Deadline: March 31, 2025.

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries*, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date.

Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. The AKF ISP offers a limited number of new awards in each cycle. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, you must:

• have excellent academic records.
• hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience.
• demonstrate genuine financial need**.
• demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study**.
• be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution***.
• be starting the first year of the programme****.
• have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.
• Note: preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.

BENEFITS

1. AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount.* Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
2. The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
3. In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.

APPLICATION

1. Applications are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB).
2. If you are interested in applying, please answer the questions in their eligibility tool. If you are deemed to be eligible, you will receive an email address for one of their local units, who administer the application process.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK