Most scholarship guides treat Chad as a generic Sub-Saharan African country with the same opportunities as everyone else. That misses something important.
Chad has two official languages — French and Arabic. This creates access to three distinct scholarship ecosystems simultaneously:
1. Francophone programs — France, Belgium, Canada (CFSP), Switzerland, Erasmus Mundus programs with French partners
2. Arab and Islamic programs — Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Scholarships, UAE scholarships, Kuwait Cultural Scholarship, Qatar scholarships, and the Islamic Development Bank — all of which specifically cover Chad
3. Standard international programs — DAAD, CSC China, Chevening, GKS Korea, Turkiye Burslari, and the full range of OECD-DAC eligible programs
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) explicitly lists Chad as one of 21 priority Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) — meaning Chadian students receive dedicated scholarship access within the IsDB system that most other OIC member countries don’t get.
This guide covers the top fully funded scholarships for Chadian students in 2026-2027.
1. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships — Multiple Countries
The Islamic Development Bank scholarship program is the most important opportunity on this list for Chadian students and the most underused. Chad is explicitly listed as one of 21 Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) in the IsDB system, giving Chadian students dedicated scholarship access with less competition than other OIC member states.
What it covers:
- Full tuition (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral)
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research allowance (for PhD)
Four IsDB scholarship tracks:
- Merit Scholarship Program (MSP) — PhD research at top universities worldwide
- MSc Scholarship Program — Master’s degrees, specifically designed for LDMC students including Chad
- SPMC — For Muslim communities in non-member countries
- IsDB-ISFD Program — Joint poverty reduction program specifically for the 21 LDMCs including Chad
Requirements:
- Citizen of Chad (or Muslim in a non-member country)
- Strong academic record
- Under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for PhD
- Development-relevant field of study
IsDB-France partnership: The IsDB also partners with Campus France to fund Chadian students studying in France, combining Islamic Development Bank funding with French higher education.
Apply at: isdb.org/scholarships
2. Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Scholarship Program
Saudi Arabia actively funds students from Arab League and OIC member countries. Chad is a member of both. Saudi universities including King Abdulaziz University, King Saud University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and Islamic University of Madinah all accept Chadian students on scholarship.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation
- Health insurance
- Annual airfare
Language advantage: Arabic-speaking Chadian students have a direct advantage — no language test needed for Arabic-medium programs.
Requirements:
- Chadian national
- Arabic proficiency for Arabic-medium programs
- Strong academic record
Apply through: Saudi Embassy in N’Djamena and individual university portals.
3. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — China
Chad and China have strong bilateral ties, particularly in the oil and petroleum sector. CSC scholarships are active for Chadian students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Free university dormitory
- Monthly stipend: CNY 3,000 (Master’s), CNY 3,500 (PhD)
- Medical insurance
Requirements:
- No IELTS required — MOI Certificate accepted for English programs
- No universal GPA minimum
Deadline: February–May 2027 depending on university.
Apply at: study.csc.edu.cn
Best fields for Chadian students in China: Petroleum engineering, civil engineering, agriculture, environmental science, public health, computer science, directly aligned with Chad’s oil economy and infrastructure development needs.
China-Chad connection: China’s significant investment in Chad’s oil sector creates institutional ties between Chadian and Chinese universities. Petroleum-related programs at China University of Petroleum (Beijing and East China campuses) are particularly accessible for Chadian students.
4. French Government Scholarships — France
France maintains active academic partnerships with Chad through Campus France N’Djamena. French government scholarships are available for Chadian students at multiple levels.
Campus France Chad Campus France manages French scholarship applications for Chadian students — Excellence Scholarships for top Master’s applicants, research grants for PhD candidates.
IsDB-France Joint Program: As noted above, the IsDB specifically partners with Campus France to offer joint scholarships for students from IsDB LDMC member countries including Chad in French universities. This combination means Chadian students can access both IsDB funding and French university programs simultaneously.
Language: French proficiency required — a natural advantage for Chadian students educated in the French-medium system.
Apply through: campusfrance.org and French Embassy in N’Djamena.
5. DAAD Scholarships — Germany
Chad’s OECD-DAC status makes Chadian students eligible for DAAD development programs.
DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) For working professionals with at least two years of experience. Covers EUR 850/month, health insurance, travel allowance. Tuition free at German public universities.
