Applications are now open for the 2025 Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme. The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date.
Fact About The AGA KHAN Foundation
- Established in 1969: The Aga Khan Foundation was established by His Highness the Aga Khan to provide financial assistance to outstanding scholars.
- Global Reach: The foundation has supported over 1,000 students from around the world to date.
- Focus on Sustainable Development: The Aga Khan Foundation is committed to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in developing countries.
- Half Grant, Half Loan: The foundation’s scholarship program is structured as a half grant, half loan, requiring recipients to repay 50% of the award amount.
- Reputable Postgraduate Institutions: The foundation only supports students admitted to reputable postgraduate institutions.
- Strong Leadership Potential: The foundation looks for applicants with strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular achievements, and volunteer contributions.
- Preference for Young Professionals: The foundation gives preference to young professionals under 30 years of age.
- Improving Quality of Life: The Aga Khan Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in developing countries through education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: The foundation partners with other organizations and institutions to achieve its goals and maximize impact.
- Transforming Lives: The Aga Khan Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through education and skills development, and has supported numerous students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. The AKF ISP offers a limited number of new awards in each cycle.
(i) At present, the AKF ISP is available in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya,Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique,Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
(ii) In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the countries listed in point (i).
Eligibility Criteria For AGA KHAN Foundation Scholarship Program For Postgraduate Students
To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, you must:
- have excellent academic records;
- hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience;
- demonstrate genuine financial need;
- construct a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan;
- be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution; and
- have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.
Note: preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Duration & Rewards For AGA KHAN Foundation Scholarship Program For Postgraduate Students
AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount. Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
The award covers your tuition fees and living expenses. It does not cover the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.
How To Apply For AGA KHAN Foundation Scholarship Program For Postgraduate Students
Interested Applicants Should Use The Link Below To Apply Before 31 March, 2025