Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme Apply Online 2026
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- 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.
FAQs for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
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'.