Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2026–2027

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) 2026–2027 is now open for outstanding postgraduate students from developing regions. His Late Highness Aga Khan IV established this flagship global initiative in 1969 to support high-achieving individuals who lack the financial means to pursue higher education. Through the programme, scholars gain the opportunity to build transformational careers and contribute directly to the development of their home communities.

Don’t Miss: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Over its five decades of operation, the program has provided financial assistance to more than 1,500 scholars worldwide. By offering a balanced combination of tuition funding and living stipends, the AKF ISP enables promising students to gain access to world-class academic institutions globally.

Also, Check Out: Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Europe

The application cycle for the 2026–2027 academic year features a decentralized selection framework administered through local Aga Khan Foundation offices and Aga Khan Education Services branches across Asia, Africa, and North America. Because the scheme operates as a 50% grant and 50% loan model, it not only assists individual scholars but also fosters a sustainable financial loop where loan repayments help fund future cohorts of deserving students. Below is a complete breakdown of the scholarship structure, eligibility metrics, financial package design, required application steps, and key timeline milestones.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Summary

In-Depth Institutional History and Award Mission

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational, international development agency operating as a major component of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Since launching the International Scholarship Programme in 1969, the Foundation has aimed to cultivate leadership, technical expertise, and institutional capacity within developing societies. The program focuses on empowering students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic standing, but also a commitment to public service, community involvement, and social progress.

Also Read: How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template

Academic Level Focus and Tenure Limits

• Master’s Degree Programs: Given the immediate community impact of professional master’s qualifications, the AKF ISP gives explicit priority to Master’s candidates. For Master’s programs, funding is granted for the full official duration of the degree (typically 1 to 2 years).
• Doctoral (PhD) Programmes: The foundation considers PhD applications only in exceptional cases from candidates who demonstrate strong research capability and academic promise. For successful PhD applicants, the AKF ISP provides funding for the first two years of study only. Scholars must secure alternative sources of funding—such as institutional grants, teaching assistantships, or external research awards—to support the remainder of their doctoral programme.
• First-Year Requirement: The scholarship is strictly reserved for candidates entering the first year of their postgraduate degree. Students who have already commenced their programs are ineligible for consideration.

Regional Eligibility and Institutional Exclusions

Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency in one of the primary program countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, or Uganda. Applicants residing in Canada, Portugal, or the USA are eligible only if they are originally from one of the aforementioned developing nations and maintain a strong connection to their home countries.

Geographic Study Exception: The scholarship supports study at reputable universities globally, but currently excludes studies undertaken at academic institutions located in the United Kingdom or the Russian Federation.

Join Lucy’s Scholarship Mentorship Group

Get step-by-step guidance, live group reviews, and exclusive support to find, apply, and win global scholarships.

Join Now, Let's Waka Together →

Financial Package & Benefits Structure

The AKF ISP uses a structured financial model to balance candidate support with fiscal sustainability:

1. Dual-Component Award Framework (50% Grant / 50% Loan)

• 50% Direct Grant: Half of the total disbursed funds are provided as a non-repayable award.
• 50% Deferred Loan: The remaining 50% functions as an interest-free loan. Recipients sign a formal loan agreement requiring repayment over a structured period, typically commencing five months after graduation or program completion.
• 5% Annual Service Fee: The foundation applies a nominal 5% annual service fee only to the loan portion of the award to help cover administrative and currency stabilization costs.

2. Scope of Financial Coverage

• Tuition Fees: Direct payment or reimbursement toward mandatory academic tuition fees charged by the host university.
• Student Living Allowance: A stipend designed to cover essential housing, basic meals, local transportation, and academic supplies for the individual scholar.

3. Expense Exclusions and Co-Funding Expectation

• Excluded Items: The AKF ISP does not cover international airfare, passport/visa processing fees, clothing, furniture, computer hardware, or living expenses for accompanying family members/dependents.
• Co-Funding Requirement: Because the AKF ISP serves as a funding source of last resort, applicants must present a clear and reliable financial plan showing how they will cover any remaining tuition, travel, and personal expenses through personal savings, family contributions, or complementary funding sources.

Candidate Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Selection for the AKF ISP is competitive, with local selection committees evaluating candidates against the following criteria:

• Academic Performance: Consistently strong undergraduate academic record or equivalent professional training.
• Demonstrated Financial Need: Clear proof that the candidate lacks alternative financial means or family assets to fund their postgraduate education.
• Admission Offer: Secured admission to a recognized, highly ranked postgraduate institution.
• Age Limit Preference: Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
• Leadership and Service: Proven track record of leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular achievements, and active involvement in volunteer or community development initiatives.

How To Apply

Because national AKF offices administer the application process locally rather than through a single global portal, candidates must follow the submission procedures established by their respective country offices.

1. Complete the Online Eligibility Tool: Visit the official Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) portal to complete the pre-screening tool and confirm eligibility based on citizenship and study plans.
2. Contact Your Local AKF / AKES Office: Obtain official application forms and specific local instructions from the Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Services office in your country of citizenship or origin.
3. Submit the Application Dossier: Prepare and submit your completed application form, along with requested supporting documents (academic transcripts, income statements, letters of recommendation, and university admission offers), to your local office before the local deadline.
4. In-Person / Virtual Interview Panel: The local scholarship selection committee invites shortlisted applicants to attend an in-person or virtual interview to assess their academic motivation, financial need, leadership potential, and commitment to serving their communities.

Application Timeline

Applicants should note that exact submission deadlines vary by country, as each local AKF office establishes its own processing timeline:

• January: Local AKF offices and national units release application forms for the upcoming academic year.
• March – April (Local Application Deadlines): Completed application packages must be delivered to local AKF offices. Note: Most local deadlines fall between March 15 and March 31.
• May – June (Local Interviews and Shortlisting): Local selection committees review applications, conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates, and forward top nominations to Geneva.
• July (Central Board Review & Final Results): The Central Selection Committee meets in Geneva to review global nominations. Final decision notifications are issued to applicants by late July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship a full grant?

No. The award operates on a 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan structure. Half of the provided amount must be repaid after graduation.

Can I apply if I want to study in the United Kingdom?

No. The programme does not currently fund degree programmes offered by institutions in the United Kingdom or Russia.

Are PhD studies fully covered for all four years?

No. For PhD candidates, the scholarship provides funding for the first two years of study only. Students must secure alternative funding sources for subsequent years.

Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of July 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) website or through your local AKF office before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the Aga Khan Foundation.

Official Application Portal