The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a prestigious postgraduate funding opportunity designed for talented students from selected developing countries who lack the financial means to pursue advanced degrees. This annual initiative supports students with demonstrated academic merit and financial need, helping them continue their studies at reputable universities worldwide. (Aga Khan Development Network)
📌 Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Name: Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)
- Host Organization: Aga Khan Foundation (part of the Aga Khan Development Network)
- Locations: Worldwide (depends on university of choice)
- Study Levels: Master’s & PhD
- Application Cycle: Annual, competitive selection
- Official Source: Aga Khan Foundation – International Scholarships page (Aga Khan Development Network)
💡 What It Offers
The AKF ISP is structured to assist postgraduate students with key components of their educational expenses:
- Partial tuition coverage through a mix of grant and loan
- Support for living expenses during study
- Scholarship duration:
- Master’s: Full degree support
- PhD: Funding typically for the first two years, after which students are expected to find alternative sources of support (Aga Khan Development Network)
⚠ The scholarship does not cover travel costs, family expenses, or additional personal costs outside tuition and living support. (Aga Khan Development Network)
🎓 Who Can Apply?
Interested applicants are generally expected to:
- Have excellent academic records
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (for Master’s)
- Show genuine financial need and a well-planned funding strategy
- Be admitted (or apply concurrently) to a reputable postgraduate programme
- Start the first year of their postgraduate degree when the award begins
- Demonstrate leadership potential, extracurricular engagement, and professional experience (Aga Khan Development Network)
Preference is often given to young professionals under 30 years of age, though exceptional candidates above this age may still be considered. (Aga Khan Development Network)
🌍 Eligible Countries
The scholarship typically accepts applications from students residing in or originally from a range of developing countries, including but not limited to:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Many others (and in some regions, applicants originally from eligible countries living abroad may also apply) (Aga Khan Development Network)
📅 How to Apply
The application process for AKF ISP involves:
- Reviewing eligibility via the official Aga Khan Foundation website
- Contacting the local Aga Khan Foundation office or designated team in your country
- Submitting required documents such as academic transcripts, financial statements, and proof of admission to a postgraduate programme
- Following the guidance of your local office on timeline and interviews
Because applications are handled locally, deadlines and procedures may vary by country — always refer to the official foundation contacts for accurate details. (New University in Exile Consortium)
📌 What Makes This Scholarship Special
- It supports academically strong students with financial need
- It promotes leadership and development capacity in global communities
- Recipients become part of a network of scholars and professionals connected to the Aga Khan Development Network (Aga Khan Development Network)
⚠ Important Notes
- The AKF International Scholarship is competitive and limited in number
- Half of the award is typically provided as a grant, and the other half as a loan with agreed repayment terms
- Maintaining good academic standing may be required to continue receiving support after initial approval (Aga Khan Development Network)
🔗 Apply Through Official Source
Visit the official Aga Khan Foundation scholarship page to check eligibility, find local contacts, and get updated application requirements:
👉 https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarship
