Aga Khan Foundation 2025-2026 International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries*, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date. Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. The AKF ISP offers a limited number of new awards in each cycle.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 31, 2025
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorAga Khan Foundation
• Eligible CountryCanada

Benefits

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.

The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.

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.

Requirements

To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, you must:

• have excellent academic records;
• hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience;
• demonstrate genuine financial need**;
• demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study**;
• be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution***;
• be starting the first year of the programme****; and
• have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.

Note: preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.

Selection Process

• 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.
• Applicants must be entering their first year of study in a postgraduate programme. Students who have already enrolled in, or have commenced their postgraduate studies, are not eligible.
• The 2025-2026 award cycle will open in early January 2025 and close by 31 March 2025

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

March 31, 2025

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Aga Khan Foundation on the.akdn to apply

Applications are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB).

If you are interested in applying, please answer the questions in our eligibility tool. If you are deemed to be eligible, you will receive an email address for one of our local units, who administer the application process.

For more details, visit Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme webage