Quick Summary
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, administered by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), is one of the funding options available to international students from specific developing countries in Switzerland (Headquarters) - Applicable to students from specific countries in Asia and Africa. The award covers The scholarship is awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis. Loans have a 5% annual service charge and are repayable over five years, starting six months after the study period ends. and is open to postgraduate (master's and phd) students studying all fields (priority given to development-related subjects). The scholarship runs for duration of the degree program and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on outstanding students from selected developing countries with no other means of financing their studies. Preference is given to students under 30 years of age. The application deadline is March 31 annually (Varies by local AKF office), with an acceptance rate of approximately Check official website. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies based on the cost of the program and the student's financial need
⏳
Duration
Duration of the degree program
📅
Deadline
March 31 annually (Varies by local AKF office)
🌎
Fields
All fields (Priority given to development-related subjects)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 50 to 100 scholarships per year
🌏
Study Country
Switzerland (Headquarters) - Applicable to students from specific countries in Asia and Africa
🏛️
Provider
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website
The Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme (ISP) provides financial assistance to outstanding students from select developing countries for postgraduate studies. The program aims to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment within the AKDN or in development-related roles in their home regions. The funding model is unique, providing half the funds as a grant and half as a loan with a modest service fee.
👥 Who Should Apply
Outstanding students from selected developing countries with no other means of financing their studies. Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.
🏛️ Host University
Reputable universities worldwide (excluding those in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland)
🤝 Sponsor
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
🌎 Fields of Study
All fields (Priority given to development-related subjects)
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship is awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis. Loans have a 5% annual service charge and are repayable over five years, starting six months after the study period ends.
🎯 Target Students
International students from specific developing countries
🏷 Tags
International
Master's
PhD
Development
Loan-Grant
Asia
Africa
💸 Funding Breakdown
Total Award
Varies based on the cost of the program and the student's financial need
✈️ Travel: No
🏠 Accommodation: Included in the living stipend
💊 Health Insurance: Check official website
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🏡 Accommodation
Included in the living stipend
💊 Health Insurance
Check official website
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) professional circle and mentorship opportunities
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintenance of high academic standards and proof of continued financial need
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda; in France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries.
🎓 Academic Level
Postgraduate (Master's and PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
High academic standing required (Typically equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or First Class)
🗣️ English Requirement
Varies based on the host university's admission requirements
🍢 Age Limit
Preference for candidates under 30 years of age
💼 Work Experience
Preferred, especially for professional master's programs
🏆 Leadership
High leadership potential is a core selection criterion
💰 Financial Need
Mandatory; applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need
🎯 Target Students
International students from specific developing countries
📝 Application Requirements
Interview
Yes (Interviews are conducted by local Scholarship Committees)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Varies based on the host university's admission requirements
- Interview: Yes (Interviews are conducted by local Scholarship Committees)
- Min GPA: High academic standing required (Typically equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or First Class)
📋 Application Process
Start the application process early. Focus on how your field of study will contribute to the development of your home country. Ensure you have already secured admission to a reputable university before applying.
💡 Insider Tip: Applications must be obtained from and submitted to local Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board offices in the applicant’s country of residence.