Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

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

Renewal Policy

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

• 1

  Verify Eligibility

  Review the comprehensive eligibility criteria on the official AKDN website to ensure you meet all requirements, including nationality (Indian citizens are eligible), age preference (under 30), academic excellence, and genuine financial need.

• 2

  Obtain Application Form

  Application forms are typically available from January 1st each year. You must obtain the form from your local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) office, Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) in India. Contact details for the India office are provided under 'Helpline'.

• 3

  Secure Admission

  You must apply to and secure 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 Documents

  Gather all necessary supporting documents, which typically include official academic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, a detailed multi-source funding plan, financial documentation (family income statements, tax returns), a personal statement outlining your academic goals and career plans, two to three letters of recommendation (academic or professional), and your CV/resume.

• 5

  Complete and Submit Application

  Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Return the completed application, along with all supporting documents, to the same local agency from which you obtained the form. The general deadline for submission is March 31, but internal deadlines may vary by country, so confirm this with your local office. Applications should not be sent directly to Geneva.

• 6

  Interview

  Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the local Scholarship Committee.

• 7

  Status Tracking

  Scholarship recipients are typically notified of the final decision by the end of July, following the global annual Scholarship Selection Meeting in late June or early July. There is no explicit online status tracking portal mentioned; communication is generally direct.