If you are planning to study abroad with financial support, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships are one of the best opportunities available for international students. This scholarship provides partially funded programs at highly reputable universities across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, to develop effective scholars and leaders, and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.
The foundation gives priority to requests for master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programs only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented). Applications for short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already started their course of study.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Institution(s): Aga Khan Foundation
- Study Destination: Any highly reputable university in Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, France, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, except universities in the UK and Russia.
- Program Period: Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 2 years.
Courses Offered
- Health
- Education
- Culture
- Rural development
- Institution building
- Economic development
- Agriculture and food security
- Civil society
- Enterprise development
- Financial inclusion
- Habitat
- Historic cities
- Humanitarian assistance
- Industrial development
- Infrastructure development
- Media
- Music
- Tourism promotion
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships Deadline
The application deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships is March 31, 2026. The 2026-2027 application cycle is now closed. The next cycle will open in early 2027.
Scholarship Coverage
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships provide the recipient with the following benefits:
- The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only.
- Funding for PhD programs is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.
- Financial assistance is provided according to the needs of students.
- Applicants are requested to make every effort to obtain funding from other sources as well so that the amount requested from the Foundation can be reduced to a minimum.
- Preference is given to those who have been able to secure some funding from alternative sources.
Loan Conditions
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 for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
To qualify for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Required Language: As per the chosen institute’s requirement.
- Eligible Countries: The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, the UK, the USA, and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies, and who have no other means of financing their education.
- Consistently excellent academic records.
- Genuine financial need.
- Admission to a highly reputable university or program of study.
- Relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas.
- Demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans,
- Their extracurricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals, and likelihood to succeed in a foreign academic environment.
- Applicants are expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.
- Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.
How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships?
Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation. International Scholarships:
- You should have an offer to study at the chosen university.
- Obtain an application form from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in the country of your current residence.
- Sent the completed application to the agency from which it was obtained. They should not be sent to Geneva.
Website
To know more about Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, please visit the official website:
