The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships for 2025 are now open, offering opportunities for international students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at prestigious universities, excluding institutions in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland.
Each year, the Aga Khan Foundation awards a limited number of scholarships to outstanding students from selected developing countries who lack the financial means to pursue postgraduate studies. The aim is to develop leaders and scholars who will contribute to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant/50: 50% loan basis through a competitive selection process, which takes place in June or July.
While the foundation prioritises Master’s programmes, it also considers applications for PhD studies from exceptional candidates recommended by their professors. The scholarships are not available for short-term courses, and students who have already started their programmes are ineligible.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Institution: Any highly reputable university, except those in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland
- Programme Duration: Depends on the chosen university
- Deadline: March 31, 2025 (Applications open in January 2025.)
Available Fields of Study
- Health
- Education
- Culture
- Rural Development
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Economic Development
- Financial Inclusion
- Civil Society
- Enterprise Development
- Habitat
- Infrastructure Development
- Media
- Music
- Tourism
- Historic Cities
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Industrial Development
Scholarship Benefits
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships offer:
- Financial assistance for tuition fees and living expenses.
- For PhD students, funding is provided for the first two years, after which students are expected to seek other sources of support.
- Financial assistance is based on need, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding to reduce their request from the foundation.
- Preference is given to students who have secured partial funding from other sources.
Loan Conditions
- 50% of the scholarship is provided as a loan, which must be repaid with a 5% annual service charge.
- A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
- Repayment begins six months after the study period, and the loan must be repaid within five years.
Eligibility Criteria for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language: Must meet the language requirements of the chosen university.
- Eligible Countries:
- Nationals from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique.
- Applications from France, Portugal, the UK, USA, and Canada are accepted only if the applicants are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries and are pursuing development-related studies.
- Academic Excellence: consistently strong academic performance.
- Financial Need: demonstrated financial need.
- University Admission: Must have admission to a reputable university.
- Relevant Field of Study: The field of study must align with AKDN’s focus areas.
- Career and Educational Plans: Clear and thoughtful academic and career goals.
- Work Experience: Applicants should have prior work experience in their chosen field.
- Age Preference: Preference is given to candidates under 30 years old.
How to Apply for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships:
- University Offer: Secure an offer from your chosen university.
- Obtain Application Form: Request an application form from your local Aga Khan Foundation office or the Aga Khan Education Services/Boards in your country of residence.
- Submit Application: Complete the application and submit it to the agency from which it was obtained. Do not send applications directly to Geneva.
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