The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program was established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, who was a spiritual leader and philanthropist known for his dedication to improving the quality of life in developing countries.
One aspect in which the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program differs from most other similar programs is that it offers the scholarship in the form of a 50% grant and 50% loan. This means that students must repay half of the funding they receive from this program after they complete their postgraduate studies.
This guide will help you understand the different aspects of this scholarship program. This will help you decide whether it is the right scholarship for you and learn how to submit your application if you choose to apply.
What is the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship?
The purpose of this scholarship is to support meritorious students from a list of selected countries who need funding to pursue their postgraduate programs internationally. To date, over 1,000 students have benefited from the support offered by this scholarship program.
The scholarship program is administered by the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Development Network, and it presents scholars with the opportunity to pursue their graduate degrees at the best-ranked universities in the world on full scholarships.
The eligible countries for this scholarship include India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, and several others. Students in Canada, France, Portugal, and even the USA can apply, but only if they are originally from one of these eligible countries. For example, if you are an Indian student who has completed your undergraduate studies in the USA, you can still apply for this scholarship.
Students under 30 years of age are given preference in the scholarship program. An excellent academic record and evidence of financial need to fund higher education programs are two of the biggest requirements for this scholarship. Only a limited number of new awards are available each year under the program. The selection process for this program is global in nature and highly competitive.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Things to know about the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program for students
To help you better understand the specifics, here’s a detailed breakdown of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program:
| Component | Details |
| Name of program | Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (ISP) |
| Type of Support | Combination of grant and loan: 50% grant and 50% loan |
| Eligibility | – Applicants must have excellent academic records- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience- Demonstrate genuine financial need- Must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution- Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age- Must present a multi-source funding plan covering all years of study |
| Level of Study | Postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD program) |
| Field of Study | Open to all fields, but preference is given to development-related studies |
| Duration | Master’s program: Duration of the coursePhD program: The first two years are after which students must secure alternative funding |
| Repayment Terms | 50% of the scholarship amount as a repayable loanRepayment starts six months after graduation |
| Application Process | Applications must be submitted through the local Aga Khan Foundation or affiliated offices in the applicant’s country of current residence |
| Coverage | It covers tuition fees and living expenses but does not cover travel, clothing, and similar indirect costs for dependents |
Now that you know the specifics of the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship, let’s discuss the key dates and the application process.
Key dates for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
Here are the key dates that one should keep in mind while applying for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship:
| Event | Time | Details |
| Application Window Commencement | January | The application process starts in January of the year preceding the academic year for which the scholarships are awarded. |
| Application Deadline | March 31 | All applications must be submitted no later than March 31. Late submissions are not considered. |
| Interviews | April to June | Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews between April and June. |
| Final Decision | Late July | Scholarship recipients are typically notified of the final decision by the end of July. |
| Program’s Starting Date | Typically, September (Next Academic Year) | Successful candidates typically begin their postgraduate program at their respective institutions in September. |
The timeline may vary slightly every year. Therefore, applicants should check with local Aga Khan Foundation offices or their website for the exact dates. Having understood the timeline, we will now look at the specific eligibility criteria for this scholarship.
Also Read: Government and Private Scholarships offered to Indian Students in Ireland.
Eligibility criteria for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship
To apply for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship, students must meet certain prerequisites, as outlined below:
| Requirement | Details |
| Nationality | Applicants must be nationals of an eligible country. These include parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. |
| Age | Normally, applicants below 35 years of age are given priority. This means the program prioritizes young professionals beginning their careers. |
| Academic Achievement | To apply, candidates must have excellent undergraduate grades. They should also have the potential to grow in their field of postgraduate studies. |
| Financial Need | In addition, applicants must provide evidence of financial hardship and lack of alternative sources of funding for their studies. |
| Admission | Applicants must show proof of admission to a reputable graduate program during the application period. |
| Field of Study | While open to students with backgrounds in all fields, preference is given to students pursuing higher education in economic, health, and social development. |
| Funding Plan | Applicants must show a reliable, multi-source funding plan for their education. It should highlight the scholarship as part of a broader financial strategy. |
| Leadership Potential | Applicants should show potential for leadership and a commitment to community service. |
| Language Proficiency | Fluency in English or French is required, shown by test scores if needed. |
Application process for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship for Indian Students in 2024
- Prior to applying, make sure you meet the various eligibility criteria. These include nationality, age limit, grades, financial requirements, and admission standards.
- In January, when the scholarship application cycle opens, collect the application form from your local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) office in India or download it from their website.
- Gather and prepare the following documents:
- Detailed academic transcripts
- Proof of admission to a postgraduate program
- Documentation proving financial need
- Passport-size photographs
- Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
- A personal statement outlining your educational and career goals
4. Submit your application and all supporting documents to the Aga Khan Foundation office in India by the end of March, as instructed in the application form.
5. If your application is shortlisted and you’re invited for an interview, it will usually be held between April and June. This interview is a crucial part of the assessment process so prepare well for it.
6. You will be notified of the result before the end of July. If accepted, you will receive a letter from the Aga Khan Foundation with details about any additional paperwork needed.
7. For additional information about awards or details related to postgraduate studies, contact your Aga Khan Foundation office in India if needed.
Also Read: 10 Best Scholarships for Master for Indian Students in 2024
Now that you have a clear understanding of the scholarship application process, it’s important to recognize that the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of applicants are selected each year. Even if you secure the scholarship, it may not cover all your expenses, such as living costs, travel, and other miscellaneous fees. Therefore, you may still need to explore education loan options to fully fund your studies abroad.
This is where FundRight can be a valuable resource. FundRight connects you with over 15 top lenders, including public banks, NBFCs, and international lenders, ensuring you receive the most competitive education loan offers available. With FundRight, you can simplify the loan search process and secure funding tailored to your needs.
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- Upload your documents securely through FundRight, avoiding the hassle of multiple submissions.
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FAQs
Yes, it can be used at any reputable university abroad. This means that beneficiaries can pursue their higher learning at renowned institutions across all continents.
The recipients are required to repay 50% of the funding in the form of a loan. The loan has a 5% interest rate annually and is payable within five years after the completion of the study. Repayments start six months after your program ends.
The Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship mainly covers tuition fees and living costs. The scholarship can vary significantly for each candidate, depending on their needs.
Younger professionals are typically the ideal candidates for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship. However, exceptional applicants between the age of 30-35 can be considered, depending on their circumstances.
An applicant must be atleast 14 years old to apply for the Aga Khan International Foundation Scholarship.
The loan repayment process begins six months after the completion of your studies, whether through graduation, termination, or withdrawal from the program. The repayment period is five years, and a 5% service charge is applied annually. Recipients are required to have a guarantor, such as a family member, to co-sign the loan agreement.
Generally, the scholarship is awarded for the specific academic year and cannot be deferred. If you need to delay your studies, you would likely need to reapply for the scholarship in the following cycle. However, check directly with your local Aga Khan Foundation office for any exceptions or special cases.
While the scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses, it does not cover additional costs such as books, study materials, or other course-related supplies. Applicants have to secure additional funding for these expenses.
No, the scholarship is not available for part-time or distance learning programs. It is intended for full-time postgraduate studies at reputable institutions.
If a scholarship recipient fails to maintain the required academic standing, they risk losing the scholarship. Continued financial support is contingent upon good academic performance, so you need to meet the expected standards throughout your studies.
