OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund)
OFID Scholarship Award 2026
Edit ScholarshipGuide to the OFID Scholarship Award 2026 for developing country students: eligibility, full tuition coverage, application steps, and deadlines.
Overview
The OFID Scholarship Award, administered by the OPEC Fund for International Development (formerly OFID), supports outstanding young students from developing countries who want to pursue a master's degree in a development-related field at any accredited university worldwide. The program reflects the OPEC Fund's commitment to building human capital in nations facing the greatest development challenges, especially in poverty reduction, energy sustainability, and environmental protection.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a relocation grant for one year of graduate study. Since its launch, the program has supported scholars from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who have gone on to contribute to development work in their home regions.
As of early 2026, the OPEC Fund is restructuring its scholarship program and is not accepting new applications. Prospective applicants should monitor the official OPEC Fund website for announcements on when the program reopens. This guide reflects the most recent publicly available eligibility criteria and application procedures from prior cycles, which are expected to stay broadly similar when the program resumes.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) |
| Degree Levels | Master's |
| Value | Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, relocation grant |
| Deadline | Currently restructuring |
| Duration | 1 year of master's study |
| Eligible Nationalities | Nationals of developing countries (excluding OPEC Fund member countries) |
| Official Website | https://opecfund.org/what-we-offer/special-initiatives/scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold a completed or near-completed bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). The chosen master's program must be in a field relevant to international development: development economics, energy and sustainable development, environmental science, or related science and technology disciplines.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be nationals of a developing country. Citizens of OPEC Fund member countries are not eligible. Excluded countries: Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Language Requirements
Strong English proficiency is expected, as the application and most supported programs are in English. Specific test score requirements depend on the host university's admission standards.
Work Experience
No formal work experience requirement. Demonstrated involvement in development-related activities or community work strengthens the application.
Other Requirements
Applicants must be between 23 and 32 years of age at the time of application. They must be matriculated or accepted at an accredited university for full-time master's study beginning in the upcoming academic year.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees and any supplementary fees charged by the host institution
- Monthly living allowance for one year to cover accommodation and daily expenses
- One round-trip economy airfare between the applicant's home country and the university location
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship
- Relocation grant to help cover initial settlement costs such as housing deposits and supplies
- Freedom to study at any accredited university worldwide, not restricted to a single host country
- Access to a network of OPEC Fund scholars and alumni in the international development sector
- Study in development-focused disciplines directly aligned with global sustainability goals
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and choose a program: Verify that you meet the nationality, age, academic, and field-of-study requirements. Identify and secure admission to a master's program at an accredited university in a development-related discipline aligned with the OPEC Fund's mission.
- Register on the OPEC Fund application portal: Create an account on the OPEC Fund's online scholarship application platform. Fill out the registration form with your personal details, academic background, and chosen program information.
- Prepare and upload required documents: Gather all supporting documents: transcripts, degree certificates, a personal essay, recommendation letters, your CV, and proof of university admission or pending application. Upload them through the online portal.
- Write and submit your personal essay: Write a 500-word essay in English explaining your reasons for applying, how the master's degree relates to development in your home country, and how you plan to use the qualification to contribute to sustainable development upon completion.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline: Review all sections for accuracy and completeness. Submit the final application through the online portal before the deadline, typically in April or May.
- Await selection results: The OPEC Fund's selection committee reviews all applications and picks awardees based on academic merit, relevance of the proposed study to development, and quality of the personal essay. Successful candidates are notified by email.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor's degree certificate and official academic transcripts
- Proof of admission or pending application to an accredited master's program
- Personal essay of about 500 words explaining motivation and development goals
- Two recommendation letters from academic professors or lecturers
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Copy of valid passport or national identity document
- Passport-sized photograph
- English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent, as required by the host university)
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Typically January-February annually (currently paused during restructuring) |
| Application Deadline | Typically April-May annually (currently paused during restructuring) |
| Results Announced | Typically June-July annually |
| Course Start | August-September of the award year |
Tips for a Strong Application
Personal Statement Tips
- Focus on a specific development challenge in your home country and explain how your proposed master's program will equip you to address it. Vague references to 'helping my country' are not enough.
- Show awareness of the OPEC Fund's core mission areas (energy, poverty reduction, sustainable development) and connect your academic goals to those themes.
- Include concrete examples of past involvement in development work, community projects, or relevant professional activities to show your commitment is not purely theoretical.
- Explain your post-graduation plans with specifics: which organizations, sectors, or projects you intend to work with and why your field of study is the right preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from an OPEC Fund member country. Citizens of Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Venezuela are ineligible.
- Choosing a field of study unrelated to international development. The scholarship specifically targets development-relevant disciplines.
- Submitting the application without securing admission or at least a pending application to a master's program. Proof of enrollment or application is required.
- Exceeding the age limit. Applicants must be between 23 and 32 at the time of application.
- Writing a generic personal essay that does not explain how the degree connects to development outcomes in your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OFID Scholarship currently accepting applications?
As of early 2026, the OPEC Fund is restructuring its scholarship program and is not accepting new applications. Check the official website at opecfund.org for updates on when the program reopens.
Can I study at any university in the world with the OFID Scholarship?
Unlike many scholarships that restrict study to a specific country or institution, the OFID Scholarship lets recipients attend any accredited university worldwide, as long as the program is a master's degree in a development-related field.
What fields of study does the OFID Scholarship support?
Master's programs in fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's development mission: development economics, poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environmental science, desertification studies, and related science and technology disciplines.
Are nationals of OPEC member countries eligible?
Citizens of OPEC Fund member countries (Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Venezuela) are not eligible. The scholarship is for nationals of other developing countries only.
What is the age limit for the OFID Scholarship?
Between 23 and 32 at the time of application. There are no exceptions.
Does the OFID Scholarship cover living expenses?
The scholarship includes a monthly living allowance for one year, plus full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a relocation grant.
Can I apply for the OFID Scholarship for a PhD program?
The OFID Scholarship is for master's degree programs only. PhD and undergraduate students are not eligible.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The OPEC Fund awards a small number of scholarships annually, with recent cohorts including scholars from Colombia, Vietnam, Kenya, Bangladesh, Belize, Ethiopia, and Argentina. The exact number varies by cycle.
Do I need to have university admission before applying?
Applicants must be matriculated at or have a pending application to an accredited university for a full-time master's program beginning in the upcoming academic year.
Is the OFID Scholarship the same as the OPEC Fund Scholarship?
The organization formerly known as OFID rebranded as the OPEC Fund. The scholarship program is the same entity under the updated name.