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 (not available for study in the United Kingdom or Russia)
• 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. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable only if the quality of the course is maintained.

Master's courses get priority, but the Foundation will consider PhD applications. Applications for part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered.

Nationals of these countries can apply: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda.

In countries such as Canada, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from people who originally come from one of the developing countries listed above.

At this time, the AKF ISP is not available to students who wish to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.

The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.

Master's scholarships run for the entire duration of the degree course. PhD funding covers only the first two years of study; after that, students are expected to find funding from alternative sources.

Half of the award amount is a loan. A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement. Repayment of the loan component, which includes a service charge, begins six months after the first of the following events: a) graduation, b) termination of studies or c) the withdrawal of support following failure to meet the academic standards expected of ISP students.

To maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.

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**;
• demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study**;
• be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution***;
• be starting the first year of the programme****; 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.

**Awards are provided according to need, but please consider the AKF ISP a resource of last resort and secure multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount you request.

***AKF ISP gives priority to Master's programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies.

****Applicants must be entering their first year of study in a postgraduate programme. Students who have already enrolled in, or have commenced their postgraduate studies, are not eligible.

Applications are currently closed. The 2026-2027 application cycle is now closed. The next cycle will open in early 2027.

Applications are handled by contacts in countries where AKF ISP is available. Use the eligibility tool on the official website to verify your eligibility and learn how to contact your local team. 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.

You must be entering the first year of your postgraduate programme. Students who have already enrolled in, or have commenced their postgraduate studies, are not eligible.

• Who can apply for the AKF International Scholarship Programme? Nationals of the listed countries, plus people in Canada, Portugal and the USA who originally come from one of those developing countries.
• What does the scholarship cover? Tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
• Is the scholarship a grant or a loan? It is 50% grant and 50% loan. A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement.
• 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.
• Can I apply if I have already started my postgraduate studies? No. Applicants must be entering their first year of a postgraduate programme.

• 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.