IDB Education Trust Loan

About the IDB Education Trust

The IDB Education Trust is a South African faith-based non-profit organisation. It gives interest-free student loans, often called Qard Hasan, to Muslim students at local universities. Its work is linked to the Islamic Development Bank, and its office is in Sherwood, Durban.

The idea behind the Trust is simple. Money lent to one student is repaid after graduation, and the Trust then lends it to the next student. In this way, a single donation can help many young people over the years. Unlike a normal bursary, the funding is a loan, so students must plan for repayment.

How the Trust supports students

The Trust offers loan bursaries mainly for first-year students at South African universities. The loan covers tuition fees and, in many cases, a monthly allowance. Recipients may be able to renew the loan each year, which depends on their academic progress and the Trust's conditions.

Past application notices listed fields such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, food technology, public health, dentistry, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, computer science, and communication and media. However, the Trust's own website does not limit applicants to a fixed list, so you should read the current criteria carefully before you apply.

Repayment starts after graduation. In earlier published terms, graduates repaid over a period equal to the time they took to complete their qualification. The Trust also expects graduates to give back to their communities through their professions. Finally, students are asked to take part in the Trust's tarbiyyah programmes and events, which focus on character and community values.

For many families, a loan like this makes the difference between starting university and waiting another year. However, it works best when students keep their marks up and plan a careful budget. Keep records of every payment you receive. Contact the Trust early if your circumstances change, for example if you change courses or face financial trouble. Honest communication helps the Trust to support you now and to fund future students later.

What to know before applying

You must be a South African citizen. Preference goes to students in their first year, and financial need counts in the selection. A strong academic record matters as well, since places are limited.

Applications are made online through the Trust's website. Closing dates and the exact documents change between years, so do not rely on old advertisements. Instead, check the official site and contact the Durban office if you are unsure.

Read the loan agreement before you sign it. Make sure you understand when repayments begin, how long they run and what happens if you cannot pay. Remember that this is a loan, not a gift. If you need funding that never has to be repaid, apply for other bursaries and for NSFAS at the same time.