Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

• No. of Scholarships - limited number of scholarships
• Host Country - AKF ISP doesn't have a single "host country"
• Level - Postgraduate and Doctorate
• Courses - Open to all fields of study
• Benefits - Financial Coverage (50% Grant, 50% Loan)
• Deadline - March 31st Each Year

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is a distinguished opportunity that enables excellent students from developing nations, including Pakistan, to pursue postgraduate studies at reputable universities across the world. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, this program aspires to develop effective scholars and leaders who can make major contributions to their communities and the world.

The AKF ISP offers a few scholarships each year for Master's programs and, in some rare cases, for PhD studies. The selection process is competitive and takes into account both merit and real financial need. What's interesting about this program is how it works: the funding is split evenly between a grant and a loan. So, half of the money you get is a grant that you don’t have to pay back, while the other half is a loan that you’ll need to repay after graduation, with a small fee added each year, usually starting six months after your studies wrap up.

The Foundation mainly focuses on Master's level courses, but they will look at PhD applications from outstanding students who have strong backing from their professors and need a doctorate for their career goals in academics or research.

 

Benefits

The AKF ISP gives solid financial help to its recipients, which includes:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full tuition cost at a recognized university.
• Living Expenses: Recipients get a stipend to help with everyday costs.
• Access to Top Universities: It lets students study at some of the best universities around the world, opening up new academic opportunities.
• Global Exposure: Studying abroad with the AKF ISP helps students gain important international experience, preparing them for a successful career.
• Networking and Mentorship: Scholars join a great network of professionals and alumni, offering valuable mentorship and career advice.

Keep in mind, though, that the scholarship doesn’t cover travel costs or expenses for family members. For PhD students, funding is usually available for the first two years, and after that, students are expected to find other funding for the remaining years.

 

Eligibility Criteria

If you're a Pakistani citizen interested in the AKF ISP scholarship, you need to meet certain requirements:

• Nationality and Residence: You must be a Pakistani national living in Pakistan and have access to local Aga Khan Offices that handle applications. 
• Academic Excellence: It's important to have strong academic records. You should hold a Bachelor's degree or have relevant training or work experience.
• Financial Need: You need to show that you truly need financial help. It's essential to provide a reliable funding plan, as the AKF ISP is seen as a last option. The Foundation prefers candidates who have already found some funding from other places.
• Admission to a Reputable Institution: Applicants must have been accepted to a highly reputable postgraduate institution for their desired program of study.
  First Year of Study: Applicants must be in the first year of a postgraduate program. Students who have already enrolled in or started their postgraduate studies are ineligible.
• Age Limit: While there is no hard age limit, students under the age of 30 are given precedence.
• Leadership Potential and Experience: Candidates are evaluated based on their outstanding leadership abilities, professional experience, extracurricular accomplishments, and volunteer activities.
• Career goals: Applicants should present comprehensive and coherent educational and career goals, as well as a clear grasp of how their proposed studies match with AKDN's key areas and how they will contribute to their home nation once completed.