About the opportunity
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is designed for exceptional scholars from specific developing countries who lack other means of financing their postgraduate education. Established in 1969, the programme has supported over 1,500 students. Awards are provided based on financial need and are intended as a resource of last resort, requiring recipients to secure multiple sources of funding. The programme prioritizes Master’s degree studies but will consider PhD applications. Recipients must demonstrate strong leadership potential, professional experience, and a commitment to volunteerism. Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age. The programme is not available for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.
Funding and benefits
- Financial support covering tuition fees and living expenses
- Awards are structured as 50% grant and 50% loan
- Scholarships for Master’s studies cover the entire duration of the degree
- Scholarships for PhD studies cover the first two years of the programme
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of a country where the AKF ISP is available (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda)
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Must have an excellent academic record
- Must demonstrate genuine financial need
- Must have a multi-source funding plan
- Must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution
- Must be entering the first year of the postgraduate programme
- Must demonstrate leadership potential, professional experience, and volunteer contributions
- Preference given to young professionals under 30 years of age
Required documents
- Proof of admission to a postgraduate institution
- Financial documentation demonstrating need and funding plan
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of professional and volunteer achievements
When to apply
- The application cycle is annual
- The next cycle is expected to open in early 2027
How to apply
- Verify eligibility using the official online tool on the AKF website
- Contact the local AKF office in your country of residence for specific application instructions and submission procedures
Additional information
- The programme is not available for part-time programmes or short-term courses
- A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement for the loan component
- Repayment of the loan component, including a service charge, begins six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support
- Recipients must maintain good academic standing and ongoing financial need throughout their studies
- The award does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- National of an eligible developing country with a demonstrated financial need
- Young professional under 30 years of age with leadership potential
- Admitted to a reputable postgraduate program for the upcoming academic year
What should you think carefully about?
- The award is a 50/50 grant-loan split, meaning you will have a repayment obligation after graduation
- You must secure multiple sources of funding, as this is intended as a resource of last resort
- The program is unavailable for studies in the United Kingdom or Russia
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is intended for exceptional individuals who have exhausted other funding avenues but remain committed to postgraduate education. It is best suited for those who view their education as a long-term investment and are prepared to manage the loan repayment component as part of their financial planning.
Our take
Exceptional scholars from eligible countries who have a solid multi-source funding plan should consider this. Those who require full grant funding or wish to study in the UK or Russia will not find this suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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