Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

International Scholarship Programme - Aga Khan Foundation Aga Khan Foundation Skip to navigation [n] Skip to content [c] Skip to footer [f] Search Menu What We Do [1] Where We Work [2] Explore the countries where we work Outreach & Representation Australia Canada Switzerland United Kingdom United States of America Implementation Afghanistan Egypt India Kenya Kyrgyz Republic Madagascar Mozambique Pakistan Portugal Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Uganda News & Stories [3] About [4] About Us Chair Founder Governance Leadership Partners About the Aga Khan Development Network Donate Close Search International Scholarship Programme 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 IV, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,500 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. The 2026-2027 application cycle is now closed. The next cycle will open in early 2027. *For example, the AKF ISP is available in Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In countries, such as Canada, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the countries listed above. At this time, AKF ISP is not available to students who wish to study in the United Kingdom or Russia. 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****; and 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. **Awards are provided according to need, but please consider the AKF ISP a resource of last resort and secure multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount you request. S ee the section Examples of Other Scholarships and Financial Assistance Programmes below for a ‘starter’ list of other sources of funding that may be of interest. *** AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable for ISP funding, only if the quality of the course is maintained. Applications for part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered. ****Applicants must be entering their first year of study in a postgraduate programme. Students who have already enrolled in, or have commenced their postgraduate studies, are not eligible. Application Process Applications are handled by contacts in countries where AKF ISP is available. To learn more, please use the eligibility chatbot – available on the AKDN site – to verify your eligibility and learn how to contact our local team. Award Conditions 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. 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. In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to …