipients are expected to contribute to development; specific obligations depend on the edition's terms.