The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships for International Students

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is one of the most distinctive postgraduate funding opportunities available to outstanding students from selected developing countries. Unlike many scholarships that offer pure grants, the AKF ISP uses a unique 50% grant and 50% loan model. This structure not only supports individual scholars but also helps sustain the programme for future generations.

About the Aga Khan Foundation and the Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of agencies working to improve quality of life in some of the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. The network focuses on education, health, rural development, architecture, culture, and economic inclusion.

The International Scholarship Programme was created to build human capacity in these regions by enabling talented individuals to pursue high-quality postgraduate education. The underlying belief is that well-educated professionals who return home can drive meaningful, sustainable change in their societies.

What the Scholarship Offers

The AKF ISP provides funding for postgraduate studies (primarily Master’s degrees, with limited support for PhD programmes) at reputable universities. Key features include:

Funding structure: 50% grant and 50% loan. The loan portion is repayable after graduation (typically over five years, with a service charge in some cycles).
Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses. The award does not normally cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or family living costs.
Duration: Full duration of a Master’s programme. For PhD students, support is usually limited to the first two years.
Priority: Master’s-level study is strongly preferred. PhD applications are considered only in exceptional cases where a doctorate is essential for the applicant’s career goals.

The Foundation treats the ISP as a resource of last resort. Applicants are expected to secure other sources of funding and present a realistic multi-source financing plan.

Eligible Countries and Study Destinations

The programme is available to citizens of a defined list of countries, which currently includes:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda (among others).

In countries such as Canada, Portugal, and the United States, applications are accepted from individuals who originally come from one of the core eligible countries.

Important note: At present, the programme does not support studies in the United Kingdom or Russia.

Always verify the current list of eligible countries and study destinations on the official AKDN website, as these can change.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for an AKF ISP award, applicants must meet the following core requirements:

Excellent academic records
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional training/experience
Genuine financial need
A thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers the full cost of the degree
Admission (or conditional admission) to a reputable postgraduate programme
Be starting the first year of the programme (students already enrolled are not eligible)
Strong leadership potential, relevant professional or extracurricular experience, and evidence of community contribution

Preference is given to young professionals under the age of 30.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) does not use a single global online application portal. Applications are handled locally through Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices in eligible countries. This means the exact process, deadlines, and required documents can vary slightly depending on where you live.

Below is a clear, practical step-by-step guide based on the standard process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website and Confirm Eligibility

Start by visiting the official Aga Khan Development Network page for the International Scholarship Programme: https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships

On this page you will find:

The most up-to-date list of eligible countries
Current eligibility criteria
Information about the 50% grant / 50% loan structure
Guidance on how to contact your local office

Use any eligibility checker or contact tool available on the site. Confirm that you meet all the core requirements (academic excellence, financial need, admission to a postgraduate programme, leadership potential, etc.) before proceeding.

Step 2: Contact Your Local AKF / AKES / AKEB Office

Applications are managed at the country level. You must obtain the official application form and instructions from the Aga Khan office responsible for your country of residence.

Search for the contact details of the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board in your country. You can usually find these contacts through the official AKDN website or by searching “[Your Country] Aga Khan Foundation scholarship”.

Contact them early (ideally when the cycle opens) to:

Request the official application form
Ask about the exact deadline for your country
Confirm any additional local requirements
Clarify whether interviews will be in-person or virtual

Step 3: Secure Admission to a Reputable Postgraduate Programme

You must apply separately to universities. The AKF ISP requires that you are starting the first year of a Master’s or (in exceptional cases) PhD programme at a reputable institution.

Begin your university applications early. You will need at least a conditional offer of admission to submit a complete scholarship application. Choose programmes that align with development needs in your home country or region, as this strengthens your case.

Step 4: Prepare a Strong Application Package

Gather all required documents carefully. A typical application includes:

Completed official AKF ISP application form
Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with certified translations if necessary)
Proof of admission or conditional offer from the university
A detailed personal statement / statement of purpose
A comprehensive multi-source funding plan showing how you will cover the full cost of your studies
Evidence of financial need (family income, assets, other scholarships applied for, etc.)
Curriculum vitae highlighting academic, professional, leadership, and community experience
Two or more letters of recommendation
Copy of your passport or national ID

Pay special attention to the financial section. The Foundation regards the ISP as a resource of last resort, so your funding plan must be realistic and show that you have explored other sources of support.

Step 5: Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of the application. It should clearly explain:

Your academic and professional background
Why you have chosen your specific field of study
How your studies will enable you to contribute to development in your home country or community
Your leadership experience and community involvement
Why you need financial support from the Aga Khan Foundation

Be specific, honest, and focused. Avoid generic statements.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Before the Local Deadline

Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the same local office from which you obtained the form. Deadlines are usually in March, but some local offices set earlier internal deadlines. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 7: Prepare for the Interview

Shortlisted candidates are normally invited for an interview with a local selection committee. Interviews may be conducted in person or online. Be prepared to discuss:

Your academic and career goals
Your financial situation
How you plan to use your education after graduation
Your leadership experience and commitment to community development

Step 8: Await the Final Decision

Local committees forward the strongest applications to an international selection panel. Final results are typically announced between June and August. If selected, you will receive detailed information about the award conditions, including the grant-loan breakdown and repayment terms.

What Makes a Strong Application

Successful applicants usually demonstrate:

Clear academic excellence
Genuine and well-documented financial need
A realistic plan to fund the portion of costs not covered by AKF
Leadership experience and community involvement
A compelling connection between their chosen field of study and development needs in their home country or community
A serious intention to return and contribute after graduation

Generic statements and poorly prepared financial documentation are common reasons for rejection.

Expectations After Selection

Scholars are expected to maintain good academic standing and keep the Foundation informed of their progress. After graduation, they begin repaying the loan portion of the award (usually starting six months after completing their studies). Timely repayment helps fund future scholars.

Many alumni remain connected to the broader AKDN network and contribute in education, health, development, entrepreneurship, and public service in their home regions.

Final Advice

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is highly competitive and best suited to candidates who combine strong academic records with clear financial need, leadership potential, and a genuine commitment to development in their home contexts.

If you believe you meet the criteria:

Visit the official page: https://the.akdn (search for International Scholarship Programme)
Contact your local AKF, AKES, or AKEB office early
Begin preparing your university applications and supporting documents well in advance
Develop a realistic multi-source funding plan
Craft a focused personal statement that links your studies to tangible impact at home

This scholarship can be transformative for the right candidate — not only by enabling postgraduate education, but by connecting scholars to a wider mission of improving quality of life in underserved communities.