Fields: engineering, environmental sciences, economics, public health, agriculture, social sciences.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa Study at top African regional universities. Covers tuition, stipend up to EUR 8,920/year, health insurance, research allowances.
Language: No IELTS for English programs, MOI Certificate accepted. French academic background opens German-French joint programs.
Deadline: Most DAAD programs: October–January.
Apply at: daad.de
6. Turkiye Burslari — Turkey
Turkey is a natural scholarship destination for Chadian students, Muslim-majority country, Arabic-compatible cultural environment, no IELTS required, and Turkey-Chad bilateral relations are active.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Free university dormitory
- Monthly stipend
- Turkish language course (paid)
- One-way airfare
- Health insurance
Requirements:
- No IELTS required
- Minimum 75% equivalent GPA
- Under 30 for Master’s, under 35 for PhD
Deadline: January–February 2027.
Apply at: tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Turkey’s universities are strong in Islamic studies, engineering, medicine, and social sciences, all fields with high demand among Chadian students. Istanbul’s large African Muslim student community also provides an established support network.
7. Kuwait Cultural Scholarship — Kuwait
The Kuwait Cultural Office offers scholarships for students from Arab League and OIC member countries for study in Kuwait and abroad. Chad is a member of both organizations.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Free accommodation
- Health insurance
Language: Arabic proficiency is an advantage for Kuwait-based programs.
Apply through: Kuwait Embassy in N’Djamena or the Kuwait Cultural Office.
8. Erasmus Mundus — Europe
Chadian “Partner Country” applicants compete in a less crowded pool and receive higher funding.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- EUR 1,400/month living allowance
- Travel and installation allowances
- Health insurance
Strong programs for Chadian students:
- MESPOM — Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
- Global Studies (EMGS) — International relations and development
- Public Health programs across European universities
- VLIR-UOS ICP Programs — Belgium-based development Master’s for African students
Deadlines: November–January.
Apply at: eacea.ec.europa.eu
9. Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) — South Korea
Fully funded with the lowest GPA minimum of any major scholarship — 2.64/4.0.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- KRW 1,000,000/month (~USD 700)
- One year free Korean language training
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Medical insurance
Requirements:
- CGPA minimum 2.64/4.0
- No IELTS — MOI Certificate accepted
Deadline: Embassy Track: February–March 2027.
Apply through: Korean Embassy covering Chad.
10. Chevening Scholarship — United Kingdom
The UK government’s Chevening Scholarship is open to Chadian students for a one-year Master’s at any UK university.
What it covers:
- Full tuition (no cap)
- Monthly living allowance (~GBP 1,236 in London)
- Return economy airfare
- Visa fee reimbursement
Requirements:
- Chadian national
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of work experience
- IELTS 6.5
- Must return to Chad for two years after
Deadline: Applications open August 2026, close November 5, 2026.
Apply at: chevening.org
11. Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary
Fully funded and significantly less competitive than DAAD or Chevening.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- HUF 43,700/month (~EUR 115)
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Health insurance
Deadline: January–February 2027.
Apply at: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
12. Pan African University — African Union
The Pan African University network offers fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees. As an African Union member, Chadian students are eligible.
Best options for Chadian students:
- PAUWES (Water and Energy Studies, Algeria) — Energy studies directly relevant to Chad’s oil and water challenges
- PAUISTI (Governance, Yaoundé, Cameroon) — Governance and social sciences
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
Apply at: pau.ac.za
PAUWES in Algeria is particularly accessible for Chadian students given North Africa’s geographic and cultural proximity, and water security is one of Chad’s most critical development challenges.
Chad’s Three Unique Scholarship Advantages
1. IsDB Priority LDMC Status Chad is one of only 21 Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) in the Islamic Development Bank system. This gives Chadian students dedicated scholarship tracks, particularly the IsDB-ISFD poverty reduction program and the MSc LDMC track, that are not available to students from wealthier OIC member countries. The IsDB-France joint program also gives Chadian students access to French universities through IsDB funding.
2. Arabic-French Bilingual Access Chad’s two official languages are French and Arabic. This opens:
- Francophone programs (France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland)
- Arab country scholarships (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar)
- Islamic scholarships (IsDB, King Abdullah, OIC programs)
- Standard international programs (DAAD, Chevening, CSC, GKS)
No other Sahelian country combines all three of these pools simultaneously.
