Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship)

🌍

by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) · Reputable universities globally (excluding local universities in some participating countries)

💛 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)

⚡ Apply Now 🤖 Check Eligibility

75%

Match

Win Rate

9/10

Effort

6/10

Reward

60–80 hrs

Time Needed

Award

Varies based on tuitio

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

🌍 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

🏷 Tags

Postgraduate Masters PhD Development Ismaili International Loan-Grant

📊 Statistics & Competitiveness

Check official website

Applicants Last Year

Check official website

Winners

Estimated < 5%

Acceptance Rate

Low

Competition Level

Win Probability

Match Score

75%

Competition

50%

💸 Funding Breakdown

Tuition

Yes

Living Stipend

Yes

Total Award

Varies based on tuition cost

✈️ 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

💊 Health Insurance

🎁 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

Research eligibility and gather requirements

Start Early

Collect all required documents

Start Early

Request recommendation letters early

Write compelling essays and personal statement

⚠ High Risk Stage

Submit complete application before deadline

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 & 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.

⚡ Similar Scholarships

Scholarship	Country	Coverage	Level
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)	—
🇺🇸 Sundance Institute Fellowship	United States	Travel, lodging, mentorship, and project stipends	Emerging to Mid-career Artists	View →
🇲🇺 University of Mauritius PhD Fellowship	Mauritius	Full Funding	PhD / MPhil	View →
🇵🇸 Birzeit University Scholarships and Financial Aid	Palestine	Full Funding	Undergraduate and Graduate (Master's/PhD)	View →
🇺🇸 Getty Research Institute Predoctoral Fellowship	United States	Full Funding	Doctoral (Predoctoral)	View →

🤖

ScholarAI — Your Personal Scholarship Intelligence

Check eligibility · Score your profile · Analyse scholarship fit · Set deadline reminders — all powered by Claude AI

✅ Eligibility Check 💪 Profile Score 🎯 Fit Analysis ⏰ Deadline Alerts 📊 Win Probability

🚀 Try Free →

📚 Application Resources

📝

Essay Writing Guide

Winning SOP framework & tips

🎤

Interview Prep Guide

Questions & STAR answers

📄

Document Templates

CV & recommendation templates

✅

Application Checklist

Step-by-step submission guide

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship)?

Available to outstanding students from select developing countries with no other means of financing. Candidates must be under 30 and have high academic standing.

What does Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship) cover?

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.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is March 31 (Annual). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.

How competitive is this scholarship?

Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Estimated < 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.

Is Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (Ismaili Scholarship) renewable?

Yes

What documents do I need?

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.

🌐 Official Information

📧

Contact

akf.isp@akdn.org

Last updated: May 2024

💬 Community Discussion