The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) 2027 is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to help outstanding students from selected countries pursue postgraduate education when they have no other means of financing their studies. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan IV, the programme has supported more than 1,500 scholars worldwide.
The scholarship is awarded through a competitive annual selection process, with only a limited number of new awards offered each year. The 2026–2027 application cycle has closed, and the next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027.
About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation created the International Scholarship Programme to support talented individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.
The programme primarily supports Master’s degree students, while exceptional PhD applicants may also be considered.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate not only strong academic performance but also a realistic funding strategy that combines multiple sources of financial support.
Why Apply?
Successful applicants may benefit from:
- Funding for postgraduate education
- Support for tuition expenses
- Living expense assistance
- Opportunity to study at reputable universities
- Recognition through a globally competitive scholarship programme
- Access to a long-standing international scholarship initiative
- Career development opportunities through postgraduate education
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship | Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme 2027 |
|---|---|
| Organization | Aga Khan Foundation |
| Study Level | Master’s and Selected PhD Programmes |
| Funding Type | 50% Grant and 50% Loan |
| Eligible Applicants | Outstanding Students from Selected Countries |
| Application Cycle | Opens in Early 2027 |
| Number of Awards | Limited |
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship supports:
- Tuition fees
- Student living expenses
The award does not cover:
- International travel
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Living expenses for family members
Recipients must maintain good academic performance and continue to demonstrate financial need throughout their studies.
Award Structure
Unlike many fully funded scholarships, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme operates on a shared funding model.
Awards are provided as:
- 50% scholarship grant
- 50% loan
A guarantor is required to co-sign the award agreement. Repayment of the loan portion, including a service charge, begins six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal from the programme due to failure to meet academic requirements.
For Master’s students, funding is available for the full duration of the programme.
For PhD students, funding is generally provided for the first two years, after which students are expected to secure funding from other sources.
Eligible Countries
The programme is available in selected countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Applications are also accepted in countries such as:
- Canada
- Portugal
- United States
Applicants in these countries must originally come from one of the eligible countries listed above.
At present, the programme is not available for students wishing to study in:
- United Kingdom
- Russia
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Present a thoughtful multi-source funding plan covering all years of study.
- Be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
- Be starting the first year of a postgraduate programme.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Have relevant professional experience.
- Show extracurricular, entrepreneurial, or volunteer achievements.
Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Eligible Programmes
Priority is given to:
- Master’s degree programmes
PhD applications may also be considered.
The programme also accepts:
- Local universities
- Regional universities
- Distance learning programmes
provided academic quality is maintained.
The scholarship does not support:
- Part-time programmes
- Short-term courses
Applicants who have already started their postgraduate studies are not eligible.
Application Process
Applications are managed through Aga Khan Foundation contacts in eligible countries.
Applicants are encouraged to:
Step 1
Use the eligibility chatbot available through the Aga Khan Development Network website.
Step 2
Confirm eligibility.
Step 3
Contact the local Aga Khan Foundation office.
Step 4
Prepare all required application materials.
Step 5
Submit the application during the next application cycle, expected to open in early 2027.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Volunteer work
- Entrepreneurial achievements
- Quality of funding plan
- Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution
Because the programme offers only a limited number of scholarships each year, competition is highly selective.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your application:
- Maintain excellent academic performance.
- Secure admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.
- Develop a realistic funding plan using multiple funding sources.
- Highlight leadership roles.
- Include volunteer and community service activities.
- Demonstrate professional achievements.
- Apply as early as possible once applications open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Outstanding students from eligible countries who demonstrate financial need and are beginning postgraduate studies.
What study levels are supported?
The programme primarily supports Master’s degrees, while selected PhD applicants may also receive funding.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
No. Awards are structured as 50% grant and 50% loan.
What expenses are covered?
The scholarship covers tuition fees and student living expenses.
When will applications open?
The 2026–2027 application cycle has closed. The next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme 2027 remains one of the most respected postgraduate funding opportunities for talented students from eligible countries who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and genuine financial need. Although the award combines a grant with a repayable loan, it provides valuable support that enables scholars to pursue quality postgraduate education at reputable institutions. Prospective applicants should begin preparing early by securing university admission, strengthening their funding plans, and gathering the necessary documents ahead of the next application cycle.
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