Funded Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme for 2019-20 is available for application.

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The foundation works in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN.  Scholarships get a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.  The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses. However, it is willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs, only in the case of outstanding students who have high recommendations for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a Ph.D. for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented).

There will be no considerations for applications for short-term courses; neither are applications from students who have already started their course of study.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students should be from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique.
• They should reside in one of the countries where there are local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices which process applications and interview candidates.
• Preference is to students under 30 years of age.

Also, the major criteria for selections include consistently excellent academic records, genuine financial need, admission to a highly reputable university or program of study and relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas. Furthermore, the evaluation of candidates is on the basis of the demonstration of thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans. Above all, extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and the likelihood to succeed also have a part.  Moreover, applicants need to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.

Financial Assistance

The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only.  The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.  In addition, funding for Ph.D. programs is only for the first two years of study. Half of the scholarship amount is in the form of a loan. The loan must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%.

Applying

Students may obtain application forms as of 1st  January each year from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence.  Students will have to return completed applications to the agency from which they receive the form.

Application deadline

However, the application sessions for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme ends on applications is 31 March 2020. The deadline may vary according to the country; in some countries, the deadline is earlier than 31st March 2020 in order to process and review applications. Candidates can contact the regional office for more information. More information is available here as well.