Unlocking Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) stands as a beacon of hope for outstanding scholars from select developing countries* who aspire to pursue postgraduate education but lack the financial means to do so. Established in 1969 by His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, the AKF ISP has, to date, supported more than 1,500 students in their pursuit of higher education. This prestigious scholarship aims to empower talented students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the student for the entire duration of the degree course. This article delves into the intricacies of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, providing a detailed overview of its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and award conditions. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies. By providing financial assistance on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, the program ensures that deserving students can achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Overview of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a highly competitive award established in 1969. Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. Each cycle, the foundation only gives out a certain number of new awards. The selection process is very competitive and happens once a year in June or July. The Foundation mainly supports Master’s degree students. However, it may consider PhD students if they are exceptional and need a PhD for a career in academics or research. The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme awards need-based scholarships to outstanding international students to help them pursue a postgraduate degree in development-related studies at any reputable university or postgraduate institution of higher learning.
Mission and Objectives
The primary objective of the AKF ISP is to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). By providing financial assistance, the program seeks to unlock the potential of talented individuals who can contribute to the socio-economic development of their home countries and the world at large. Elevating global research standards requires a commitment to funding the brightest minds in academia. Generating high impact policy insights requires deep collaboration between nations and academic institutions.
Eligible Countries
The AKF ISP is available in a range of countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In countries, such as Canada, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the countries listed above.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet certain criteria:
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Nationality and Residency
Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country. Be a national of one of the eligible countries and reside in a country where the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board offices are located. As applications are handled by local entities, interested individuals must liaise with the appropriate country-based unit (contact details provided above). E.g. applicants residing in India must apply via the local office in India, while those residing in Kenya must apply via the local office in Kenya, and so on.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must be entering their first year of study in a postgraduate programme. Must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
Age
Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Financial Need
The scholarships are designed as a measure of last resort. Applicants are therefore expected to have fully explored all other sources of financial support before applying. The foundation may favour applicants who have already obtained some portion of financial aid from other sources. Awards are provided according to need, but please consider the AKF ISP a resource of last resort and secure multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount you request.
Scholarship Coverage and Structure
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.
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Coverage
The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. The award will cover only the remaining eligible educational costs once all other funding has been taken into account. Living expenses for the student. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
Structure
The award is structured as a 50% grant and a 50% loan. Half of the scholarship amount is considered a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan - where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount.
Duration
Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
Application Process
The application process for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is decentralized and handled by local entities of the Aga Khan Foundation.
Contacting the Local Coordinator
Applications are handled by contacts in countries where AKF ISP is available. Applicants must apply through the office in their country of residence. Contact Local Coordinator: The application process is decentralized. To learn more, please use the eligibility tool to verify your eligibility and learn how to contact our local team.
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Application Submission
Return the completed forms to your local coordinator before March 31. Submit and Interview: Return the completed forms to your local coordinator before March 31.
Key Considerations
Applicants must be entering their first year of study in a postgraduate programme. AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable for ISP funding, only if the quality of the course is maintained. Applications for part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered.
Award Conditions
Academic Standing
In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.
Guarantor Requirement
A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement.
Additional Information
Scholarship as a Last Resort
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is designed as a measure of last resort. Applicants are therefore expected to have fully explored all other sources of financial support before applying.
Priority to Master's Level Courses
The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master's level courses. The foundation gives priority to requests for master’s level courses but will also consider applications for Ph.D.
Other Funding Sources
The foundation may favour applicants who have already obtained some portion of financial aid from other sources.
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