Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Brief description: 

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year.

Host Institution(s): 

Any reputable university or postgraduate institution of higher learning.

Field of study:

The Foundation prioritizes requests for master’s-level courses but is willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs. Applications for short-term courses are not considered.

Target group:

Nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the USA*.

*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are accepted from those initially from one of the above-developing countries, are interested in development-related studies, and have no other means of financing their education.

Scholarship value/inclusions/duration:

The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.

Scholarships for master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. Funding for Ph.D. programs is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.

Half of the scholarship amount is considered a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria:

Geographic Scope

The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the USA*.

*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are accepted from those initially from one of the above-developing countries, are interested in development-related studies, and have no other means of financing their education.

Residency Requirement

The Foundation only accepts applications from eligible nationals listed above who are residing in one of the countries where there are local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices that process applications and interview candidates.

Age Limit

Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.

Application instructions:

The deadline for submitting applications is March 17, 2023, although internal deadlines may be earlier in certain countries. Applicants are advised to contact the local offices for internal deadline dates and requirements, as these may vary from country to country. Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. They should not be sent to Geneva.

It is essential to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Website for the Scholarship: https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme