About the Scholarship: 

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN.  Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.

Area(s) / Level of Study:

The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes. Applications for short-term courses are not considered.

Scholarship Details:

The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.  Funding for PhD programmes is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.

Half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.

Any university except universities in UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Norway and Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria:

Geographic Scope

The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and . In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above countries.

Residency Requirement

The Foundation only accepts applications of eligible nationals listed above who are residing in one of the countries where there are local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices which process applications and interview candidates.

Age Limit

Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.

Application Guidelines:

Students may obtain application forms as of January 1st each year from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence

Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. They should not be sent to Geneva. The deadline for submission of applications is 31 March, although in certain countries internal deadlines may be earlier. Applicants are advised to contact the local offices for internal deadline dates and requirements as these may vary from country to country.

It is very important to visit the official website (link below) to access the scholarship application form and detailed information on how to apply for the scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme