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 PhD programmes, only in the case of outstanding students who have high recommendations for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment 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

• Student 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 programme of study and relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas. Furthermore, evaluation of candidates are on the basis of demonstration of thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans. Above all, the extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and 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 PhD programmes 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.  You have to return completed applications to the agency from which you obtained the form.