The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides postgraduate education opportunities for outstanding scholars who lack the financial resources to pursue advanced studies.
Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan IV, the programme has supported more than 1,500 students through competitive scholarship awards designed to develop future leaders, professionals, and community contributors.
The AKF ISP offers limited awards each year through a global selection process.
About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The AKF International Scholarship Programme supports talented students pursuing postgraduate education who demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement
- Leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Community involvement
- Financial need
The programme prioritizes students who have the potential to contribute positively to their communities and home countries.
Scholarship Benefits
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship provides financial support for postgraduate studies.
The award covers:
- Tuition expenses
- Student living expenses
The scholarship does not cover:
- International travel costs
- Clothing expenses
- Furniture costs
- Living expenses for family members
Scholarship Funding Structure
AKF ISP awards are 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 of the loan component begins six months after one of the following:
- Graduation
- Termination of studies
- Withdrawal of support due to failure to meet academic requirements
Eligible Countries
The programme 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 from countries such as Canada, Portugal, and the United States may apply if they originally come from one of the eligible countries.
The programme is currently not available for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have excellent academic records
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience
- Demonstrate genuine financial need
- Present a reliable multi-source funding plan covering all years of study
- Be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution
- Be starting the first year of a postgraduate programme
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Show professional experience, extracurricular achievements, entrepreneurial activities, or volunteer contributions
Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Eligible Study Levels
The scholarship mainly supports:
Master’s Programmes
AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s degree applicants.
Scholarships are provided for the full duration of the degree programme.
PhD Programmes
PhD applicants may also be considered.
Funding is available for the first two years of doctoral study, after which students are expected to secure alternative funding sources.
Who Cannot Apply?
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Have already started their postgraduate programme
- Are continuing an existing postgraduate degree
- Are applying for part-time programmes
- Are applying for short-term courses
Application Process
Applications are managed through AKF contacts in eligible countries.
Applicants should:
- Confirm their eligibility
- Contact the relevant local AKF team
- Prepare required application materials
- Submit an application during the annual application cycle
The 2026–2027 application cycle is closed, with the next cycle expected to open in early 2027.
Scholarship Selection Process
Recipients are selected through a competitive global process based on:
- Academic excellence
- Financial circumstances
- Leadership potential
- Professional achievements
- Community contribution
- Quality of application materials
Only a limited number of awards are available each cycle.
Summary Table
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Aga Khan Foundation |
| Programme | International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) |
| Study Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Target Group | Outstanding graduate students |
| Eligibility | Selected countries worldwide |
| Funding Type | 50% grant and 50% loan |
| Coverage | Tuition and living expenses |
| Duration | Full Master’s programme; first two years for PhD |
| Next Application Cycle | Expected early 2027 |
Conclusion
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme offers talented graduate students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education while receiving financial support based on academic potential and financial need.
For students seeking Master’s or PhD opportunities and demonstrating leadership, professional achievement, and commitment to community development, the AKF ISP provides a valuable pathway to advanced education and future impact.
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