Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme Documents Required 2026
Required 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
DBT Bank Seeding Warning
Your primary bank account must be active, seeded with your Aadhaar card, and mapped on the NPCI mapper. The government disbursements are made exclusively via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
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'.