Partially Funded Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship for Postgraduate Students

AKDN offers a partially funded Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship for postgraduate students which aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

• The ISP awards are structured as a half grant and half loan (i.e. 50 percent of the award amount needs to be paid back by the applicant).
• Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For Ph.D. students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which students are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
• A cumulative service charge of five percent per annum is levied on the amount of the loan. The student's head of family or another guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
• The repayment period is five years, starting six months after the earlier of the following events graduation, termination of studies, or the withdrawal of support following failure to meet the academic standards expected of ISP students. Those who pursue further education after completion of an ISP-funded program are also eligible for a moratorium. Graduates who return to work in a developing country, and remain there, are eligible for a moratorium of two years.
• The award covers tuition fees and living expenses for the student. The award does not cover living expenses for family members or the cost of international travel.

You must meet the following criteria in order to apply for the program:

• Excellent academic records.
• Genuine financial need. Financial assistance is provided according to the needs of students, but the ISP must be considered a resource of last resort. Applicants must demonstrate that they have explored and secured multiple sources of funding. The award funding need is determined individually, by deducting from the eligible student expenses, the total of other grants, loans (if any), parental contribution, and student employment income. All students are encouraged to try to reduce the amount requested from the Foundation by applying to other sources of assistance as well.
• Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution of higher learning. The program gives priority to Master's degree courses but also considers applications for Ph.D. studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programs are acceptable for ISP funding if the quality of the courses is maintained.
• Strong professional experience, extracurricular achievements, volunteer contributions, and leadership skills.
• Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
• Applications for short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already commenced their postgraduate studies or who are enrolled in part-time programs.

About AKDN:

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Its multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

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