The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) 2025-2026 is an exceptional opportunity for outstanding students from selected countries who lack the financial means to pursue higher education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the programme has supported over 1,000 students worldwide. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded annually through a rigorous selection process, making it one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available.

The AKF ISP primarily supports Master's studies but also considers applications for PhD programmes. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and is structured as a half-scholarship and half-loan, ensuring continued opportunities for future scholars.

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme 2025-2026 is a great opportunity for students who face financial barriers to achieve their educational aspirations. With its comprehensive funding, global reach, and strong focus on academic excellence and leadership, this scholarship enables scholars to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026 Details:

• Host Institutions: Prestigious universities around the world (except the UK)
• Study level: Master's and PhD programs
• Funded by: Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
• Eligibility: International students from selected countries

Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026:

• Full tuition coverage
• Support for living expenses
• Housing assistance
• Universal health coverage
• 50% scholarship and 50% loan structure (repayment required)
• Priority is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
• Full-time scholarship for Master's programmes and the first two years of doctoral studies

List of eligible countries:

Applicants must be from the following countries:

• Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from students native to the above countries only.
• Not available to students wishing to study in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026:

• Excellent academic record
• - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrate financial need and provide a multi-source financing plan.
• Admission to a reputable graduate institution
• Starting the first year of a master's or doctoral program
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential, professional experience and extracurricular achievements.
• Multiple sources of funding must be secured, with AKF ISP being the supplier of last resort.

Required documents:

• Completed application form
• Copy of passport pages
• Bachelor's degree
• Academic Records
• Proof of acceptance into a graduate institution
• Statement of financial need
• the biography
• Letters of recommendation (at least two)
• Proof of residence

Prize Terms:

• The 50% loan amount, including a small service fee, must be repaid.
• There must be a guarantor to co-sign the agreement.
• Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, completion of studies, or withdrawal.
• Researchers must maintain academic excellence and financial need to continue receiving funding.

Delivery date:

The application deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026 is 31 March 2025.

How to apply for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026?

To apply for an AKF ISP, follow these steps:

• Visit the official website: Visit the Aga Khan Foundation website for detailed instructions and access to the eligibility tool.
• Complete the Eligibility Tool: If you are deemed eligible, you will receive additional instructions for applying.
• Prepare the required documents: Gather all the necessary documents in the required format.
• Submitting the application: Submit your completed application to the designated local AKF office before March 31, 2025 .
• Wait for selection results: Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews, and final results will be announced in mid-2025.