The Aga Khan Foundation Canada Global Leadership Program brings together mid-career Canadian professionals to build leadership skills grounded in a global perspective, through a combination of virtual coaching and an in-person residency in Ottawa. This programme is open only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents — the 2026 cohort’s application window closed on 22 May 2026, with successful applicants already notified by 31 July 2026.
AGA Khan Foundation Canada Global Leadership Program Summary
| Programme Name ⇒ | AKFC Global Leadership Program |
| Host Country ⇒ | Canada |
| Host Institution ⇒ | Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) |
| Category ⇒ | Training |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | Canada only — citizens and permanent residents |
| Reward ⇒ | Fully covered travel, accommodation, meals for the Ottawa residency, plus virtual coaching |
| Application Status ⇒ | 2026 cohort closed. Watch AKFC’s official page for the 2027 call. |
About AKFC and the Programme
AKFC is part of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), founded and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan, and has operated as a registered Canadian charity since 1980, working in partnership with the Government of Canada and Canadian institutions across more than a dozen countries in Africa and Asia.
The Global Leadership Program itself brings together a diverse cohort of mid-career professionals from across sectors to examine the social, political, economic, and environmental forces shaping the world, developing both the mindset and practical skillset to lead with genuine purpose and cross-cultural insight. For the 2026 cohort, the structure ran from pre-seminar virtual sessions beginning in September, through a five-day in-person residency in Ottawa (1–6 November 2026), followed by continued virtual coaching afterward. An optional overseas learning component has also featured in past cycles, subject to confirmation and requiring some additional participant contribution.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be fluent in English, written and spoken
- Be genuinely available to travel to and attend the full in-person residential programme in Ottawa
- Commit to a minimum of 10 virtual learning and coaching sessions, both before and after the residency
- Demonstrate a clear desire to learn from others and contribute meaningfully to group dialogue
- Commit to staying engaged as an alum after the programme, continuing to contribute to AKFC’s wider network of leaders
What the Programme Covers
- Full travel costs to and from Ottawa, from anywhere in Canada
- Accommodation and meals for the in-person residency
- A certificate of participation
- Access to a genuine, ongoing network of AKFC alumni and global leaders
Selected participants are asked to pay a nominal fee of $100 CAD to secure their spot — AKFC states directly that accessibility accommodations are available if this fee presents a genuine barrier.
Required Documents
- An updated CV
- A resume highlighting relevant leadership and professional experience
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
The Selection Process, Based on the Most Recent Cycle
After the written application, shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a short video responding to a specific interview question, typically requested in late June to early July. Successful applicants then receive their formal cohort invitation by the end of July, ahead of the programme’s virtual launch session in September.
How to Apply, When the Next Cycle Opens
- Confirm your Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status — this is a firm eligibility requirement with no exception
- Watch AKFC’s official Global Leadership Program page directly for the next application window, which has historically opened in April
- Prepare your CV, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters in advance
- Register on AKFC’s Submittable application portal once the next cycle opens
- Complete the full application form authentically — AKFC has stated explicitly that using AI tools to generate your responses will result in disqualification
- Submit before the stated deadline, and be prepared to record a short video response if shortlisted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AKFC Global Leadership Program open to non-Canadians?
No. This programme is restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only, despite some third-party listings describing it as a global opportunity.
Is the AKFC Global Leadership Program currently accepting applications?
No. The 2026 cohort’s application window closed on 22 May 2026, and successful applicants were already notified by 31 July 2026.
Do participants have to pay to join the programme?
A nominal fee of $100 CAD is expected from selected participants to secure their place, though AKFC states accessibility accommodations are available if this presents a genuine financial barrier.
Can I use AI tools to help write my application?
No. AKFC has stated explicitly that using AI tools to generate your application responses results in disqualification.
Is Aga Khan Foundation Canada a legitimate organisation?
Yes. It’s a registered Canadian charity operating since 1980, part of the globally recognised Aga Khan Development Network, working in partnership with the Government of Canada.
Disclaimer: All programme details, including the current eligibility restriction and cycle status, were verified directly against Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s official page as of August 2026. The 2026 cohort has closed — always confirm current status directly at akfc.ca before preparing an application.
Official Application Portal
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