The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme provides financial assistance to outstanding students from selected countries who want to pursue postgraduate education but cannot afford the full cost of their studies. Established in 1969, the programme has supported more than 1,500 students in pursuing higher education. It is offered by the Aga Khan Foundation and follows a competitive annual selection process. Students interested in studying in the United States can also explore this opportunity, provided they meet the programme’s country-of-origin requirements. The scholarship aims to support talented individuals who have strong academic backgrounds, financial need and the potential to contribute to their communities.

One of the main reasons students consider the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is its support for both tuition fees and living expenses. Unlike scholarships restricted to a particular university, the programme can support postgraduate studies at reputable institutions, subject to the Foundation’s approval and funding conditions. It gives priority to Master’s degree applicants but also considers certain PhD applications. However, students should understand that the award is not entirely a grant. Half of the financial assistance is provided as a loan that must be repaid. This makes it particularly important to understand the funding conditions, eligibility requirements and application process before applying.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Program Summary

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme is designed for academically strong students who demonstrate genuine financial need and have a clear plan for financing their postgraduate education. It is available in selected countries, including Pakistan, while applicants originally from eligible countries can also apply when studying in the USA.

Eligibility for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is intended for students who have strong academic records but face financial difficulties in pursuing postgraduate education. Applicants must demonstrate their academic ability, financial need, professional experience and potential to contribute to society.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Applicants must belong to one of the countries where the programme is available. These include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda.
• USA applicants: Students applying from the United States must originally be from one of the countries listed by the Foundation.
• Academic background: Applicants must have an excellent academic record and hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training or professional experience.
• Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need and an inability to finance their studies independently.
• Admission: Applicants must have admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.
• Study commencement: Students must be entering the first year of their postgraduate programme. Those who have already enrolled or started their postgraduate studies are not eligible.
• Leadership potential: Applicants should demonstrate leadership qualities, professional experience, extracurricular achievements, entrepreneurial activities or volunteer contributions.
• Funding plan: Applicants must prepare a reliable funding plan using multiple financial sources to cover all years of their studies.

Age and Academic Requirements

Students under 30 receive preference, particularly young professionals with relevant experience and leadership potential. Having a Bachelor’s degree is an important requirement, although equivalent training or professional experience may also be considered. A strong academic background alone does not guarantee selection. The Foundation also considers financial circumstances, admission to a reputable institution, professional achievements and the applicant’s ability to succeed in their chosen programme.

Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who would otherwise struggle to afford postgraduate education. However, applicants should carefully understand its funding structure before accepting an award.

Financial Benefits

• Tuition expenses: The scholarship contributes towards the tuition costs of an approved postgraduate programme.
• Living expenses: Financial assistance is available to cover student living expenses during the supported period of study.
• Master’s degree funding: Successful Master’s applicants can receive support for the entire duration of their degree programme.
• PhD funding: PhD scholarships cover the first two years of study. Students are expected to arrange alternative funding for the remaining years.
• The Aga Khan Foundation divides its award into two equal parts:
  • 50% is provided as a grant, which does not need to be repaid.
  • 50% is provided as a loan, which must be repaid under the Foundation’s loan agreement.

A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement. Repayment of the loan component, which includes a service charge, begins six months after the first of these events:

1. Graduation.
2. Termination of studies.
3. Withdrawal of scholarship support because the student has failed to maintain the expected academic standards.

Academic and Personal Benefits

• International education: Students can pursue postgraduate education at reputable institutions in eligible study destinations.
• Advanced academic development: The programme supports Master’s and selected PhD studies, allowing students to develop specialist knowledge in their fields.
• Professional development: Applicants with leadership potential, professional experience and community involvement are particularly encouraged.
• Long-term career opportunities: Students can use their postgraduate education to strengthen their professional skills and contribute to their communities.

Documents Required for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Applications are handled through local contacts in eligible countries, and applicants are directed to these teams through the official eligibility tool. However, it is useful to prepare the following documents in advance, as they can help demonstrate your academic background, financial circumstances and suitability for postgraduate study.

How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation follows a decentralised application process. Applications are handled by the Foundation’s local contacts in countries where the programme operates. Students must first check their eligibility and identify the appropriate local team.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Visit the Aga Khan Foundation’s official International Scholarship Programme page.Visit the Official Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Website
• Read the eligibility requirements, award conditions and country restrictions carefully before proceeding.
• Review the list of eligible countries and confirm that your nationality and intended study destination meet the programme’s conditions.
• For example, Pakistani nationals can apply through the programme’s eligible country arrangements. Pakistani students interested in studying in the United States can also explore the USA application route.
• The Foundation provides an eligibility tool on its website. Use it to check whether you meet the programme’s requirements and identify the relevant local contact.
• This step is important because the application process and instructions are managed by country-specific teams.
• After checking your eligibility, contact the relevant local office to obtain information about the current application cycle.
• Do not assume that every country follows identical application instructions.
• Applicants must have admission to a reputable postgraduate institution and should be entering the first year of their programme.
• The Foundation gives priority to Master’s programmes, although PhD applications are also considered.
• Students should research their chosen universities and ensure that their programmes meet the Foundation’s academic requirements.
• Financial need is an important part of the selection process. Applicants must demonstrate how they intend to cover the complete cost of their education.
• The Foundation specifically encourages students to secure multiple sources of funding because the AKF ISP is considered a resource of last resort.
• Your funding plan should clearly explain:
  • Your estimated tuition expenses.
  • Your expected living expenses.
  • Any scholarships or financial assistance you have secured.
  • Other funding sources you intend to pursue.
  • The remaining amount you need to finance your education.

• Obtain the official application form and follow the instructions provided by your local team.
• The Foundation uses a competitive selection process. Applicants should remain available for any additional assessments or interviews communicated by their local team.
• If selected, carefully review the award agreement, particularly the 50% loan component, guarantor requirement and repayment conditions.
• Also make sure you understand the funding duration and the conditions for maintaining the award throughout your studies.

Application Tips

1. Clearly describe why you cannot finance your postgraduate education independently. Provide accurate supporting information.
2. Do not depend entirely on the AKF ISP. Identify other scholarships, grants or financial assistance opportunities that could help cover your expenses.
3. Choose a relevant postgraduate programme: Explain how your chosen degree connects with your previous education, Include examples of volunteering, community involvement, entrepreneurial activities or professional responsibilities.
4. Maintain a strong academic record: Your transcripts should reflect your academic abilities and readiness for postgraduate education.
5. Explain your motivation, career objectives and how your education could help you contribute to your community.
6. Calculate whether you can manage the repayment responsibilities before accepting the award.

Deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme follows an annual application cycle. Applicants should check the official website regularly for updated deadlines. Students should also contact their local Aga Khan Foundation office because internal deadlines may differ from the overall programme timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)