The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.
The Aga Khan Foundation's International 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 1000 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.
Scholarship value
AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan, where you need to repay 50% of the award amount (see AKF ISP website). 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 demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.
Countries eligible for this scholarship
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Application deadline
- 31 March 2025
Application requirements
To be eligible for AKF ISP award, you must:
- have excellent academic records
- hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent training/professional experience
- demonstrate genuine financial need (see AKF ISP website)
- demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study (see AKF ISP website)
- be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution (see AKF ISP website)
- be starting the first year of the programme (see AKF ISP website)
- have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions
- preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age