Masters, PhDPartial

International Scholarship Programme (ISP)

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their education.

Provider: Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
Host country: Multiple
Region: Multiple

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Masters, PhD level, with partial funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, PhD · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Partial
Study level: Masters, PhD
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

Open to postgraduate students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries, are interested in development-related subjects and have no other means of financing their education.

About the International Scholarship Programme (ISP) (2026)

## Overview The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) offers a limited number of scholarships annually for postgraduate studies to exceptional students from select developing countries who lack alternative funding sources for their education. These scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The program supports individuals pursuing Master's or PhD degrees in various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on development-related fields. ## Benefits The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme operates on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis. The loan portion is repayable with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses. However, the cost of travel is not included. The Foundation gives preference to students who secure some additional funding from other sources, as the scholarship program is designed to supplement, rather than fully fund, an applicant's education. ## Eligibility Applicants must be from one of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Residents of Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA who are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries and are interested in development-related subjects are also eligible, provided they have no other means of financing their education. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must: * Hold a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. * Have excellent academic records. * Demonstrate genuine financial need. * Possess strong leadership potential. * Be committed to community service. * Apply to highly reputable universities and programs. Age limit: Preference is given to students under 30 years of age for Master's degrees and under 35 years for PhD degrees. ## Required Documents While the official page does not list specific documents, applicants typically need to prepare the following for similar international scholarships: * Academic Transcripts: Official copies of all previous academic records. * Letters of Recommendation: From professors, employers, or mentors. * Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Detailing academic and professional experience. * Statement of Purpose / Personal Essay: Outlining academic goals, career aspirations, and commitment to development. * Proof of Admission: Acceptance letter from a recognized university. * Financial Need Assessment: Documents demonstrating financial constraints. * Proof of Citizenship and Residency. * Guarantor Information: Details of the individual co-signing the loan agreement. ## How to Apply The application process for the International Scholarship Programme is highly competitive. Application forms are available from Aga Khan Foundation offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in the applicant's country of current residence. The application forms are generally made available from January 1st each year. Completed applications must be submitted to the agency from which the form was obtained. Specific instructions regarding the application process, including required documents and submission deadlines, will be provided with the application forms. It is crucial to follow these instructions diligently and submit all necessary materials by the specified deadlines. ## Key Dates * **Application Availability:** Application forms are generally available from January 1st each year. * **Application Deadline:** Specific deadlines vary by country and will be communicated when the application forms are released. Applicants are advised to contact the local AKF office or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards for precise dates. * **Selection Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in May or June. * **Award Notification:** Scholarships are awarded in June or July. ## Selection Criteria The selection process is rigorous and based on several factors, including: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic background is essential. * **Financial Need:** Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of leadership qualities and potential for future impact. * **Relevance of Study:** Preference is given to study programs relevant to development and the goals of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). * **Commitment to Home Country:** Applicants are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to national development after completing their studies. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application as soon as the forms are released in January. * **Choose Wisely:** Select highly reputable universities and programs that align with your career goals and the AKDN's focus areas. * **Highlight Leadership and Community Service:** Emphasize any past or ongoing involvement in leadership roles and community development initiatives. * **Demonstrate Financial Need Accurately:** Provide comprehensive and accurate financial information. * **Prepare for Interviews:** If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your academic and career aspirations, leadership experiences, and commitment to development. * **Contact Local Offices:** Reach out to the nearest Aga Khan Foundation office or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards for any questions or clarifications regarding the application process. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Aga Khan Foundation website: [https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme](https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme)

International Scholarship Programme (ISP) eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to postgraduate students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries, are interested in development-related subjects and have no other means of financing their education.

Documents required for the International Scholarship Programme (ISP) application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the International Scholarship Programme (ISP) 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Open to postgraduate students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

International Scholarship Programme (ISP) deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the International Scholarship Programme (ISP)?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the International Scholarship Programme (ISP) fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is . Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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