The Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme provides financial assistance to outstanding students from selected developing countries who have no other means of financing their graduate studies. It is primarily for master's study, with PhD support available only on a limited, case-by-case basis (mainly for current AKF master's scholars). The scholarship is need-based and is awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis — the loan portion (with a modest service charge) is to be repaid after studies, which allows the Foundation to recycle funds to future students. It typically covers tuition and living expenses, with the precise amount determined by the student's assessed need and the cost of the chosen programme. Applications are made through the Aga Khan Foundation office in the applicant's home country (not centrally), usually by around the end of March each year, for studies beginning later that year or the next. The programme operates in countries where the Aga Khan Development Network is active, including parts of South and Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Request and submit the application through the Aga Khan Foundation office in your home country, by the local deadline (commonly around the end of March).
Apply through the Aga Khan Foundation office/unit in your home country — applications are not accepted centrally. Half of the award is a loan to be repaid, enabling the fund to support future students.
Selected AKDN countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
Selection is made locally by the Aga Khan Foundation, prioritising genuine financial need alongside academic merit, the soundness of the study plan, and the applicant's potential to contribute to development. Younger applicants and those with clear need but no other funding are prioritised; shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational development agency within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), working to improve quality of life in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its International Scholarship Programme helps talented students with financial need access graduate education and contribute to development in their communities.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
A need-based programme providing financial assistance to outstanding students from selected developing countries — where the Aga Khan Development Network works — who have no other means of financing graduate (mainly master's) study.
On a 50% grant and 50% loan basis — half is a grant and half is an interest-bearing loan (with a modest service charge) repaid after studies, so the fund can support future students.
High-achieving students with genuine financial need from eligible AKDN countries (parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East), primarily for master's study, preferably under ~30.
A contribution toward tuition and modest living expenses, with the exact amount set by the applicant's assessed financial need and the cost of the chosen programme.
Through the Aga Khan Foundation office in your home country — not centrally. Request the application from the local office and submit it by the local deadline (~end of March).
Commonly around the end of March each year, though it varies by country office. Contact your local AKF office for the exact date.
Primarily master's. PhD support is limited and considered only on an exceptional, case-by-case basis, mainly for students already supported by AKF at master's level.
Countries where the Aga Khan Development Network operates — for example Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, parts of East Africa, Egypt, and Syria, among others.
Yes — half of the award is a loan, repayable after your studies with a modest service charge. The grant half does not need to be repaid.
Yes — the programme is for students with no other means of financing their studies. Both financial need and academic merit are assessed in selection.
Competitive — selection is local and weighs need, merit, and study plan. Younger applicants with clear need and strong academics are prioritised.
You generally need an offer or proof of application to a graduate programme; the local office can advise on timing relative to your admission.