Aga khan Foundation Scholarships
Established in 1967, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) brings together human, financial and technical resources to address the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world. Special emphasis is placed on investing in human potential, expanding opportunity and improving the overall quality of life.Every year, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships offer students from developing countries a chance to study abroad. Recipients of the scholarship can apply for the universities of the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Portugal.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan. Students can opt to pursue any PG level program in Canada, the US, and other eligible countries.The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives (academic or research oriented).
Benefits of Award
The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.
Half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.
Eligibility
The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices which process applications and interview candidates.
Age Limit: Under 30 years of age (preferred)
Application Procedures
The application procedures of AKF’s International Scholarship Programme are decentralised. Students may obtain application forms as of 1st January each year from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence. Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. They should not be sent to Geneva.
Selection Process
Recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are assessed on the following basis:
Consistent academic excellence
Genuine financial requirement
Admission to a reputed program and university in the US, France, UK, and Canada.
Relevance of the opted program to the focus areas of the AKF.
Candidates with relevant experience will be preferred. Furthermore, the selection committee also focuses on the applicant’s career goals, extra-curricular interests, and achievements.
