Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda starting a first year of master's (priority) or PhD study. Needs excellent grades, financial need, a funding plan for all years, admission to a reputable university, a guarantor, and preference under age 30. Not available for study in the UK or Russia.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

A scholarship that is half grant, half interest-free loan for postgraduate study abroad. Applicants from Bangladesh can apply; study in the UK is not eligible.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda starting a first year of master's (priority) or PhD study. Needs excellent grades, financial need, a funding plan for all years, admission to a reputable university, a guarantor, and preference under age 30. Not available for study in the UK or Russia.
2. Note the deadline. Jan – Mar (annual; the 2026/27 cycle is closed and the next cycle opens in early 2027 - applications go through the AKF office in your country, and deadlines differ by country) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. AKF application form; Official academic transcripts and degree certificates; Admission offer from a reputable university; Detailed household financial plan; Two recommendation letters; Passport or national ID copy.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Local AKF National Committee review and interview followed by final selection by the international panel in Geneva

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Contact your local AKF office in January or February to obtain the current application forms
2. Show a clear plan to contribute to your home region after graduation
3. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
4. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
5. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
6. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
7. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
8. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda starting a first year of master's (priority) or PhD study. Needs excellent grades, financial need, a funding plan for all years, admission to a reputable university, a guarantor, and preference under age 30. Not available for study in the UK or Russia.

What does Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme cover?

A 50% grant and 50% loan. Master's funding covers the full degree; PhD funding covers the first two years. The loan must be repaid, starting six months after graduation.

When is the deadline for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?

Jan – Mar (annual; the 2026/27 cycle is closed and the next cycle opens in early 2027 - applications go through the AKF office in your country, and deadlines differ by country) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?

Host countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada.

What documents do I need for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?

AKF application form; Official academic transcripts and degree certificates; Admission offer from a reputable university; Detailed household financial plan; Two recommendation letters; Passport or national ID copy.

How are applicants selected for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?

Local AKF National Committee review and interview followed by final selection by the international panel in Geneva

How much work is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme application?

High: local AKF application form + university admission + financial need documentation + interview