Overview
Scholarship type
Merit based
Number of scholarships to award
One
Grant
50% tuition fee waiver
Scholarship coverage
- tuition fee reduction
- living expenses
Description
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN.
Benefits
Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.
The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master's level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives (academic or research oriented).
The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships. Funding for PhD programmes is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.
Eligibility
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.
Scholarship requirements
Disciplines
Any
Locations
18 countries
Nationality
13 nationalities
Study experience required
Bachelor
Age
Under 30
Application
Application deadline
31 Mar 2026
Applications are handled by contacts in countries where AKF ISP is available. To learn more, please visit their website in January 2026 and use the eligibility tool to verify your eligibility and learn how to contact our local team.