The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are a renowned international scholarship program offered by the Aga Khan Foundation. The scholarships aim to support exceptional students from developing countries in pursuing their education and becoming catalysts for positive change in their communities. The scholarship program pays for their studies to pursue full-time postgraduate study at recognized higher education institutions of their choice. The chosen students will receive tuition and living expenses throughout the duration of their degree program. A competitive application process is used to provide scholarships on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis once a year.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

Highlights

Scholarship Type Merit-Based, Need-Based
Offered by Trust
Organization Aga Khan Foundation
Application Deadline Mar 17 ,2023(closed)
No. of Scholarships N/A
Amount Variable
Renewability One Time Payment
International Students Eligible Yes
Scholarship Website Link https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme

Grant Benefits

The award covers the student's tuition and living expenses for the duration of the degree program.

Note - The award does not cover family members' living expenses or the cost of overseas travel. Scholarships are granted to Ph.D. students for the first two years, after which students are encouraged to obtain alternate support. Those who have been able to get funds from alternate sources are given priority.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the eligibility criteria that candidates should fulfill:

  • Outstanding academic records.
  • True financial need. Financial aid is provided based on the needs of the students, however, the ISP should only be used as a last resort. Applicants must show that they have looked into and obtained numerous sources of funding. Individual award funding needs are estimated by deducting the total of other grants, loans (if any), parental contribution, and student employment income from qualifying student costs. All students are urged to apply to additional sources of support in order to lower the amount needed from the Foundation.
  • Admission to a respected postgraduate educational institution. The program prioritizes Master's degree programs, however, it also evaluates PhD applicants. Local/regional universities and remote learning programs are eligible for ISP financing if the course quality is maintained.
  • Strong professional experience, extracurricular accomplishments, volunteerism, and leadership abilities.

Application Process

Eligible applicants should apply for the scholarship by completing the processes outlined below: 

Step 1: Select the 'Apply Now' option.

Step 2: Click the 'Register' button and provide the relevant information to 'Register'. (Note: If you have already registered, log in with your Gmail/Mobile number/Email Id.)

Step 3: Applicants can obtain an application form from the Aga Khan Foundation or an Aga Khan Education Board Service/office in their present place of residence.

Step 4: Send the application to the address listed below. 

Aga Khan Foundation (India)

Sarojini House, 2nd floor

6, Bhagwan Dass Road

New Delhi 110001, INDIA

Application Timelines

The cycle 2023-2024 is already complete. The cycle 2024-2025 will begin in January 2024. Students who are interested in applying must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates, and application conditions, as these differ by country. Completed applications must be submitted to the entity that provided the ISP application form. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be accepted.

Local scholarship committees may conduct interviews with applicants to discuss their financial condition, academic performance, extracurricular accomplishments, and career goals. Because this is a global, competitive prize, the ultimate choice is made in July by an international selection panel. Students who are selected for the final, global round will be notified of the outcome of their application shortly after.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships Policies

The ISP awards are designed as a half grant and half loan (i.e., the applicant must repay 50% of the award amount). Scholarships for Master's studies are available throughout the duration of the degree program. Scholarships are granted to Ph.D. students for the first two years, after which students are obliged to obtain alternate funding.

A five percent annual service charge is applied to the loan amount. The loan agreement must be co-signed by the student's head of family or another guarantor.

The repayment period is five years, beginning six months after the earliest of the following events: a) graduation, b) study termination, or c) removal of support due to failure to satisfy the academic standards required of ISP students. Those who continue their study after finishing an ISP-funded program are also eligible for a moratorium. Graduates who return to work in a developing nation and stay for two years are eligible for a two-year moratorium.

The prize covers the student's tuition and living expenses. The prize does not cover family members' living expenses or the cost of overseas travel.

FAQs

Ques. What is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Program?

Ans. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Program is a competitive international scholarship program that provides financial assistance to outstanding students from developing countries who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to improving their communities.

Ques. Who is eligible to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships?

Ans. Eligibility criteria for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships vary depending on the specific program. However, generally, applicants should be residents of one of the eligible countries, have a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to community development.

Ques. What fields of study are supported by the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships?

Ans. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships support a wide range of disciplines and fields of study. This includes but is not limited to education, health sciences, architecture, agriculture, engineering, social sciences, and natural resource management.

Ques. How can I apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships?

Ans. To apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships, you need to visit their official website and follow the application instructions provided. The application process typically involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and other supporting documents.

Ques. When is the application deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships?

Ans. The application deadlines for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships may vary from year to year and depend on the specific program or country. It is important to check the official website for the most up-to-date information regarding application deadlines.

Ques. Are the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships fully funded?

Ans. Yes, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are fully funded. This means that the scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs such as books, travel, and health insurance, based on the specific terms and conditions of the scholarship.

Ques. How are recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships selected?

Ans. Recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are selected through a rigorous evaluation Ans process. This process may involve reviewing academic performance, assessing the candidate's potential for leadership and community engagement, and conducting interviews or assessments as necessary.

Ques. Can I apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships if I am already enrolled in a university?

Ans. Yes, in some cases, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships allow for applications from individuals who are already enrolled in a university. However, specific eligibility criteria and conditions may apply. It is recommended to review the scholarship program guidelines or contact the foundation directly for further information.

Ques. Can I apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships if I am pursuing a postgraduate degree?

Ans. Yes, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. However, the specific scholarship programs and eligibility requirements may vary. It is advisable to check the official website or contact the foundation for detailed information about the scholarships available for postgraduate studies.

Ques. Are the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships renewable?

Ans. Yes, in most cases, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are renewable. However, renewal is subject to satisfactory academic progress and adherence to the terms and conditions of the scholarship. Recipients may need to maintain a certain grade point average or fulfill specific requirements to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years.