(International) – The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is offering exceptional postgraduate students from developing countries the opportunity to pursue higher education through a unique scholarship initiative that combines merit and financial need.
Summary
The Aga Khan Foundation’s scholarships provide a 50% grant and 50% loan to outstanding students from 18 developing countries who lack alternative means to fund their education, helping them attend world-class institutions and develop into leaders in their fields.
Founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, the ISP is designed to assist gifted students in pursuing postgraduate studies at prestigious universities. The programme aims to nurture effective scholars and leaders while preparing them for careers primarily within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The scholarship is available annually through a competitive application process and prioritizes master’s level studies. However, exceptional PhD candidates may also be considered if they demonstrate outstanding academic merit and align their research goals with the AKDN’s focus areas.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Grant Coverage | 50% tuition fee waiver, living expenses (travel costs excluded) |
| Eligibility | Citizens of 18 select countries, under 30, with excellent academic records |
| Applicable Levels | Master’s (priority) and select PhD programs |
| Disciplines Supported | Any field, with emphasis on relevance to AKDN’s mission |
| Number of Scholarships | Limited to one per cycle |
| Deadline | March 30, 2025 |
Candidates must exhibit a combination of outstanding academic performance, clear financial need, and admission to a top-tier university or program. They are also evaluated on their career goals, extracurricular involvement, and readiness to thrive in foreign academic settings.
Support Offered
The scholarship covers half of tuition fees and living expenses, distributed on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis. PhD candidates receive funding for only the first two years of their program, after which they must secure alternative funding sources. Travel expenses are not included in the scholarship package.
Eligible Countries and Requirements
Applicants must hail from one of the 18 eligible developing countries where Aga Khan Foundation offices operate. They must also demonstrate:
- Excellent academic achievements.
- Clear financial need.
- Admission to a prestigious program aligned with AKDN’s focus areas.
- A coherent and thoughtful career trajectory.
Preference is given to candidates under the age of 30 with relevant work experience in their chosen fields.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through local Aga Khan Foundation offices, with interviews conducted to identify the most deserving candidates. Students interested in applying for the scholarship must submit their applications by March 30, 2025.
List of Participating Institutions
The scholarship supports studies at numerous prestigious institutions worldwide, including:
- University of Glasgow (Data Science, Online Education)
- University Canada West (MBA)
- University of the People (IT, Education, MBA)
- University of Derby (Public Health)
- University of Westminster (Interior Architecture)
These programs represent a wide range of disciplines that align with the foundation’s mission to support future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Application Process
To secure the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic records and financial need, alongside a commitment to their field of study. Thoughtful career plans and leadership potential are also key considerations during the selection process.
