Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: A Gateway to Global Education

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is a prestigious program designed to support outstanding students from select developing countries who wish to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at top universities worldwide. This initiative aims to develop future leaders and scholars by providing financial assistance on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis to those who have no other means to fund their education. However, the scholarship does not apply to universities in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland.

About the Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) offers a limited number of scholarships each year through a competitive selection process held once annually, usually in June or July. The program prioritizes Master’s degree applicants, although PhD candidates may also be considered in exceptional cases. However, funding for PhD programs is only provided for the first two years, and students are expected to secure alternative financial support thereafter.

Fields of Study

The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in various fields, including but not limited to:

• Health

• Education

• Culture

• Rural Development

• Institution Building

• Economic Development

• Agriculture & Food Security

• Civil Society

• Enterprise Development

• Financial Inclusion

• Historic Cities & Habitat

• Humanitarian Assistance

• Industrial & Infrastructure Development

• Media & Music

• Tourism Promotion

Scholarship Benefits

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship offers financial assistance based on the student’s financial needs. The coverage includes:

• Tuition fees and living expenses (as per financial need assessment)

• Loan component: Half of the total financial assistance is considered a loan, which must be repaid with a 5% annual service charge.

• Loan repayment: The payback period is five years, starting six months after graduation.

• Preference for co-funding: Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources to minimize their financial dependency on the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

General Requirements:

• Must be a national of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, or Mozambique.

• Candidates from France, Portugal, the UK, the USA, and Canada are eligible only if they have roots in the above-listed developing countries and lack financial means for their education.

• Consistently excellent academic records and admission to a highly reputable university.

• Demonstrated financial need and commitment to development-related studies.

• Strong educational and career goals, along with extra-curricular achievements and leadership potential.

• Preference for applicants under 30 years old with relevant work experience.

Exclusions:

• Students enrolled in short-term courses.

• Applicants who have already started their studies before applying.

Application Process

Interested candidates must follow these steps to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship:

1. Secure Admission – Applicants must first receive an offer from a recognized university before applying for the scholarship.

2. Obtain the Application Form – Forms can be acquired from Aga Khan Foundation offices or Aga Khan Education Services/Boards in the applicant’s country of residence.

3. Complete and Submit the Application – The filled application must be submitted to the respective agency from which it was obtained. Applications should not be sent directly to Geneva.

Important Dates

The deadline for submitting applications for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is March 31, 2025.

For more information visit, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship.