The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship provides a number of fully funded scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding indigent students from developing countries. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship award covers your tuition fees and living expenses and is granted for the entire duration of the degree course.
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship operates on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, meaning that recipients receive half of the funding as a non-repayable grant, while the other half must be repaid with a low-interest loan over a set period. This unique structure ensures that the program can continue to support future generations of students while promoting a sense of responsibility and financial independence among scholars. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs, but does not include travel expenses.
Eligibility for the scholarship is based on academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to social development. Applicants are required to demonstrate a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a desire to use their education to make a positive impact in their home countries. Preference is given to students pursuing programs in fields that align with the development priorities of the Aga Khan Foundation, such as health, education, culture, rural development, and economic development.
Candidates applying for the scholarship must undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes an initial screening, interviews, and a comprehensive assessment of their academic background, career goals, and financial situation. The selection process takes into account not only the applicant’s academic achievements but also their commitment to community service and leadership potential. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their education will contribute to the development of their local communities and beyond.
The Aga Khan Foundation places a strong emphasis on returning home and contributing to national development, and scholars are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways after completing their studies. Scholars become part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which connects them with a global community of professionals and development experts working across various sectors.
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship plays a vital role in empowering talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute to the sustainable development of their societies. Through this scholarship, the foundation aims to build a network of skilled professionals who can address critical challenges and foster positive change in their respective countries.
Requirements For The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
To be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, 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.
Benefits
- The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only.
- Funding is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.
- AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable for ISP funding, only if the quality of the course is maintained.
- The scholarship provides half of the fund for you as a loan, students are expected to return the other half for the purpose of continuity of the program.
- The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.
Selection Process
Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed by local Scholarship Committees about their financial situation, their academic performance, extra-curricular achievements and career plans.
The annual Scholarship Selection Meeting takes place in late June or early July and the Aga Khan Foundation notifies all students of the outcome of their application shortly thereafter.
Method of Application
The application procedures of AKF’s International Scholarship Programme are decentralised. Interested candidates should follow the procedure below;
- Students are to obtain application forms as of 1st January AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence.
- Ensure to fill the form appropriately and attach the right documents
- Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained before the deadline
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.
