Overview

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

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.

* (i) At present, the 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 are 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 must:

• 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***; and
• have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.

Note: preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.

**Awards are provided according to need, but please consider the AKF ISP a resource of last resort and secure multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount you request. See the section Examples of Other Scholarships and Financial Assistance Programmes below for a ‘starter’ list of other sources of funding that may be of interest.

*** AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable for ISP funding, only if the quality of the course is maintained. Applications for part-time programmes 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). Please use the eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility – click on the button provided under ‘Eligibility Criteria’.

If you are deemed eligible, then you will receive an email address for our local unit. Please use the email address that is provided to connect with our local unit as they will further explain the application process and required documentation.

Please submit your completed application to the agency from which the ISP application form was obtained. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.