The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides postgraduate funding to exceptional students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Each year, the Aga Khan Foundation awards a limited number of scholarships for Masters-level study at top universities worldwide, with a focus on candidates from East Africa, South Asia, and other regions where the Aga Khan Development Network operates.
This scholarship is structured as a loan-grant combination, with fifty per cent awarded as a grant and fifty per cent as a no-interest loan. Recipients commit to returning to their home countries after graduation to contribute to social and economic development. If you are seeking fully funded postgraduate scholarships and meet the geographic and financial criteria, the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026 may be one of your most viable pathways.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Administering body | Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Education Services, part of the Aga Khan Development Network |
Eligible countries | Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, and others where AKDN operates |
Study level | Masters degree only; undergraduate and PhD programmes are not covered |
Funding structure | Fifty per cent grant, fifty per cent interest-free loan repayable over time |
Application deadline | Varies by country; check the AKDN International Scholarships page for your region's deadline |
Post-study commitment | Recipients must return to their home country to work in development-related fields |
What the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026 covers
The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship provides comprehensive support for fully funded Masters programmes in developing countries and beyond. Awards typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, though the exact package depends on the cost of the chosen programme and the student's demonstrated need.
Because funding is structured as half grant and half loan, scholars take on a manageable financial obligation that begins repayment after they complete their studies and secure employment. The loan carries no interest, and repayment terms are designed to be realistic for graduates working in development sectors. This model allows the Foundation to support more students over time as repaid funds are reinvested into future scholarship cycles.
The scholarship prioritises fields that align with the Aga Khan Development Network's mission, including education, health, architecture, rural development, and related disciplines. Applicants proposing study in these areas, particularly those who can demonstrate how their degree will benefit their home communities, are often viewed favourably.
Aga Khan scholarship eligibility criteria
Aga Khan Foundation scholarship eligibility is tightly defined. To qualify, you must meet all of the following conditions:
Be a citizen of one of the countries where the Aga Khan Development Network operates, with priority given to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and several other nations in East Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East
Have no other means of financing your postgraduate education, demonstrated through a thorough financial-need assessment
Hold an excellent academic record, typically a first-class or upper-second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent
Have received an admission offer from a reputable university for a Masters programme
Be under thirty years of age at the time of application (some flexibility may apply depending on the regional office)
The Foundation does not fund undergraduate degrees, PhD programmes, or distance-learning courses. Preference is given to applicants who have some years of work experience and a clear plan to apply their postgraduate training to development challenges in their home country.
Geographic focus: postgraduate scholarships East Africa and South Asia
The Aga Khan scholarship Bangladesh, Aga Khan scholarship India, Aga Khan scholarship Pakistan, Aga Khan scholarship Afghanistan, Aga Khan scholarship Kenya, Aga Khan scholarship Tanzania, Aga Khan scholarship Uganda, Aga Khan scholarship Egypt, and Aga Khan scholarship Syria programmes all operate under the same International Scholarship Programme framework, but each country or region has its own application office and deadline. Applicants must apply through the office that serves their country of citizenship or permanent residence, as listed on the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme page.
Postgraduate scholarships South Asia and postgraduate scholarships East Africa represent the two largest regional cohorts, reflecting the AKDN's historical presence and institutional partnerships in these areas.
How to apply for the Aga Khan scholarship
The application process for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026 is managed at the country level, so the exact steps and deadlines vary. In general, the process follows this sequence:
Secure admission to a Masters programme at a recognised university. Most regional offices require proof of admission or at least a conditional offer before you submit your scholarship application.
Identify the Aga Khan Education Service or Aga Khan Foundation office responsible for your country of residence. Contact details are available on the official AKDN website.
Request the application form and guidelines from that office. Some regions accept applications online; others require paper submissions.
Complete the application form, providing detailed information about your academic history, financial situation, work experience, and study plans.
Gather supporting documents: academic transcripts, admission letters, references, a personal statement, and financial declarations for yourself and your family.
Submit your application by the deadline specified for your country. Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.
