Home›Scholarships›Multiple Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, France, USA)
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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship)
by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) · Reputable universities globally (excluding local universities in some participating countries)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Tuition fees and living expenses🟩 Active🎓 Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)🌍 Multiple Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, France, USA)📌 Merit-based and Need-based (50% Grant : 50% Loan)
Varies based on tuition costs and location of study
Duration
For the duration of the Master's or PhD program
Deadline
March 31 (Annual)
Level
Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)
Acceptance
Estimated < 5%
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship), administered by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), is one of the funding options available to international postgraduate students from developing nations in Multiple Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, France, USA). The award covers Provides 50% of the funding as a grant and 50% as a loan. Covers tuition and basic living expenses for the duration of the degree. and is open to postgraduate (masters and phd) students studying all fields (priority given to development-related subjects). The scholarship runs for for the duration of the master's or phd program and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on available to outstanding students from select developing countries with no other means of financing. Candidates must be under 30 and have high academic standing. The application deadline is March 31 (Annual), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated < 5%. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
6/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies based on tuition costs and location of study
⏳
Duration
For the duration of the Master's or PhD program
📅
Deadline
March 31 (Annual)
🌎
Fields
All fields (Priority given to development-related subjects)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 50 to 100 globally per year
🌏
Study Country
Multiple Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, France, USA)
🏛️
Provider
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
📊
Acceptance
Estimated < 5%
The Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme (ISP) provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process. The program prioritizes Master's level courses but will consider PhD applications for highly exceptional students. Preference is given to students who have already secured admission to highly reputable universities.
👥 Who Should Apply
Available to outstanding students from select developing countries with no other means of financing. Candidates must be under 30 and have high academic standing.
🏛️ Host University
Reputable universities globally (excluding local universities in some participating countries)
🤝 Sponsor
Aga Khan Foundation
🌎 Fields of Study
All fields (Priority given to development-related subjects)
✨ Key Benefits
Provides 50% of the funding as a grant and 50% as a loan. Covers tuition and basic living expenses for the duration of the degree.
🎯 Target Students
International postgraduate students from developing nations
Varies based on tuition costs and location of study
✈️ Travel: No🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Included in living stipend calculation)💊 Health Insurance: No🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Included in living stipend calculation)
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Networking opportunities within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and mentorship
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Annual renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance and continued financial need
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Nationals of participating countries, under 30 years of age, excellent academic record, and confirmed admission to a postgraduate program
🎓 Academic Level
Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
Excellent academic record (equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or First Class honors)
🗣️ English Requirement
Varies based on the host university's requirements
🍢 Age Limit
Under 30 years
💼 Work Experience
Preferred for professional Master's programs
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated leadership potential through extracurricular activities or community service
💰 Financial Need
Mandatory (Candidates must prove they have explored all other funding sources)
🎯 Target Students
International postgraduate students from developing nations
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes
Rec Letters
Yes (3 letters of recommendation)
Interview
Yes (In-person or virtual interview with the local scholarship committee)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (3 letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Varies based on the host university's requirements
Interview: Yes (In-person or virtual interview with the local scholarship committee)
Min GPA: Excellent academic record (equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or First Class honors)
📋 Application Process
Focus on the 'Development' aspect of your study and how it will impact your home community. Ensure you have admission from a top-tier university before applying.
💡 Insider Tip: Applications must be obtained from and submitted to local AKF offices or Ismaili Grants and Review Boards in the applicant's country of residence.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
January 1 (Annual)
⏰ Deadline
March 31 (Annual)
🎤 Interview
Yes (In-person or virtual interview with the local scholarship committee)
🎓 Study Starts
September/October
January 1 (Annual)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
March 31 (Annual)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (In-person or virtual interview with the local scholarship committee)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September/October
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, genuine financial need, admission to a highly-ranked university, and relevance of the field of study to AKDN's priority areas.
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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship)Current
Multiple Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, France, USA)
Tuition fees and living expenses
Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)
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Salary, research costs, fringe benefits, and indirect costs
Available to outstanding students from select developing countries with no other means of financing. Candidates must be under 30 and have high academic standing.
This scholarship covers: Provides 50% of the funding as a grant and 50% as a loan. Covers tuition and basic living expenses for the duration of the degree.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is March 31 (Annual). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Estimated < 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Varies based on the host university's requirements, Yes (3 letters of recommendation) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.