Scholarship Guides Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: How to Apply
Global (AKDN) · Application Guide
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: How to Apply
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) supports postgraduate students from selected countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The programme has run every year since 1969 and awards a limited number of new scholarships each cycle, structured as 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan.
Administered by: Aga Khan Foundation (AKDN), part of the Aga Khan Development Network
Written by Zain Aqdas, Founder and lead researcher, Scholarships AtlasLast updated 30 October 2026
What it covers
- Coverage of tuition expenses and student living expenses for the postgraduate programme
- Master's scholarships are granted for the entire degree; PhD scholarships for the first two years (then other funding is expected)
- Awards are split 50% grant and 50% loan (the loan carries a service charge and is repaid after study)
- It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or family-member living costs
Eligibility
- National of a selected country where the AKF ISP operates (e.g. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda)
- In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those originally from one of the selected countries
- Excellent academic record and a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent training/professional experience)
- Genuine financial need and a reliable multi-source funding plan covering all years of study
- Admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution and starting the first year of the programme
- Strong leadership potential, professional/extracurricular/entrepreneurial and volunteer contributions; preference to young professionals under 30
Application — step by step
- 1
Verify your eligibility and find your local contact
Applications are handled by contacts in the countries where the AKF ISP is available. Use the AKF ISP eligibility tool to verify you qualify, then identify and contact the local team (Aga Khan Foundation office or Aga Khan Education Board/Service in your country of residence).
- 2
Obtain and complete the application and secure admission
Obtain the application form from the local office/board, complete it, and secure admission (or be in the process of admission) to a postgraduate programme at a reputable institution that you will start in its first year.
- 3
Submit your application to the AKF office by the local deadline
Return your completed application and supporting documents to the responsible AKF office/board before its deadline (local deadlines vary by country; many fall around late March for the following cycle).
- 4
Selection
AKF selects a limited number of new awardees each cycle through a competitive, global annual process (awards are generally finalized around June/July).
- 5
Sign the award agreement and begin study
Selected students sign the award agreement (with a guarantor co-signing), begin their programme, and repay the 50% loan component after completing/leaving the programme.
Typical documents needed
- AKF ISP application form
- Proof of eligibility / evidence of having a reliable multi-source funding plan
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Evidence of admission to a postgraduate programme (or as the local team requests)
- References / letters of recommendation
- Any country-specific documents required by the local AKF office
Annual cycle
Dates move every year — always confirm on the official portal before planning around them.
- Early in the year
- Next cycle opens (2026-27 cycle closed; next opens in early 2027)
- Around late March
- Typical local application deadlines (vary by country)
- June / July
- Awards finalized for the following academic year
- First academic year
- Awardee begins postgraduate study (Master's: full duration; PhD: first two years)