Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a prestigious initiative founded in 1969 by His Late Highness Aga Khan IV. It aims to support talented individuals from developing countries who face financial challenges in pursuing postgraduate education. Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships to over 1,500 scholars, helping them advance academically and contribute to their communities and professions.

The scholarship targets exceptional students with demonstrated financial need and a well-rounded profile, including leadership skills, professional experience, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship, or volunteerism. It primarily serves young professionals, typically under 30 years old, originating from specific eligible regions. Importantly, applicants can apply from anywhere in the world, provided they come from the designated countries.

The program combines grants and loans to make higher education accessible and sustainable. This comprehensive guide offers detailed information on eligibility, benefits, the application process, important deadlines, selection criteria, practical advice, and frequently asked questions, designed to help applicants prepare effectively and confidently. If you need further details or assistance regarding this scholarship, feel free to ask.

Scholarship Overview

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet these key requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be a national from one of the eligible countries or originally from one if applying from certain host countries like Canada, France, Portugal, or the USA.
• Academic qualifications: Hold excellent academic records and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience.
• Work experience: Professional experience is valued, along with strong leadership potential, extracurricular achievements, entrepreneurial activities, and volunteer contributions.
• Language requirements: Not explicitly detailed; check with local office for any specific tests required by your chosen institution.
• Other requirements: Demonstrate genuine financial need, present a thoughtful multi-source funding plan covering all years of study, secure admission to a reputable postgraduate institution, and start the first year of the programme (students already enrolled or commenced are ineligible). Preference goes to young professionals under 30 years of age. Applications for part-time programmes or short-term courses are not considered. Priority is given to Master’s programmes, but PhD applications are accepted. Local, regional, or distance learning options may qualify if quality is maintained.

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES

The programme is available to nationals from these countries (primarily developing regions). Applications are processed through local offices in these locations:

• Africa: Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda
• Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan
• Other: Australia, New Zealand

In addition, applications are accepted in countries such as Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA from those originally from the above-listed countries.

Note: The programme is not available for study in the United Kingdom or Russia.

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY

This scholarship is open to all fields of study at reputable postgraduate institutions. There are no specific restrictions mentioned, though the focus is on programmes that support personal and community development. Priority is given to Master’s level courses, with PhD considered.

BENEFITS

The AKF ISP provides targeted support structured as 50% grant (non-repayable) and 50% loan (repayable with a service charge). Key benefits include:

• Tuition fees: Full or partial coverage based on need and availability.
• Living allowance/stipend: Support for student living expenses during the programme.
• Other benefits: Assistance is limited to tuition and living costs for the student only. It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, family living expenses, or similar personal costs.
• For Master’s: Funding covers the entire duration of the degree.
• For PhD: Funding typically covers the first two years, after which alternative sources must be secured.
• A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement. Repayment of the loan portion starts six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support due to academic issues.

Awards are considered a last resort, so applicants should secure other funding to minimize the requested amount.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Prepare these documents carefully as part of your application:

1. Proof of citizenship or nationality (such as passport or national ID).
2. Academic transcripts from previous studies.
3. Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification proof.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting professional experience, leadership, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.
5. Admission letter from a reputable postgraduate institution confirming first-year entry.
6. Statement of purpose or essays explaining your goals, financial need, and funding plan.
7. Recommendation letters (typically from academic or professional referees).
8. Evidence of financial need and a multi-source funding plan.
9. Any language test scores if required by your chosen institution.
10. Details of a guarantor for the loan component.

Contact your local office for the exact list, as requirements may vary slightly by country.

HOW TO APPLY

Follow these steps to submit a strong application:

Step 1: Visit the official AKDN website and access the eligibility tool (chatbot or form) to confirm your eligibility based on nationality, residence, and other criteria.

Step 2: Use the eligibility tool results to identify and contact the local Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board office in your country of residence.

Step 3: Obtain the official application forms from your local AKF/AKES/AKEB office (available from January 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle).

Step 4: Secure admission to a reputable postgraduate programme (Master’s preferred) and obtain your official admission letter.

Step 5: Gather all required documents, including proof of admission, academic records, CV, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and a detailed multi-source funding plan.

Step 6: Complete the application form thoroughly, emphasizing your academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need, and how the scholarship fits your career goals.

Step 7: Arrange for a guarantor to co-sign the potential award agreement if selected.

Step 8: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to your local AKF contact before the internal deadline (often earlier than the global 31 March 2026).

Step 9: If shortlisted, prepare for an interview with the local Scholarship Committee, typically held in June or July.

Step 10: Await final selection results, and if awarded, maintain good academic standing and demonstrate ongoing need to keep the support.

KEY DATES AND TIMELINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application deadline is 31 March 2026. Internal deadlines in certain countries may be earlier, so check with your local office promptly. Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Beyond meeting basic eligibility, the committee seeks candidates who show:

• Academic excellence through strong records and potential.
• Leadership potential demonstrated via professional roles, initiatives, or community impact.
• Career plan that aligns with personal growth and societal contribution, often tied to development goals.
• Genuine financial need combined with a realistic, multi-source funding strategy.
• Extracurricular achievements, entrepreneurial efforts, and volunteer contributions.
• Overall promise to become effective scholars and leaders, particularly in fields that benefit the Aga Khan Development Network’s mission.

Preference is given to those under 30 and those treating the award as a last resort.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Start early: Contact your local office as soon as possible after January 2026 to get forms and guidance specific to your area.
2. Secure admission first: Have your postgraduate acceptance confirmed before applying, as it is a core requirement.
3. Build a strong funding plan: Show multiple sources (savings, family, other scholarships) to strengthen your case and potentially reduce the loan amount.
4. Highlight leadership and impact: Use your CV, essays, and recommendations to showcase real examples of initiative, volunteering, or professional achievements.
5. Demonstrate need transparently: Provide clear evidence of financial situation without exaggeration; honesty builds trust.
6. Prepare for interviews: Practice discussing your goals, need, and repayment commitment; shortlisted candidates face local committee reviews.
7. Explore alternatives: Research other funding options listed on the AKDN site to complement this scholarship.
8. Proofread everything: Ensure documents are error-free, well-organized, and submitted on time to avoid disqualification.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OFFICIAL LINK

Visit the official page for the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme and access the eligibility tool here: https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships

From there, you can verify eligibility and find local contacts. Always refer to the official source for the most up-to-date details. Good luck with your application; your dedication and potential can open incredible doors!

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