Country: Any Country

Duration: up to 3 years

Program: Masters / PhD

Introduction:

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (AKF ISP) is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries*, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Establish in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date.

The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20. Since then, he dedicates his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations. He is Continuously emphasizing the view of Islam as a faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Aga Khan International Scholarship 2024:

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. Applications for the 2024-2025 award cycle will open in early January 2024 and close on 31 March 2024. Below is the list of countries, whose citizens can apply for this Scholarship:

List of Eligible Countries:

AKF ISP is available in :

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

(ii) In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA,

Applications will be accepted from those who are originally from one of the countries listed in point (i).

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for an AKF ISP award you have to fulfill the below criteria:

• have excellent academic records.
• hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience.
• demonstrate genuine financial need.
• construct a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan.
• be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
• have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.

Note:

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship gives priority to Master’s programs but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programs are acceptable for ISP funding. only if the quality of the course is maintained. Applications for part-time programs and short-term courses are not considered. neither are applications from students who have already enrolled in or commenced their postgraduate studies.

Application Process

Applications are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB). Liaise with the appropriate country-level entity (see contact details below) to request an application form. For example, if you reside in India you must apply via the local office in India, or if you reside in Kenya you must apply via the local office in Kenya. Please submit your completed application to the agency from which the ISP application form was obtained. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Scholarships Terms and Conditions:

AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount. 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 your tuition fees and living expenses. It does not cover 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 program.

Contacts by Country:

Please use contact details provided by the eligibility tool for the country where you currently live. If a country is not listed below, then the AKF ISP is not available there.

Access the Eligibility Tool

Deadline:

The last date to apply for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2024 is 31st March 2024