Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
The scholarship is structured as a 50% grant and 50% loan. It covers tuition fees and student living expenses (accommodation, food, and essential costs). The loan portion is interest-free, but a cumulative service charge of 5% per annum is levied on the amount of the loan. Scholarships for Master's studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course, while for PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which students are expected to find funding from alternative sources. The award does not cover international travel costs, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members. The amount is variable and provided according to demonstrated financial need, serving as a resource of last resort. An estimated annual amount for tuition and living expenses in the US is approximately $45,000 USD, which converts to approximately 4,300,200 INR (using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 95.56 INR as of July 12, 2026).
Inclusions
- **Nationality &
Residency:** Applicants must be citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, or Uganda
For study in the USA, Canada, or Portugal, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries, are interested in development-related studies, and have no other means of financing their education
Applicants must reside in a country where a local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) office processes applications and conducts interviews. - **
Academic
Record:** Must have excellent academic records. - **
Degree
Level:** Must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent training/professional experience
The scholarship is for postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD)
Priority is given to Master's programs
PhD applications are considered for outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and need a PhD for their career objectives. - **
Admission:** Must have confirmed admission to a reputable postgraduate institution before applying. - **
First
Year of
Study:** Must be starting the first year of the postgraduate program
Students who have already enrolled in or commenced their postgraduate studies are not eligible. - **
Financial
Need:** Must demonstrate genuine financial need and have a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan, with the AKF ISP considered a resource of last resort. - **
Leadership
Potential:** Must demonstrate strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions. - **
Age
Limit:** Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Masters, PhD
Must be enrolled in Masters, PhD.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
The selection process is global, annual, and highly competitive
Applications are initially reviewed by local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) committees, which assess candidates based on their academic achievements, potential for leadership, commitment to societal development, and genuine financial need
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews with local Scholarship Committees, where their financial situation, academic performance, extra-curricular achievements, and career plans are discussed
The final decisions are made by a Global Selection Panel, and award decisions are final with no appeals process.
Renewal Policy
Scholarships for Master's studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course, subject to satisfactory academic progress
For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which students are expected to find funding from alternative sources
To maintain an AKF ISP award, students need to demonstrate good academic standing and ongoing financial need throughout their postgraduate program
A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement, which includes the loan repayment terms
The repayment period for the loan portion is typically five years, starting six months after graduation or termination of studies.
Application Process
- 1**Verify Eligibility
** Use the eligibility criteria provided by the Aga Khan Foundation to ensure you meet all requirements, including nationality, residency, academic standing, and financial need. Ensure you are applying for your first year of postgraduate study.
- 2**Obtain Application Form
** Application forms are available from January 1st each year. Contact the local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) office or Aga Khan Education Services/Boards in your country of current residence to obtain the official application form and learn about any country-specific requirements. Application forms are generally not available for online download.
- 3**Secure University Admission
** Apply to and gain admission to a reputable postgraduate institution for a Master's or PhD program. Proof of admission is a mandatory part of the scholarship application.
- 4**Prepare a Multi-Source Funding Plan
** Develop a detailed financial plan demonstrating how you intend to finance your studies, showcasing that you have explored other funding sources (e.g., family support, savings, employer sponsorship, other scholarships) and explaining your remaining financial need. The AKF ISP is considered a 'resource of last resort'.
- 5**Gather Required Documents
** Compile all necessary supporting documents as listed in the 'docs_needed_json' section.
- 6**Submit Application
** Complete the application form accurately and submit it along with all supporting documents to the same AKF office or Aga Khan Education Board from which you obtained the form, by the specified deadline (typically March 31st, though internal deadlines may vary by country). Do not send applications directly to Geneva.
- 7**Attend Interview (if shortlisted)
** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview by local Scholarship Committees. Prepare to discuss your academic background, financial situation, extracurricular achievements, and career plans.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
Continuous Enrollment / Check Official Portal
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme for the 2026-2027 academic intake is now closed. The next application cycle, for the 2027-2028 academic year, is expected to open in early 2027.
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.When does the application cycle for the 2026-2027 academic year open?
The application cycle for studies commencing in the 2026-2027 academic year is now closed, as the application period typically runs from January 1st to March 31st of the year preceding the academic year. The next application cycle will open in early 2027 for studies commencing in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Q.Is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship a full grant?
No, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is structured as a 50% grant and a 50% loan. Recipients are required to repay half of the scholarship amount after completing their studies. The loan portion is interest-free, but a cumulative service charge of 5% per annum is levied on the amount of the loan.
Q.Can I apply if I have already started my postgraduate studies?
No, the scholarship is exclusively for students who are about to begin their first year of a postgraduate program. Students who have already enrolled in, or have commenced their Master's or PhD studies, are not eligible to apply.
Q.Does the scholarship cover all costs, including travel and family expenses?
The scholarship primarily covers tuition fees and student living expenses (accommodation, food, and essential costs). It does not cover the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a multi-source funding plan, as the AKF ISP is considered a 'resource of last resort'.
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
Need Application Help?
If you have trouble applying, you can check your eligibility or browse our step-by-step application guides.
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Aga Khan Foundation website before final submission.
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