The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides postgraduate funding opportunities for outstanding scholars from selected countries who do not have sufficient financial resources to pursue advanced studies.
Established in 1969 by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the programme has supported more than 1,500 students through competitive annual scholarship awards.
The 2026–2027 application cycle is closed, with the next application cycle expected to open in early 2027.
About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The AKF International Scholarship Programme supports talented students seeking postgraduate education at reputable universities.
The programme aims to develop future leaders by supporting individuals with:
- Strong academic achievements
- Leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Community involvement
- Entrepreneurial accomplishments
Scholarship recipients are selected through a global, competitive application process.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is available to applicants from selected countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Applicants living in countries such as Canada, Portugal, and the USA may apply if they are originally from one of the eligible countries.
The programme is currently not available for students wishing to study in:
- United Kingdom
- Russia
Degree Levels Supported
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme primarily supports:
Master’s Degrees
Priority is given to applicants pursuing postgraduate Master’s programmes.
PhD Programmes
Applications for PhD studies may also be considered.
For PhD applicants, funding is provided for the first two years, after which students are expected to secure alternative funding sources.
Scholarship Benefits and Funding
The AKF International Scholarship provides financial support covering:
- Tuition expenses
- Student living expenses
The scholarship does not cover:
- International travel costs
- Clothing expenses
- Furniture expenses
- Living expenses for family members
Funding Structure
The scholarship is structured as:
- 50% grant
- 50% loan
Recipients are required to repay the loan portion of the award.
A guarantor must co-sign the scholarship agreement.
Repayment begins six months after the earliest of:
- Graduation
- Termination of studies
- Withdrawal of scholarship support due to academic performance issues
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Academic Qualifications
- Have excellent academic records
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Have admission to a reputable postgraduate institution
Financial Need
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate genuine financial need
- Provide a realistic multi-source funding plan covering the full study period
The scholarship should be considered a last-resort funding option, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional financial support.
Leadership and Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Entrepreneurial achievements
- Extracurricular involvement
- Volunteer contributions
Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years old.
Application Process
Applications are managed through AKF contacts in eligible countries.
Applicants must:
- Check their eligibility through the AKF eligibility tool
- Contact the relevant local AKF team
- Submit the required application materials through the appropriate process
Important Scholarship Conditions
To maintain the award, students must:
- Maintain good academic standing
- Continue demonstrating financial need
- Successfully progress through their postgraduate programme
Applicants must also be:
- Starting the first year of their postgraduate programme
- Enrolling in a full-time programme
The scholarship does not support:
- Students already enrolled in postgraduate studies
- Part-time programmes
- Short-term courses
Alternative Scholarship Opportunities
The Aga Khan Foundation also highlights other funding opportunities, including:
- Australia Awards
- British Chevening Scholarships
- DAAD Scholarships Germany
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Rhodes Scholarships
- UK Commonwealth Scholarships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- World Bank Scholarship Program
Who Should Apply?
The AKF International Scholarship Programme is suitable for:
- Young professionals
- Graduate students
- Researchers
- Future leaders
- Community-focused individuals
- Students from eligible countries seeking Master’s or PhD opportunities
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to contribute positively to their communities.
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