The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026 Programme (AKF ISP) provides an opportunity for exceptional scholars from specific countries to pursue postgraduate education when they lack other financial resources. Founded in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has assisted over 1,000 students thus far.

Recipients are chosen through a competitive global selection process held annually. Each cycle offers a limited number of new awards. The application period for the 2024-2025 cycle has concluded. Applications for the subsequent cycle, 2025-2026, will commence in early January 2025.

*The AKF ISP is currently accessible in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are open to individuals originally from one of the aforementioned countries.

Scholarship Details

Degrees offered; Master’s and PhD
Organization; Aga Khan Foundation
Universities; In any highly ranked University around the globe, Preferably in UK, USA, Canada, Australia etc
Duration; Depends on the University Course level

Eligible Criteria for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026

• In order to meet the stringent criteria for eligibility for the esteemed Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, prospective candidates must duly satisfy the comprehensive set of prerequisites outlined below:
  • Language Proficiency: Candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language stipulated by their chosen academic institution, thereby ensuring effective communication and academic engagement.
  • Eligible countries: The Foundation extends its benevolent reach to individuals hailing from a select cohort of nations, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Furthermore, in France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, applications are graciously accepted from individuals originating from the aforementioned developing countries, provided they exhibit a sincere interest in development-related studies and evince a genuine lack of alternative financial resources to pursue their educational aspirations.
  • Exceptional Academic Records: Candidates must present a consistent track record of academic excellence, serving as a testament to their intellectual acumen and scholarly dedication.
  • Demonstrated Financial Need: A compelling demonstration of genuine financial need is requisite, underscoring the applicant’s earnest pursuit of academic advancement despite financial constraints.
  • Admission to a Prestigious Institution: Successful candidates must secure admission to a distinguished university or program of study, thereby affirming their academic merit and readiness for scholarly pursuit at the highest level.
  • Alignment with AKDN’s Focus Areas: Candidates are expected to demonstrate alignment between their chosen field of study and the noble focus areas of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), thereby showcasing their commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and effecting positive change.
  • Articulate Educational and Career Plans: Prospective scholars must articulate thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans, delineating a clear pathway to academic and professional success while aligning with their broader aspirations and societal impact goals.
  • Excellent Extracurricular Portfolio: Candidates are encouraged to highlight their diverse extracurricular interests and achievements, providing insight into their multifaceted talents, leadership potential, and capacity for holistic personal development.
  • Requisite Work Experience: Applicants are expected to possess a modicum of work experience in their chosen field, underscoring their practical acumen, industry knowledge, and professional preparedness.
  • Preference for Youthful Aspirants: While not mandatory, preference may be accorded to candidates under the age of 30.

Benefits of Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026  afford recipients the following privileges:

Financial Support: The Foundation extends aid to cover tuition fees and living expenses exclusively, aiming to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education.

PhD Program Funding: Funding for doctoral programs is allocated for the initial two years of study, after which recipients are expected to secure alternative avenues of financial support to sustain their academic pursuits.

Need-Based Assistance: Aga Khan Scholarship will be provided in accordance with the demonstrated needs of individual students, ensuring equitable distribution and targeted assistance to those facing financial constraints.

Encouragement of External Funding: Applicants are strongly encouraged to actively seek financial support from external sources, thereby supplementing the resources provided by the Foundation. Such efforts contribute to reducing the dependency on Foundation funds and foster financial sustainability in the academic journey.

Preference for External Funding: Preference is accorded to candidates who have successfully secured funding from alternative sources, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to promoting self-reliance and resourcefulness among scholarship recipients.

Conditions

The AKF ISP awards comprise a balanced combination of a grant and a loan, necessitating the repayment of 50 percent of the awarded sum.* Scholarships for Master’s studies encompass the entire duration of the degree program, whereas for PhD candidates, scholarships are conferred for the initial two years, thereafter requiring the pursuit of alternate funding sources.

The award encompasses tuition fees and living expenses but excludes expenses related to international travel, clothing, furniture, or the upkeep of family members. Sustaining an AKF ISP award mandates maintaining satisfactory academic performance and demonstrating continued financial need throughout the postgraduate program.

*The repayment term spans five years, commencing six months following the occurrence of the first of the subsequent events: a) graduation, b) termination of studies, or c) discontinuation of support due to failure to meet the academic standards expected of ISP students. A cumulative service charge of five percent per annum is applied to the loan amount. A co-signer, such as the head of the family or another guarantor, is requisite for the loan agreement.

Courses offered for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026

• Tourism and Hospitality
• Media Sciences
• Industrial Development
• Music
• Infrastructure Development
• History
• Humanitarian assistance
• Finance
• Civil Society
• Enterprise development
• Food and Agriculture
• Health
• Education
• Science and Engineering

Application Procedure for Aga Khan Foundation international Scholarship program 2025-2026

• You must get pre-admission letter before applying for AKF ISP.
• To apply for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, obtain application forms from AKF offices in your respective country of residence.
• Submit the application form after completion in the same office and wait for their response.

Deadline

Application will start in early January 2025 for the next session of of aga khan foundation scholarship 2025-2026

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