Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (AKF ISP) is a prestigious initiative that provides financial assistance to outstanding students from developing countries pursuing postgraduate studies in the US, Canada, France and Portugal. The program primarily supports Master’s degrees for the entire duration of the course and PhD studies for the first two years, after which students are expected to secure alternative funding. Covering tuition and living expenses, the scholarship requires a guarantor to co-sign the award agreement. 

Aspects	Details
Offered by	The Aga Khan Foundation
Type of Award	Need Based/ Merit Based
Level of Study	Postgraduate (one-year course) or PhD
Subjects/ Fields	AKF Focus areas (mentioned below)
Deadline	Applications Closed (Opens in Jan, 2025)
Website	https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human- capacity/education/international-scholarships

Eligible Countries for Aga Khan Foundation ISP

Students from the following countries are eligible for the AgaKhan Foundation Scholarships- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda. 

Aga Khan Foundation Focus Areas

The Aga Khan Foundation has a strong focus on these seven areas: Agriculture & Food Security, Climate Resilience, Civil Society, Early Childhood Development, Education, Health & Nutrition and Work & Enterprise. Applicants who are involved in the following sectors and will be contributing in their respective countries later for development will be given preference. 

Check More: Foreign Fulbright Scholarship

Scholarship Benefits

The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship helps students cover tuition and living expenses on a half loan and half grant basis. The 50% loan amount is to be repaid within five years with a 5% service charge, starting six months after graduation or upon termination of studies. The foundation also encourages students to arrange funding from other resources as well firstly and combine it with Aga Khan Foundation ISP to ease the burden of loan. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Have an excellent Academic Record
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate genuine financial needs
• Describe how you plan to fund your studies
• Got Admitted to a reputed university for postgraduate or PhD
• Should be starting the first year of the degree program. /you are not eligible if you have already enrolled in or your classes have commenced. 
• Possess strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular or other volunteer contributions

Documents Required

• Application form
• Academic Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Proof of Admission
• Educational transcripts
• Recommendation Letters
• Financial Information
• Other documents

Application Process for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The application process for the Aga Khan Foundation ISP is handled by the local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) or the Aga Khan Education Board (AGEB). Ensure you meet the criteria, including academic excellence and financial need, before reaching out to the local units for application. Fill out the form with detailed information about your academic background, financial situation, and future goals. Submit the completed form and documents to the local office by the deadline allotted by your local unit. If shortlisted, you may be called for an interview. 

Important Dates

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are now closed for the 2024-2025 cycle. Applications for the next cycle, 2025-2026, will open around early January 2025. Specific dates may vary by country, so you should check with your local Aga Khan Foundation office for precise timelines.

Check More: AAUW International Fellowship

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Selection process and criteria

The selection process for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program includes submitting a comprehensive application, undergoing initial screening, local interviews, and a final centralized review. Key criteria include academic performance, financial need, leadership qualities, and a commitment to return and contribute to their home country.

Tips for Applicants

• Clear Financial Statement: When detailing your financial situation, be clear and precise. Provide all requested financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and income proof. Clearly outline your family’s financial status to demonstrate need.
• Budget Plan: Include a detailed budget plan for your studies, showing estimated costs and how you plan to cover them. Be realistic and transparent about your financial needs.
• Comprehensive Experience Section: List all relevant work and volunteer experiences. Clearly describe your roles, responsibilities, and the skills you gained. Highlight experiences that demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and commitment to your field of study.
• Compelling Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that clearly articulates your academic and career goals, your commitment to community service, and how the scholarship will help you achieve these goals. Be specific about your plans and sincere in your writing.
• Quality Recommendations: Ensure your recommenders are aware of the requirements and deadlines. Provide them with sufficient information about your achievements and goals to write strong, personalized letters.