Aga Khan Foundation Announces International Scholarship Programme for Postgraduate Studies

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has launched its International Scholarship Programme (ISP) to support exceptional scholars from select countries, enabling them to pursue postgraduate education. This initiative is aimed at students who lack the financial means to continue their studies. Eligible countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Additionally, candidates from Canada, France, Portugal, and the United States, originally from these countries, can also apply.

To qualify for the AKF ISP, applicants must have outstanding academic achievements and hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. They must demonstrate significant financial need and present a detailed funding plan for their entire course duration. Candidates must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution and begin their studies in the first year of their program. The foundation seeks individuals with strong leadership potential, professional experience, and a record of extracurricular or volunteer activities.

The scholarship is awarded as a combination of grant and loan, with recipients required to repay 50% of the award amount. Master’s degree scholarships cover the full duration of the program, while PhD scholarships are granted for the first two years, after which alternative funding is expected. The award covers both tuition fees and living expenses.

Applications are managed by AKF’s local units and related education services. The 2025-2026 application cycle will open in early January 2025 and close on March 31, 2025. For more information, prospective applicants can visit the official AKF website.