Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a long-running, highly competitive scholarship for outstanding students from selected developing countries who have no other means of financing postgraduate study. Established in 1969 and part of the Aga Khan Development Network, the programme has supported more than 1,500 scholars and is run as a global, annual competition with only a limited number of new awards each cycle.

A defining feature of the AKF ISP is its shared-funding model. Awards are made on a 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan basis, so half of the amount must be repaid. The loan carries an annual service charge of around 5 percent, requires a guarantor to co-sign, and is repaid over five years beginning six months after the funded study period. The award covers tuition and student living expenses, but it does not cover costs such as international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members, and it is intended as a resource of last resort alongside other funding.

The programme gives priority to master’s study and considers PhD applications only in exceptional cases, where the funding is limited to the first two years. It is offered to nationals residing in a defined set of countries, which has included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda, plus applicants originally from those countries who live in Canada, France, Portugal, or the USA. It is not available for study in the United Kingdom.

Applications are decentralised and handled by local Aga Khan Foundation, Education Services, or Education Board offices, which issue forms (usually from January), interview candidates, and feed into a selection meeting held in mid-year. Preference is given to applicants under 30 with strong academics, leadership, and a clear plan. For talented, financially constrained students from eligible countries, it is a respected route into postgraduate study.

• National of, and residing in, one of the eligible countries (which has included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda).
• Applicants originally from those countries who live in Canada, France, Portugal, or the USA may also apply.
• Entering the first year of a postgraduate programme; students already enrolled are not eligible.
• Excellent academic record and a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Demonstrated financial need, with a plan to cover costs from multiple sources (the award is a resource of last resort).
• Admission, or an application, to a reputable postgraduate institution (priority to master's; PhD only in exceptional cases).
• Strong leadership potential, professional experience, and extracurricular or volunteer achievements; preference for applicants under 30.
• Note: the programme is not available for study in the United Kingdom.

• Award covering tuition and student living expenses.
• Structured as 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan.
• The loan carries an annual service charge of around 5 percent and is repaid over five years, beginning six months after the funded study.
• Master's awards run for the full degree; PhD awards are limited to the first two years.
• Membership of a global network of Aga Khan Foundation scholars and alumni.
• Note: does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or family living expenses, and a guarantor is required for the loan.

• AKF ISP application form, obtained from your local AKF, AKES, or AKEB office.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Proof of admission or application to a postgraduate programme.
• Detailed financial-need documentation and a multi-source funding plan.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose covering your goals and career plans.
• Proof of English (or French) proficiency where required.
• Passport copy.

• Use the eligibility tool on the AKDN/AKF website to confirm you are eligible and to be connected to your local office.
• Obtain the application form from your local Aga Khan Foundation, Education Services, or Education Board office (usually available from January).
• Secure or apply for admission to a reputable postgraduate programme.
• Complete the form and submit it, with all supporting documents, to the local office by its deadline (do not send applications to Geneva).
• Attend an interview with the local scholarship committee about your finances, academics, and plans.
• Await the outcome; the annual selection meeting is held in mid-year and applicants are notified shortly after.