The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. This is to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.
The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses. However, it also considers applications for PhD programmes, only to outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented).
Eligibility
The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique.
In France, Portugal, the UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above-developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.
Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.
The prospective candidate must have excellent academic records.
The prospective candidate has to demonstrate genuine financial need.
It is mandatory to have been accepted to a highly reputable university or programme of study.
Chosen field of study must be relevant to AKDN’s focus areas.
Funding Details
The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only.
The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.
Funding for PhD programmes is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.
Financial assistance is provided according to the needs of students, but the ISP must be considered as a lender of last resort. Applicants are requested to make every effort to obtain funding from other sources as well so that the amount requested from the Foundation can be reduced to a minimum.
Preference is given to those who have been able to secure some funding from alternative sources.
How to apply?
The application procedures of AKF’s International Scholarship Programme are decentralized. Students may obtain application forms as of 1st January each year from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence. Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained.
The deadline for submission of completed applications is 31st March, although in certain countries internal deadlines may be earlier in order to process and review applications. For Indian candidates, the deadline to submit complete applications is 21 March 2022.
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