After submission, shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Selection committees assess academic merit, financial need, the relevance of the proposed study to development priorities, and the applicant's commitment to returning home after graduation.
Application timeline and deadlines
Deadlines for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026 vary by region and typically fall between March and August for studies commencing in the following academic year. Because processing times can be lengthy, start your application as early as possible. Check the official AKDN scholarships page or contact your regional office directly to confirm the deadline that applies to you.
Loan repayment and post-study obligations
Recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship sign an agreement that includes two key commitments: repaying the loan portion of the award and returning to work in their home country or another developing nation within the AKDN's sphere.
Loan repayment begins after you complete your degree and secure employment. The Foundation sets a grace period and then expects regular payments over several years. Because the loan is interest-free, the total amount you repay equals exactly half of the funding you received. Repayment schedules are tailored to individual circumstances, and the Foundation works with scholars who face genuine financial hardship.
The requirement to return home is central to the programme's philosophy. The Aga Khan Development Network invests in individuals who will drive progress in underserved regions, so scholars are expected to apply their skills locally rather than emigrating permanently to high-income countries. This commitment is monitored, and scholars who remain abroad without justification may be required to convert the grant portion of their award into additional loan obligations.
Comparing the Aga Khan scholarship with other funding opportunities
The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship sits alongside several other prominent schemes for students from developing countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 offers full UK funding for developing countries and does not require repayment, making it a strong alternative if you are eligible for a Commonwealth nation's programme and meet the development-impact criteria.
Other targeted scholarships, such as the Said Foundation Scholarship at Imperial College London, focus on specific regions or institutions and may offer full grants rather than loan-grant combinations. If you are applying for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026, it is wise to also explore these parallel opportunities to maximise your chances of securing funding.
Strengthening your application
Competition for the AKF ISP is intense. To stand out, focus on demonstrating genuine financial need, a strong academic record, and a credible plan for post-study contribution. Your personal statement should clearly articulate why your chosen field matters to your home country's development, how your previous experience has prepared you, and what specific role you intend to play after graduation.
Strong references from academic supervisors or employers who can speak to your potential and commitment are essential. If you have work experience in education, health, rural development, or civil society, highlight projects and outcomes that show leadership and impact.
Finally, apply early and ensure every document is complete and accurate. Missing paperwork or vague financial declarations can disqualify an otherwise strong candidate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship if I already have another funding offer?
No. The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship eligibility criteria require that you have no other means of financing your studies. If you have received another scholarship or significant financial support, you will not qualify. The programme is reserved for students who genuinely cannot afford postgraduate education without this assistance.
Does the Aga Khan scholarship cover PhD programmes?
No. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme funds Masters degrees only. Undergraduate and doctoral studies are not eligible. If you are pursuing a PhD, you will need to explore other funding sources.
What happens if I cannot return to my home country after my Masters?
The scholarship agreement requires you to return to your home country or another developing nation within the AKDN's operational area. If you remain abroad without the Foundation's approval, you may be required to convert the grant portion of your award into a loan, effectively doubling your repayment obligation. Exceptions are rare and must be negotiated directly with the Foundation.
How competitive is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026?
The programme is highly competitive. The Foundation receives far more applications than it can fund, and only candidates who combine excellent academics, clear financial need, and a strong development-focused study plan are selected. Strengthening every element of your application and applying to multiple funding sources in parallel is advisable.
Can I study anywhere in the world with the Aga Khan scholarship?
Yes, provided the university is reputable and the programme aligns with development priorities. Many scholars study in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Europe, but the Foundation also supports study in developing countries where high-quality programmes exist. The key is that the degree must be relevant to the AKDN's mission and your home country's needs.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to using your postgraduate education to drive development in your home region, the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship 2026 offers a realistic pathway to fully funded Masters study. Begin by confirming your country's application office and deadline on the official AKDN scholarships page, secure your university admission, and prepare a thorough, honest application that demonstrates both your need and your potential. With careful preparation and a clear sense of purpose, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for one of the most respected postgraduate scholarships for developing countries.
