Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
A postgraduate scholarship structured as half grant, half interest-free loan, for first-year entrants with genuine, demonstrated financial need. The 2026-2027 cycle is closed; the next cycle is expected to open around January 2027.
Quick Facts
Status
Dates UnconfirmedFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
2026-2027 cycle closed - next cycle expected to open around January 2027
Country
Multiple (AKF-designated countries)About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme funds postgraduate study, Master's or PhD, structured as 50 percent grant and 50 percent interest-free loan, for applicants entering the first year of their postgraduate program. It is well established in South Asia, historically serving nationals and residents of Aga Khan Development Network-designated countries including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, though you should confirm your specific country's current status.
This program is explicitly need-based, not merit-only: you need to demonstrate genuine financial need and typically show a multi-source funding plan, meaning AKF funding is expected to be one part of your overall financing rather than the sole source. As of this writing, the 2026-2027 cycle is closed, with the next cycle expected to open around January 2027.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Well-established and trusted in South Asia with decades of operating history
Explicitly designed for applicants with genuine financial need, not academic merit alone
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Multiple (AKF-designated countries)
The Aga Khan Development Network's long-standing presence in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh gives this program deep local infrastructure and support compared to many international scholarships operating from a single foreign office.
Eligibility Requirements
4 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Use AKDN's eligibility tool to confirm your country and criteria first
Apply through your local AKF national office, not a direct online-only application
Application Timeline
2026-2027 cycle closed
Current Cycle Status
Around January 2027
Next Expected Cycle Opens
Confirm with your local AKF office
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm the next cycle's exact opening date directly with your local AKF office before planning around a specific timeline
Prepare a genuine multi-source funding plan, since AKF funding is intended to be one part of your financing, not your only source
You cannot apply if already enrolled in your postgraduate program - this is specifically for first-year entrants
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions - click any to expand
The 2026-2027 cycle is closed. The next cycle is expected to open around January 2027 - confirm the exact date with your local AKF office closer to that time.
No, it is structured as 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan, and you are expected to have other funding sources as part of a multi-source plan.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around Around January (next expected cycle). Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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