Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, Requirements and How to Apply

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is a postgraduate funding opportunity for outstanding students who have strong academic records but lack sufficient financial resources to pursue higher education. The programme supports eligible candidates seeking admission to reputable universities and postgraduate institutions, with priority given to master’s degree programmes.

Established in 1969, the scholarship is part of the Aga Khan Foundation’s efforts to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who can contribute to their communities. It operates through an annual competitive selection process and provides financial assistance towards tuition fees and students’ living expenses.

Although the scholarship is sometimes described as fully funded, its financial arrangement is different from conventional scholarships that provide grants without repayment obligations. The Aga Khan Foundation structures its awards as a combination of a grant and a loan. Successful applicants receive 50 per cent of the award as a grant, while the remaining 50 per cent must be repaid under the programme’s loan conditions.

The programme is not open to applicants from every country. It currently operates in selected countries across Africa, Asia and other regions. Nigerian students should therefore check the official country eligibility requirements before spending time preparing an application.

The 2026–2027 application cycle is closed. According to the Foundation, the next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027. Applicants interested in the next round should monitor the official scholarship website for updated application dates and country-specific instructions.

About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme supports postgraduate education for talented students who cannot adequately finance their studies through their own resources or other available funding opportunities.

The programme was established to help develop human capacity by supporting individuals who have the academic ability, leadership potential and professional commitment to make meaningful contributions to society.

Unlike scholarships that automatically cover every admitted international student, the AKF ISP operates through a restricted country-based application system. Applicants must come from an eligible country and follow the application procedures provided by the Foundation’s local office or an authorised Aga Khan education organisation.

The Foundation gives priority to master’s degree applicants, although exceptional candidates pursuing doctoral studies may also receive consideration. The programme generally supports full-time postgraduate education at reputable institutions. Local and regional universities may also qualify when the academic quality of the programme is considered suitable.

The scholarship is competitive, and the number of new awards available in each application cycle is limited. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027: Important Details

Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation provides financial assistance based on the applicant’s demonstrated financial need and the cost of the proposed postgraduate programme.

The award is designed to reduce the financial burden of tuition and living expenses. However, applicants should understand the distinction between expenses covered by the scholarship and costs they must finance independently.

1. Tuition Fee Support

The scholarship contributes towards tuition expenses at a reputable postgraduate institution. This support is available for eligible master’s and qualifying PhD programmes.

The amount awarded depends on the student’s financial circumstances and the funding required for the proposed course. Applicants should not assume that every award will cover the same amount.

2. Living Expenses

The programme also provides financial assistance towards student living expenses during the supported period of study.

This can help with the ordinary costs associated with attending university and maintaining accommodation and daily living arrangements.

3. Funding for the Full Master’s Programme

For successful master’s applicants, the Foundation provides support for the entire duration of the degree programme, subject to continued eligibility and compliance with the scholarship agreement.

Students must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate that they still have a financial need for the award.

4. Initial PhD Funding

The Foundation may consider applications for doctoral studies, but its financial support for PhD candidates is limited to the first two years.

Students pursuing longer doctoral programmes must make arrangements to obtain alternative funding for the remaining years.

5. Opportunity to Study at Reputable Institutions

Eligible applicants may pursue postgraduate education at reputable universities and institutions, provided their proposed programmes meet the Foundation’s requirements.

The programme can consider local and regional universities as well as suitable distance-learning arrangements where the quality of the course is maintained.

Important: The Scholarship Is Not Entirely a Grant

One of the most important conditions of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is its funding arrangement.

The award is divided into two equal portions:

• 50 per cent grant: This portion is provided as scholarship assistance.
• 50 per cent loan: This portion must be repaid under the loan agreement, including the applicable service charge.

A guarantor must co-sign the award agreement. Repayment begins six months after the earliest of the following events: graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support because the student has failed to meet the required academic standards.

Applicants should carefully review the loan agreement before accepting an award.

Countries Eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is available only in selected countries. Applicants must meet the nationality and applicable residency requirements associated with the programme.

The countries currently listed by the Foundation include:

African Countries

• Egypt
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mozambique
• Tanzania
• Uganda

Asian and Middle Eastern Countries

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• India
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Pakistan
• Syria
• Tajikistan

Other Eligible Locations and Diaspora Applications

The Foundation also identifies Australia and New Zealand among the countries associated with the programme. In Canada, Portugal and the United States, applications may be accepted from people originally from one of the eligible countries listed above, subject to the applicable requirements.

