Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme 2027: Postgraduate Funding Opportunity for Students from Selected Countries
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides an important postgraduate funding opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries who have limited financial resources to finance their studies. Established in 1969 by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the programme has supported more than 1,500 students through its annual competitive scholarship process.
The 2026–2027 application cycle is currently closed, and the Aga Khan Foundation states that the next application cycle will open in early 2027. Prospective applicants can therefore begin preparing early for the next opportunity.
What Is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?
The AKF International Scholarship Programme is designed to support academically strong students who have been admitted to reputable postgraduate institutions but require significant financial assistance.
The programme prioritises applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential and meaningful professional, extracurricular, entrepreneurial or volunteer achievements.
While the scholarship gives priority to Master’s programmes, applications for PhD studies may also be considered under the programme’s conditions.
Who Is Eligible?
The scholarship is available to applicants from selected countries and is subject to country-specific application arrangements.
Eligible countries listed by the Aga Khan Foundation include:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Applications can also be accepted in countries such as Canada, Portugal and the United States from individuals originally from one of the eligible countries.
Applicants should use the Foundation’s eligibility tool and local programme contacts to confirm whether they can apply in their particular circumstances.
Academic Requirements
Candidates are expected to have excellent academic records and must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training or professional experience.
Applicants must also have secured admission to a reputable postgraduate institution and must be entering the first year of their postgraduate programme.
Students who have already started or enrolled in their postgraduate studies are not eligible.
The programme gives preference to Master’s degree programmes, although PhD applications can also be considered. Local and regional universities and distance-learning programmes may be acceptable where the quality of the programme is maintained.
Part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered.
Financial Need Is Important
One of the central requirements of the AKF ISP is genuine financial need.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they do not have sufficient resources to finance their postgraduate studies and should develop a thoughtful, reliable multi-source funding plan covering the years of study.
The Aga Khan Foundation advises applicants to consider the scholarship a resource of last resort and encourages them to seek additional sources of financial support.
This means prospective applicants should not rely exclusively on the AKF ISP when preparing their postgraduate funding strategy.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan, meaning that recipients generally need to repay 50 percent of the award amount.
For Master’s programmes, scholarships can cover the entire duration of the degree, subject to the programme’s conditions.
For PhD students, funding is provided for the first two years, after which students are expected to secure alternative sources of funding.
The award can cover tuition expenses and student living expenses.
However, applicants should understand that the scholarship does not cover every expense. Examples of costs excluded from the award include international travel, clothing, furniture and living expenses for family members.
Leadership and Professional Experience
The AKF ISP does not focus solely on academic performance.
Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential and may strengthen their applications through professional experience, extracurricular achievements, entrepreneurial activities and volunteer contributions.
The programme gives preference to young professionals under 30 years of age, although applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements for their specific application cycle.
How the Application Process Works
Applications are handled through contacts in countries where the AKF International Scholarship Programme is available.
Prospective applicants should first use the programme’s eligibility tool to determine whether they qualify and to identify the appropriate local team or application process.
Because the programme is highly competitive and offers only a limited number of new awards each year, applicants should begin preparing well in advance.
Important preparation steps include securing postgraduate admission, developing a realistic funding plan, gathering academic documents and identifying other scholarship or financial-aid opportunities.
Maintaining the Scholarship
Receiving the award is not the end of the process. Scholars must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate continuing financial need during their studies.
The loan component also has specific repayment conditions. A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement, and repayment begins six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support following failure to meet expected academic standards, depending on which event occurs first.
Next Application Cycle
The Aga Khan Foundation states that the 2026–2027 application cycle is closed. The next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027.
Students interested in the programme should use the time before the next cycle to check their eligibility, secure admission to a suitable postgraduate programme and explore additional funding options.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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