Unlock Your Future with Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships 2025 Eligibility Benefits and Application Guide

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is pleased to announce the commencement of its International Scholarship Programme (ISP) for the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to support outstanding students from select developing countries in pursuing postgraduate studies, thereby fostering the development of effective scholars and leaders.

Aga Khan Foundation

Who is Eligible to Apply for The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025?

To be considered for the AKF ISP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Demonstrate consistently excellent academic records.

• Educational Background: Possess a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

• Financial Need: Show genuine financial need and provide a reliable, multi-source funding plan covering all years of study.

• University Admission: Secure admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.

• Program Status: Be commencing the first year of the postgraduate program; those already enrolled are ineligible.

• Leadership and Experience: Exhibit strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.

• Age Preference: Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age.

Fields of Study Covered:

While the AKF ISP does not restrict applicants to specific fields of study, it prioritizes disciplines that align with the Aga Khan Development Network’s focus areas, including:

• Health

• Education

• Culture

• Rural Development

• Economic Development

Universities Included in the Program:

Applicants may apply to any reputable university, with the exception of institutions in the following countries, as the Foundation will not accept applications from students planning to attend universities in these locations for the 2025-2026 cycle:

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• Sweden

• Austria

• Denmark

• Netherlands

• Italy

• Norway

• Ireland

Selection Process for Applicants:

The selection process is highly competitive and involves:

1. Application Review: Local Scholarship Committees assess applications based on academic performance, financial need, admission to reputable institutions, and relevance to AKDN’s focus areas.

2. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed to evaluate their educational and career plans, extracurricular achievements, and potential for success in a foreign academic environment.

3. Final Selection: The annual Scholarship Selection Meeting occurs in late June or early July, with notifications sent to all applicants shortly thereafter.

Documents Needed for Application:

Applicants are typically required to submit:

• Completed application form

• Proof of academic qualifications

• Admission letter from a postgraduate institution

• Financial need statement and funding plan

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• References or recommendation letters

Eligibility by Country:

The AKF ISP is available to nationals residing in the following countries:

• Afghanistan

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• India

• Kenya

• Kyrgyz Republic

• Madagascar

• Mozambique

• Pakistan

• Syria

• Tajikistan

• Tanzania

• Uganda

Additionally, in Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above countries.

Aga Khan Foundation

Benefits of The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025:

• Financial Support: Covers tuition fees and living expenses; travel costs are not included.

• Loan Conditions: Half of the scholarship amount is considered a loan, repayable with a 5% annual service charge. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement, with a payback period of five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Foundation.

Duration of the Scholarship:

• Master’s Programs: Funding is provided for the entire duration of the degree.

• PhD Programs: Funding is provided only for the first two years, after which students are expected to secure alternative funding sources.

Application Procedure:

1. Obtain Application Form: Available from Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Services/Boards offices in the applicant’s country of residence starting January 1, 2025.

2. Submit Application: Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which they were obtained; they should not be sent to Geneva.

3. Deadline: The deadline for submission is March 31, 2025.

Applicants are advised to contact local offices for internal deadline dates and specific requirements, as these may vary by country.

For more detailed information, please visit the official Aga Khan Foundation website.