Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Aga Khan Foundation · All India
| Scheme Name | Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme |
| Provided By | Aga Khan Foundation |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹43.0 Lakh+
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition fees and living expenses (including accommodation, food, and essential costs) for postgraduate studies abroad. The award is structured as a 50% grant and a 50% loan. The loan component carries a 5% annual service charge, and repayment is expected within five years after the study period, or six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support, whichever comes first. The scholarship does not cover international travel costs, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members. It is intended as a 'resource of last resort' to supplement other secured funding sources. The exact amount is variable and determined based on the student's demonstrated financial need.
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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.
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Academic Record:Must have excellent academic records.
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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.
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Admission:Must have confirmed admission to a reputable postgraduate institution before applying.
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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.
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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.
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Leadership Potential:Must demonstrate strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.
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Age Limit:Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed AKF International Scholarship Programme application form
- ✓Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions
- ✓Bachelor's degree certificate or equivalent
- ✓Admission offer letter from the host university (proof of confirmed admission)
- ✓Detailed multi-source funding plan demonstrating genuine financial need
- ✓Financial documentation (e.g., family income statements, tax returns)
- ✓Personal statement outlining academic goals, career plans, and how the education will benefit your community
- ✓Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume detailing academic, professional, and leadership experience
- ✓Proof of residence
- ✓English proficiency test scores (if applicable/required by university)
- ✓Passport copy
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected through a global, competitive annual process based on several criteria
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These include consistent academic excellence, genuine financial need, and demonstrated leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular achievements, and volunteer contributions
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Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution (Master's or PhD) to commence their first year of study
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Preference is given to Master's degree applicants and those under 30 years of age
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A thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan is a crucial requirement
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Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews with local Aga Khan Foundation committees.
Renewal Policy
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To maintain the scholarship, recipients must demonstrate good academic standing and ongoing financial need throughout their postgraduate program
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For Master's studies, the scholarship covers the entire duration of the degree course
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For PhD students, the scholarship is awarded for the first two years, after which they are expected to secure funding from alternative sources.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Verify Eligibility
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including nationality (Indian citizens are eligible, provided they reside in India at the time of application), age preference (under 30), excellent academic records, genuine financial need, and strong leadership potential. You must also be seeking admission for the first year of a postgraduate program (Master's or PhD) at a reputable institution.
- 2Obtain Application Form
The application cycle for 2026-27 is expected to open in January 2026. Contact the Aga Khan Foundation (India) office via email (scholarship.esc@djtrust.org, 2023.akfispindia@gmail.com) or phone ((11) 47399700) to obtain the official application form and learn about any country-specific requirements.
- 3Secure University Admission
Apply to and gain admission to a reputable university for your Master's or PhD program. While you can apply for the scholarship first, an admission offer letter is a required document for the scholarship application.
- 4Prepare Documents
Gather all necessary supporting documents, which typically include: a completed application form, official academic transcripts and diplomas, passport-sized photographs, copies of your passport or national ID, your university admission offer letter (if available), a detailed statement of purpose/personal statement, a comprehensive budget outlining all sources of income and funding, proof of your family's income and financial situation, and two or three letters of recommendation.
- 5Develop a Multi-Source Funding Plan
The scholarship is a 'last-resort' resource, so you must demonstrate a thoughtful and reliable multi-source funding plan covering all years of study.
- 6Submit Application
Complete the application form with accurate and detailed information. Submit the application and all required documents to the same AKF office or Aga Khan Education Board from which you obtained the form. The typical deadline for submission is March 31st.
- 7Status Tracking
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between April and June. Final decisions are typically communicated by the end of July. For status inquiries, it is advisable to contact the local AKF office where you submitted your application.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What does the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and living expenses for the student during their postgraduate studies at reputable universities worldwide. It is awarded as a 50% grant and a 50% loan, with the loan portion carrying a 5% annual service charge. It does not cover international travel or living expenses for family members.
Am I eligible to apply if I am an Indian citizen?
Yes, Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, provided they are currently residing in India at the time of application. The scholarship supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
When does the application cycle for 2026-27 open, and what is the deadline?
The application cycle for the 2026-27 academic year is expected to open in January 2026. The typical deadline for submitting applications is March 31st. The 2025-26 cycle is already closed.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. 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.