Scholarship
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Offered by Aga Khan Foundation
Closed Applications closed. Next cycle: Early 2027
Visit Official Scholarship Website
Last verified: September 26, 2026
Quick facts
- Provider
- Aga Khan Foundation
- Study destination
- Many countries
- Level
- Master's, PhD / Doctorate
- Funding
- Grant, Loan / Financial Aid
- Eligible students
- Students from selected countries (for example those listed); applications are handled by local contacts
- Deadline
- Applications closed. Next cycle: Early 2027
Overview
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) helps outstanding students from selected countries who have no other means of financing their studies to pursue postgraduate education. It was established in 1969 and has supported more than 1,500 students.
Awards are half grant and half loan, and priority is given to master’s programmes.
Who Can Apply
Students with excellent academic records, a bachelor's degree, genuine financial need, a multi-source funding plan and admission to a reputable postgraduate programme (first year).
Am I eligible? A quick check
- Students from selected countries (for example those listed); applications are handled by local contacts
- Study in Many countries
- Level: Master's, PhD / Doctorate
This is a summary. The official eligibility rules decide who can apply.
Study Destination
The scholarship can be used in many countries (see the official rules for eligible institutions).
A reputable postgraduate institution (priority to master's programmes).
Education Level
Eligible Nationalities
Students from selected countries (for example those listed); applications are handled by local contacts
Show all 15 eligible countries
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Eligibility can change between cycles. Confirm your country on the official website.
What Does This Scholarship Cover?
Travel
- Airfare (not covered)
Other
- Support for family / dependants (not covered)
Funding Details
Awards are half grant and half loan (50 percent is repaid, with a service charge, starting six months after graduation). They cover tuition expenses and student living expenses according to need, but not international travel, clothing, furniture or living expenses for family members. Master's awards cover the whole degree; PhD awards cover the first two years.
Eligibility Requirements
Age
Preference is given to young professionals under 30.
Financial need
Genuine financial need; the award is a resource of last resort.
Application Deadline
- Status
- Closed Applications closed. Next cycle: Early 2027
- Previous cycle
- The 2026-2027 application cycle is closed.
- Next cycle
- Early 2027
Deadlines change every cycle. Always confirm the current dates on the official website.
Important Conditions
- 50 percent of the award is a loan that must be repaid, and a guarantor must co-sign the award agreement.
- Awards continue only with good academic standing and ongoing financial need.
Official Links
Last verified: September 26, 2026
Application Abroad is not the scholarship provider and does not accept applications. Apply through the official provider; its website is the final source for eligibility, funding and deadlines.
You may also be interested in
- ClosedLoan / Financial AidJ N Tata Endowment Loan ScholarshipJ N Tata EndowmentStudents from IndiaApplications closed. Next application cycle has not been announcedView Scholarship
- Next cycle not yet announcedFully FundedAustralia Awards ScholarshipsAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)Citizens of participating countries (Africa, Asia and the Pacific); country-specific criteria applyCovers: Tuition ยท Travel ยท Living costsVaries by country โ check the official websiteView Scholarship
- Next cycle not yet announcedFelix ScholarshipThe Felix Scholarship TrustStudents from IndiaUniversity-specific โ check the official websiteView Scholarship
Free counselling
Need help with your scholarship application?
Talk to a study-abroad counsellor about your eligibility, your documents and your university options.