The official country eligibility information should be checked before applying because the Foundation may update its participating locations and local application arrangements.

Can Nigerians Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

Nigerian applicants are not eligible under the current list of participating countries.

Nigeria does not appear among the countries where the Aga Khan Foundation currently operates the International Scholarship Programme. Therefore, being a Nigerian citizen, having excellent academic results or securing admission to a reputable university does not independently make an applicant eligible.

Nigerian students should not submit applications through unofficial representatives claiming to offer access to the programme. They should consult the Foundation’s official website for any changes to its country coverage.

Eligibility Requirements for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Applicants must satisfy the Foundation’s academic, financial, professional and programme requirements to be considered.

The main eligibility conditions include the following:

1. Excellent Academic Records

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous studies. The Foundation considers academic achievement when assessing whether candidates are prepared to succeed in postgraduate education.

2. Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent training and professional experience suitable for the proposed postgraduate programme.

Applicants should confirm the academic requirements of their intended university because admission standards may differ between institutions.

3. Demonstrated Financial Need

The scholarship is intended for students who genuinely lack sufficient financial resources to pay for postgraduate education.

Applicants must provide a clear explanation of their financial circumstances and demonstrate why they require assistance.

The Foundation considers the programme a resource of last resort. Candidates are expected to explore other available financial support rather than depend entirely on the AKF award.

4. A Reliable Funding Plan

Applicants must present a thoughtful funding plan showing how they intend to finance their education throughout the programme.

This should identify available resources, other scholarship opportunities, personal contributions and the remaining financial gap they need the Foundation to help cover.

A credible plan should account for the full duration of the intended course rather than only the first academic year.

5. Admission to a Reputable Institution

Candidates must secure admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.

The quality of the university and the proposed course may influence the Foundation’s assessment. Applicants should therefore research their intended institutions and ensure their programmes meet the required academic standards.

6. Starting the First Year of Postgraduate Study

Applicants must be entering the first year of their postgraduate programme.

Students who have already enrolled in or commenced their postgraduate studies are not eligible to apply for funding for that programme.

This condition makes it important to coordinate university admission and scholarship applications carefully.

7. Leadership Potential and Professional Experience

The Foundation considers applicants’ leadership qualities, professional experience and contributions outside the classroom.

Relevant achievements may include professional responsibilities, entrepreneurial activities, community involvement, extracurricular participation and volunteer contributions.

8. Age Preference

Preference is given to young professionals below 30 years of age.

This is a preference rather than a stated absolute age limit. Applicants should consult the official requirements for their country before deciding whether to apply.

Documents Required for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Foundation’s application process is managed through local offices and authorised organisations. Consequently, the exact documentation requirements and submission instructions may differ by country.

Applicants should prepare to provide documents that establish their academic qualifications, financial circumstances, postgraduate admission and professional background.

Depending on the instructions issued by the relevant local office, these may include:

1. Completed Aga Khan Foundation scholarship application form.
2. Academic certificates and university transcripts.
3. Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification.
4. Postgraduate admission letter or relevant admission documentation.
5. Curriculum vitae showing academic and professional experience.
6. Evidence of financial need and available financial resources.
7. A detailed funding plan covering the proposed course.
8. Academic or professional reference letters, where requested.
9. Information about leadership activities, volunteering and extracurricular achievements.
10. Additional documents requested by the local scholarship office.

This is a general preparation list, not a confirmed universal checklist. Applicants must obtain the official document requirements from the office responsible for processing applications in their country.

How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Applications are not processed through a single worldwide application office. The Foundation uses a decentralised system in which eligible applicants obtain information and application forms through the relevant local office or authorised Aga Khan education organisation.

The following steps explain the general process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Country Eligibility

Visit the official Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme webpage and review the participating countries.

Applicants should confirm that their nationality and current residence satisfy the programme’s requirements before proceeding.

Step 2: Contact the Relevant Local Office

Applications are handled through local Aga Khan Foundation offices, Aga Khan Education Services or Aga Khan Education Boards, depending on the country.

Use the official eligibility information and contact arrangements to identify the organisation responsible for receiving applications in your location.

