The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) 2025-2026

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Overview:
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) offers an opportunity for exceptional scholars from selected countries to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the programme has supported over 1,000 students. It is available to those who have no other means of financing their studies. The application cycle for the 2025-2026 academic year will open in January 2025 and close by 31 March 2025.

Eligible Countries:

Available in: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
For applicants from: Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are accepted from those originally from the countries listed above.
Not available for: Students wishing to study in the United Kingdom.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, applicants must:

Have excellent academic records.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional training/experience.
Demonstrate genuine financial need.
Provide a reliable, multi-source funding plan for the entire duration of the studies.
Be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
Be starting the first year of the programme (Applicants who have already commenced their postgraduate studies are not eligible).
Have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurial achievements, or volunteer contributions.
Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age.

Award Structure:

The AKF ISP award is structured as a half grant and half loan, with the loan portion to be repaid after completion of the programme.
The award covers tuition fees and student living expenses, but does not include international travel costs, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
Master’s programmes are prioritized, but applications for PhD studies will also be considered.
The award is granted for the entire duration of a Master's programme. For PhD students, funding is provided for the first two years, after which alternative sources of funding are required.

Loan Repayment:

Repayment of the loan component, which includes a service charge, begins six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support due to failure to meet academic standards.

Application Process:

Applicants can check their eligibility using the eligibility tool on the Aga Khan Foundation website.
Eligible candidates will receive contact information for the local unit managing the application process.
Applications are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB).

Additional Information:

Applicants are encouraged to secure multiple sources of funding to minimize reliance on the AKF ISP.
Part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered for funding.

For further details, visit the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships page.

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The Aga Khan Foundation

General Mathenge Rd, Nairobi

For over 50 years, we have worked in some of the most remote, hard-to-reach parts of Asia and Africa.

As a member of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest development organizations, we make long-term investments, from early childhood education to infrastructure. We build hospitals and schools. We work with people to serve their community and build their local economy. Our work impacts tens of millions in over 30 countries every year.

How do we do this? Through partnerships with people, businesses, local organizations, and governments. Our economic, social, and cultural investments ensure this commitment for generations to come.

Our work is driven by a firm belief in our shared humanity. The Aga Khan Foundation partners with communities around the world to build better futures together. Prosperity for all comes from harnessing the best from people of all walks of life. We believe that communities and societies are stronger when they are built on the shared vision of people from all backgrounds.

Meaningful change takes time, which is why we’ve been working in communities across Africa and Asia for decades—and will be there for generations to come. We invest in high-quality institutions such as clinics, banks and universities that anchor communities and provide opportunities for people to unlock their own promise. Rooted in local knowledge and ownership, and equipped with tools like education and health, people begin to realize their potential and drive change in their communities. Each generation grows stronger as more individuals benefit, and a transformation takes place. Civil society begins to thrive. People establish mutual trust and respect and, together, make decisions to lift up the community.

We are stronger together, and in a world where differences and conflicts divide, now is the time to build a better future together.