3. China-Chad Petroleum Sector Ties China’s significant investment in Chad’s oil sector creates active bilateral institutional ties. CSC scholarship quotas for Chadian students are supported by these state-level relationships. Petroleum engineering, environmental science, and civil engineering programs at Chinese universities are particularly accessible for Chadian students.
Scholarships Without IELTS for Chadian Students
| Scholarship | Language Requirement |
|---|---|
| IsDB | Arabic or French proof |
| Saudi King Abdullah | Arabic for Arabic programs |
| CSC China | MOI Certificate accepted |
| GKS Korea | No test required |
| Turkiye Burslari | No test required |
| DAAD EPOS | MOI Certificate for English |
| French Government | French proficiency |
| Chevening UK | IELTS 6.5 required |
Use ScholarWing’s free MOI Certificate Generator
Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Oct–Jan |
| Chevening | UK | November 5 |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Nov–Jan |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Jan–Feb |
| Turkiye Burslari | Turkey | Jan–Feb |
| GKS Korea | South Korea | Feb–Mar |
| CSC China | China | Feb–May |
| IsDB | Multiple | Check isdb.org |
| Saudi King Abdullah | Saudi Arabia | Check Embassy |
| Kuwait Cultural | Kuwait | Check Embassy |
| French Government | France | Check campusfrance.org |
| Pan African University | Africa | Check pau.ac.za |
Documents Most Programs Require
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- CV — academic format, 2 pages maximum
- Motivation letter (customized per scholarship)
- Two recommendation letters
- Research proposal or study plan
- Passport copy
- Language certificate — IELTS, TOEFL, French, Arabic proof, or MOI Certificate
- Medical certificate (CSC and some others)
- Work experience letter (DAAD EPOS, Chevening)
Free tools for every document: scholarwing.com
Practical Tips for Chadian Applicants
1. Apply to IsDB first — Chad is a priority LDMC The IsDB specifically designed dedicated tracks for the 21 LDMCs including Chad. These programs have less competition from wealthier OIC member countries. Apply at isdb.org and through the IsDB-France partnership at Campus France.
2. Use Arabic language for Arab country scholarships Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar all offer scholarships for OIC member countries. Arabic-speaking Chadian students have a direct advantage — no language test needed for Arabic-medium programs.
3. Use French for European programs Campus France Chad actively supports Chadian applicants. French-medium Erasmus Mundus programs, Belgian VLIR-UOS, Canadian CFSP, and French Excellence Scholarships all welcome Chadian students with French academic backgrounds.
4. PAUWES Algeria is geographically accessible The Pan African University Water and Energy campus in Algeria is the most geographically accessible PAU campus for Chadian students. Water security and energy are Chad’s most critical development challenges — this alignment strengthens your application narrative.
5. Apply to 4-5 programs simultaneously Build your core documents once. The IsDB, DAAD, and Chevening applications overlap in timing. Customize the motivation letter per program.
FAQ
Is Chad listed as a priority country for IsDB scholarships?
Yes, Chad is one of 21 Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) in the IsDB system. Chadian students have dedicated scholarship tracks including the MSc LDMC program and the IsDB-ISFD poverty reduction scholarship.
Can Arabic-speaking Chadian students apply for Arab country scholarships?
Yes — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar all offer scholarships for OIC member countries. Arabic-proficient Chadian students can apply for Arabic-medium programs without language tests.
Do Chadian students need IELTS for international scholarships?
Not for most programs. CSC China, GKS Korea, and Turkiye Burslari accept a free MOI Certificate or no test at all. French programs require French proficiency. Chevening requires IELTS 6.5.
What is the IsDB-France scholarship and does it cover Chad?
The IsDB partners with Campus France to fund students from LDMC member countries in French universities. Chad is an LDMC IsDB member, making Chadian students eligible for this joint program.
Which fields are most relevant for Chadian scholarship applicants?
Petroleum engineering, water resources, agriculture, environmental science, public health, civil engineering, and governance — all directly connected to Chad’s development priorities and compelling in scholarship applications.
When should I start preparing?
For DAAD and Chevening (October-November deadlines), start June-July 2026. For IsDB and CSC, check current cycle dates at isdb.org and study.csc.edu.cn.