The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP), established in 1969, supports outstanding scholars from selected developing countries who lack the means to finance postgraduate study. It has funded more than 1,500 students.
Awards give priority to Master's degrees but also consider PhD applications, and are granted through a global, annual, competitive process. Applications are administered by Aga Khan Foundation contacts in each eligible country, not from a central office.
Benefits & funding
- Award is structured as half grant, half loan — recipients repay 50% of the amount.
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
- Excludes travel, clothing, furniture, and costs for accompanying family members.
- Master's: funded for the full degree. PhD: funded for the first two years, after which alternative funding is expected.
- Loan repayment begins six months after graduation or withdrawal; a guarantor must co-sign the award agreement.
Eligibility
- Nationals of (or applicants originating from) one of 15 selected countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Applicants from these countries studying in Canada, Portugal, or the USA may also apply; the award cannot be used for study in the UK or Russia.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and an excellent academic record.
- Admitted to, or entering the first year at, a reputable postgraduate institution.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Preference for young professionals under 30 with leadership potential, professional experience, and extracurricular or entrepreneurial achievement.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Afghanistan · Australia · Bangladesh · Egypt · India · Kenya · Kyrgyzstan · Madagascar · Mozambique · New Zealand · Pakistan · Syria
+ 3 more
Tajikistan · Tanzania · Uganda
Education required
Bachelor · Master
Appears to have an age limit “under 30”
confirm in the requirements
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Application process
- 1Use the Foundation's online eligibility tool to confirm eligibility and find the local AKF contact for your country.
- 2Obtain and complete the application form from that local agency, observing its internal deadline, which may fall earlier than the global deadline.
- 3Submit the completed application to the issuing agency — not to the Geneva head office — for the competitive selection.
Program timeline
Global application deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle (internal country deadlines may fall earlier)
Mar 31, 2026
Early 2027
Applications expected to reopen for the 2027–2028 cycle