Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme 2025 for Postgraduate Studies

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.

• Table of Content
• About Aga Khan Foundation
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
• Requirements for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation is a private, not-for-profit international development agency, which was founded in 1967 by Shah Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Aim and Benefits of Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount.* Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.

The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.

Requirements for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme Qualification

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**;
• Demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study**;
• Be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution***;
• Be starting the first year of the programme****; 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.

(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). 

(iii) AKF ISP is not available to students who wish to study in the United Kingdom.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Aga Khan Foundation scholarship website.