Step 3: Secure Admission to a Postgraduate Programme

Identify a reputable university and apply for admission to an eligible postgraduate course.

The Foundation requires applicants to be entering the first year of their programme. Students who have already commenced their postgraduate studies are not eligible.

Step 4: Prepare Your Financial Plan

Prepare a realistic budget covering tuition fees and living expenses for the entire course.

Identify other available sources of funding and calculate the amount you still need. The Foundation expects applicants to make reasonable efforts to obtain financial assistance from other sources.

Step 5: Obtain and Complete the Application Form

Request the relevant application form from the local office responsible for the scholarship process.

Complete the form accurately and provide the supporting documents requested. Pay particular attention to the sections covering academic achievements, financial need, professional experience and future career plans.

Step 6: Submit Your Application to the Appropriate Office

Return the completed application to the organisation that issued the form.

The Foundation specifically advises applicants to follow the local application procedure rather than send applications directly to its Geneva office.

Step 7: Participate in the Selection Process

Applicants who progress through the initial assessment may be invited to an interview with a local scholarship committee.

The committee may discuss their financial situation, academic performance, extracurricular achievements and career plans.

Final decisions are made through the Foundation’s competitive selection process. Only a limited number of new awards are available in each cycle.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Deadline

The 2026–2027 application cycle is closed.

The Aga Khan Foundation states that the next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027. However, the exact opening date and submission deadline for the next round have not yet been confirmed on the Foundation’s current official programme page.

Applicants should not rely on dates published by unofficial scholarship websites as confirmed deadlines for the next cycle. Local offices may also operate earlier application deadlines than the overall programme timetable.

Students from eligible countries should monitor the official scholarship webpage and contact their local application office when the next call is announced.

Selection Process for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The selection process is competitive and considers more than academic qualifications.

The Foundation assesses whether applicants have the ability to complete their proposed postgraduate studies and whether the financial assistance is necessary to make that education possible.

Important considerations include:

• Academic performance and previous educational achievements.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.
• The quality and relevance of the proposed programme.
• Professional experience and leadership potential.
• Community involvement, volunteering and extracurricular achievements.
• The applicant’s educational objectives and career plans.
• The reliability of the proposed funding arrangement.

Applicants may be interviewed by local scholarship committees. Candidates should be prepared to explain their financial circumstances, educational choices and plans for using their qualifications after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

1. Is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship supports tuition fees and student living expenses, but it is not entirely a grant. The award is structured as 50 per cent grant and 50 per cent loan. The loan portion must be repaid under the Foundation’s agreement, including the applicable service charge.

2. Can Nigerians apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

Nigerians are not eligible under the programme’s current list of participating countries. Nigeria is not included among the countries where the Foundation currently operates the International Scholarship Programme.

3. Does the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship support master’s degrees?

Yes. The Foundation gives priority to master’s degree programmes and provides financial assistance for the entire duration of an eligible master’s course, subject to the award conditions.

4. Can PhD students receive the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

Yes. The Foundation may consider exceptional PhD applicants. However, funding for doctoral studies is limited to the first two years. Students must arrange alternative funding for the remaining period of their studies.

5. What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture or living expenses for family members.

6. Is there an age limit for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

The Foundation gives preference to young professionals under 30 years of age. Its current eligibility information presents this as a preference rather than an absolute age restriction.

7. When will applications for the next Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship open?

The Foundation states that the next application cycle is expected to open in early 2027. The exact opening date and deadline should be confirmed through the official programme website and the relevant local office.

Conclusion

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides postgraduate financial assistance to outstanding students from selected countries who have genuine financial need and strong academic and leadership records. Its support for tuition fees and living expenses can make postgraduate education more accessible, particularly for candidates who have explored other funding opportunities.

However, applicants must understand that the award is divided equally between a grant and a repayable loan. They must also meet the programme’s country eligibility, admission, academic and financial requirements.

For Nigerian students, the most important consideration is that Nigeria is not currently included among the participating countries. Applicants from eligible countries should prepare for the next application cycle expected in early 2027 and obtain updated instructions directly from the Foundation.

Official Scholarship and Application Links

• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: https://akf.org/international-scholarship-programme/
• Aga Khan Development Network International Scholarships: https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/developing-human-capacity/international-scholarships
• Aga Khan Development Network: https://the.akdn/en/