Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme for Graduates

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme was set up with the primary aim of giving international students the opportunity to become productive scholars and effective leaders.

Scholarship Overview

The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.
This programme gives priority to scholars interested in pursuing courses at the master’s level.
There are a limited number of new scholarships available in each academic cycle.

Host School(s)

Field(s) of Study

The Foundation gives priority to requests for master’s level courses but may consider applications for PhD programs where doctoral degrees are deemed necessary for the career objectives of the student.

What does the scholarship cover?

These awards are structured on 50% grant and 50% loan basis. The recipient is required to repay 50% of the scholarship award amount.
Each award covers tuition and student living expenses.
NOTE:
To maintain this award, you must demonstrate ongoing financial need and good academic standing throughout the duration of your postgraduate programme.
Scholarships for Master’s studies are given for the entire duration of the course. For PhD students, however, the scholarships are only awarded for the first two years.

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and Madagascar.

NOTE:

Applications are also accepted from individuals who currently reside in France, Portugal, USA, and Canada but are originally from one of the developing countries listed above.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this scholarship, you must:

have an excellent academic record;
demonstrate genuine financial need;
be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution;
hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience;
be starting the first year of a postgraduate study program;
demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study;
have strong leadership potential, volunteer contributions, professional experience, and extracurricular/entrepreneurial achievements.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

All applications for the AKF ISP scholarships are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Board (AKB), or Aga Khan Education Services (AKES).
To apply for this scholarship, first answer the questions on the eligibility tool found at the website below. If you are eligible, you will receive an email from one of the local units who will then administer the application process.

Closing Date:

How do I get more information?