Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
A competitive, need-based financial aid program for outstanding students from selected countries to pursue postgraduate studies. The award is structured as a 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
Varies by local office
Country
MultipleAbout the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides financial support to exceptional scholars from specific countries who lack other means to fund their postgraduate education. Established in 1969, the program has supported over 1,500 students to date.
The scholarship is designed as a resource of last resort. Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need and provide a comprehensive, multi-source funding plan that covers the entirety of their study duration.
Awards are structured as a combination of a grant and a loan. Recipients are required to repay 50 percent of the total award amount, which includes a service charge. A guarantor is mandatory to co-sign the award agreement.
The program prioritizes Master's degree candidates but considers PhD applications as well. For Master's students, funding covers the full duration of the degree, while PhD students receive support for the first two years only.
The scholarship covers tuition and living expenses. It does not provide funding for international travel, clothing, furniture, or living costs for family members.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Long-standing history of supporting over 1,500 scholars since 1969
Open to students from a wide range of developing countries
Supports both Master's and PhD level studies
Flexible regarding the choice of reputable postgraduate institutions
Includes a grant component that does not require repayment
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Multiple
Available in countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Residents of Canada, Portugal, and the USA may apply if they are originally from one of the listed countries. Not available for study in the UK or Russia.
Eligibility Requirements
8 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Verify eligibility using the official AKF ISP online eligibility tool
Identify the local contact or office in your home country
Submit the application through the designated local contact
Undergo the competitive selection process
Sign the award agreement with a guarantor if selected
Application Timeline
Early 2027
Application Cycle
Next cycle opens
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Consider the AKF ISP as a resource of last resort and secure multiple other funding sources first
Ensure your funding plan is reliable and covers all years of your study
Apply only if you are entering the first year of your program
Use the official eligibility tool to find your specific local contact
Prepare a guarantor early as one is required to co-sign the agreement
Focus on demonstrating strong leadership and volunteer contributions in your application
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No, it is a partial scholarship structured as 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan, intended to be a resource of last resort.
No, applicants must be entering the first year of their postgraduate program.
Yes, but priority is given to Master's programs. PhD funding is limited to the first two years of study.
Yes, 50 percent of the award amount is a loan that must be repaid with a service charge.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open Early 2027 - get your documents ready now.
Apply on Official Website →Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.
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