In order to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at any prominent university—aside from those in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland—international students may apply for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships.
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of postgraduate scholarships each year to deserving students from a select group of developing nations who have no other means to finance their studies. The purpose of these scholarships is to support the development of effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process once a year in June or July, with a grant: loan ratio of 50% grant.
The Foundation will only consider applications for PhD programs from exceptional students who have strong recommendations for doctoral studies from their professors and who need a PhD to achieve their career goals (academic or research oriented). The Foundation gives priority to requests for master’s level courses.
Scholarship Benefits
- Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships include the following for the recipient:
- The Foundation exclusively provides financial aid for living expenses and tuition.
- Only the first two years of a PhD program’s research are funded; after that, students are expected to find other sources of support.
- Financial aid is given based on the needs of the students.
- In order to minimize the amount required from the Foundation, applicants are asked to try their hardest to secure funding from other sources as well.
- Those who have managed to obtain some support from other sources are given preference.
Study Courses
Health
Education
Culture
Rural development
Institution building
Economic development
Agriculture and food security
Civil society
Enterprise development
Financial inclusion
Habitat
Historic cities
Humanitarian assistance
Industrial development
Infrastructure development
Media
Music
Tourism promotion
Criteria for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Required Language: As per chosen institute requirement.
- Eligible Countries: The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.
- Consistently excellent academic records.
- Genuine financial need.
- Admission to a highly reputable university or program of study.
- Relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas.
- Demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans,
- Their extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and likelihood to succeed in a foreign academic environment.
- Applicants are expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.
- Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.
How To Apply
Get an application form from the Aga Khan Education Services / Boards or AKF offices in the nation where you now reside.