Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships 2025 (Partially Funded)

Pursue your postgraduate studies abroad!
Applications are now open for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships 2025–2026. This unique scholarship opportunity supports outstanding students from select developing countries to pursue Master’s and PhD studies at highly reputable universities (excluding universities in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland).

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About the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) offers a limited number of scholarships each year through a 50% grant / 50% loan structure. This competitive program supports academically excellent students who demonstrate genuine financial need and lack other sources of funding. The goal is to develop strong scholars and future leaders, particularly for careers within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

While priority is given to Master’s degree programs, exceptional PhD applicants may be considered—particularly those with strong recommendations and a clear need for doctoral studies to achieve their academic or research-focused career goals.

Note: Applications for short-term programs or students already enrolled in their courses will not be considered.

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Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s, PhD

• Institution: Aga Khan Foundation

• Study Location: Any top-tier university except in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland

• Program Duration: Based on the selected university

• Deadline: March 31, 2025

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Eligible Fields of Study

Scholarships are offered for programs related to the Foundation’s areas of focus, including:

• Health

• Education

• Culture

• Rural development

• Agriculture and food security

• Civil society

• Financial inclusion

• Economic development

• Enterprise development

• Habitat and historic cities

• Infrastructure and industrial development

• Humanitarian assistance

• Media and music

• Tourism promotion

• Institution building

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Scholarship Benefits

The Aga Khan Foundation provides:

• Financial assistance for tuition fees and living expenses only

• For PhD programs, funding is limited to the first two years of study

• Financial aid is provided based on individual need

Applicants are encouraged to seek other funding sources to reduce the amount requested. Preference is given to those who have already secured partial external funding.

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Loan Conditions

• 50% of the scholarship is awarded as a loan, repayable with an annual 5% service charge

• A guarantor must co-sign the loan agreement

• Repayment begins six months after the end of the funded study period and must be completed within five years

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, applicants must:

• Be a national of one of the following countries:
  Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique

  OR

  Be originally from one of the above countries and residing in France, Portugal, the UK, USA, or Canada, with an interest in development-related studies and no other means of funding.

• Demonstrate:

  • Excellent academic performance

  • Genuine financial need

  • Admission to a highly reputable university or program

  • Relevance of the field of study to AKDN focus areas

  • A coherent educational and career plan

  • Potential to succeed in a foreign academic setting

  • Extracurricular achievements and work experience in the field of interest

• Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age

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How to Apply

To apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships:

1. Secure admission to a program at an eligible university.

2. Obtain the application form from your local:

   • Aga Khan Foundation office, or

   • Aga Khan Education Services/Boards in your country of residence.

3. Submit the completed application to the same agency from which you obtained the form.

   Applications must not be sent to Geneva.