Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme for Postgraduate Study

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) runs the International Scholarship Programme for postgraduate study. It gives a small number of awards each year to high-achieving students from developing countries who cannot fund their studies any other way. Awards are split evenly: half grant, half loan. Selection happens once a year through a competitive process.

• Host: Aga Khan Foundation
• Level: Master's and PhD
• Study destination: any country
• Deadline: 31 March 2026, annual (internal deadlines may be earlier)
• Awards: a limited number each year
• Funding: 50% grant, 50% loan covering tuition and living expenses
• Target group: nationals of listed developing countries

Any reputable university or postgraduate institution of higher learning.

Master's courses get priority, but the Foundation will consider PhD applications. Short-term courses are not considered.

Nationals of these countries can apply: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*.

*In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from people who originally come from one of the developing countries listed above, are interested in development-related studies and have no other way to finance their education.

The Foundation helps with tuition fees and living expenses only. Travel costs are not part of an AKF scholarship.

Master's scholarships run for the full length of the degree. PhD funding covers only the first two years of study; after that, students must find other sources of support.

Half of the scholarship amount is a loan. It must be repaid with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor has to co-sign the loan agreement. Repayment runs over five years and starts six months after the funded study period ends.

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**;
• construct a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan**;
• be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution***; 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.

Applications are currently closed.

Contact the local offices for internal deadline dates and requirements, as these may vary from country to country. Send completed applications back to the agency that gave you the form. Do not send them to Geneva. The submission deadline is 31 March 2026, although in some countries internal deadlines may be earlier.

Visit the official website (link below) for detailed information on how to apply.

This award suits a high-achieving graduate from one of the listed countries who has been accepted into a reputable postgraduate programme and can show real financial need. You need a clear funding plan that combines several sources, not just this scholarship.

Preference goes to young professionals under 30. Strong leadership potential, work experience, extracurricular or entrepreneurial achievements and volunteer work all help your case.

• Who can apply for the AKF International Scholarship Programme? Nationals of the listed countries, plus people in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA who originally come from one of those developing countries and plan development-related studies.
• What does the scholarship cover? Tuition fees and living expenses only. Travel costs are not included.
• Is the scholarship a grant or a loan? It is 50% grant and 50% loan. The loan carries a 5% annual service charge and needs a guarantor.
• What is the deadline? 31 March 2026, though internal deadlines in some countries may be earlier.
• How do I apply? Get the form from your local office, complete it, and return it to the agency you got it from. Do not send it to Geneva.
• Can I apply for a PhD? Yes, but funding covers only the first two years. Master's applications get priority.

• Read the official guidelines and your local office's requirements before you start, since rules differ by country.
• Prepare your academic transcripts, admission letter and financial documents early so nothing is missing at submission.
• Check language test requirements for your chosen university and book your test in good time.
• Build a realistic multi-source funding plan and explain it clearly in your application.
• Submit to the correct agency, not to Geneva, and confirm your country's internal deadline.