Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a competitive annual award established in 1969 to support outstanding postgraduate students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. It has supported over 1,500 students to date, prioritizing Master's programmes but also considering exceptional PhD candidates. Awards are structured as 50% grant and 50% loan, with the loan portion repayable including a service charge starting six months after graduation, termination of studies, or failure to meet academic standards. A guarantor is required to co-sign the agreement. Recipients must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate ongoing financial need.
The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the student throughout the Master's programme duration. For PhD scholars, funding is provided only for the first two years, after which alternative sources must be secured. It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members. As a lender of last resort, applicants must present a multi-source funding plan, and preference is given to those securing partial funding elsewhere. Applications are processed locally through AKF/AKES/AKEB offices in eligible countries.
Eligibility Requirements
- Excellent academic records
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience
- Genuine financial need with a thoughtful, multi-source funding plan covering all study years
- Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution, starting the first year (not already enrolled)
- Strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular/entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions
- Young professionals under 30 preferred
- National of/residing in eligible countries: e.g., Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda (or originally from these if in Canada, Portugal, USA)
- Not for studies in UK or Russia, part-time/short-term courses, or distance learning unless high quality
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.