Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025

Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025 is a game changer for students who are financially in a constrained situation. Awards are given out based on a competitive application process that happens every year. The AKF ISP has a set number of new awards available each time. The current cycle for awards from 2025 to 2026 has already ended as of March 31, 2025. The next cycle will kick off in January 2026.

Scholarship Availability

• The scholarship touches many countries and is available for countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• If you are originally from one of the countries listed in point above, you can apply in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, as well  and applications are accepted. 
• If you want to study in the in the United Kingdom, the scholarship is not available to students 

Who is Eligible for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

You are eligible for the scholarship if you have the following things:

• Great academic record and accomplishments. 
• Bachelor’s degree/ Professional training experience.
• Shows the honest need for monetary help. 
• Show that you have a solid funding plan that works for the whole time you're studying. 
• Get accepted into a good postgraduate school. You should also be starting your first year in the program. 
• Lastly, it's important to have strong leadership skills and some professional experience, along with involvement in extracurricular activities or volunteering.

You must note applicants who are under 30 years of age are given preference as there is an emphasis on young professionals for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Benefits and Conditions 

• The award pays for tuition and living expenses for the whole time you’re studying.
• It's set up as half grant and half loan, so you'll need to pay back 50% of what you receive. 
• Master's scholarships are available for the entire course, while Ph.D. students will get funding for the first two years, after which they’ll need to seek other funding options. 
• Keep in mind, the award doesn’t cover things like international travel, clothing, furniture, or living costs for family.
• You need a guarantor to co-sign the award agreement. You'll have to start repaying the loan, plus a service charge, six months after one of these happens: you graduate, you stop studying, or you lose support for not meeting the academic standards for ISP students.

Important Things to Note Before you Apply

• Awards are given based on need, but keep in mind that the AKF ISP should be your last option. 
• It's a good idea to look for other funding sources to cut down on how much you ask for. 
• The AKF ISP prefers Master's programs but will also look at PhD applications. 
• You can apply for funding for local, regional, or online universities, as long as the course quality is good. 
• They don't support part-time programs or short-term courses.
• You need to be starting your first year in a postgraduate program to apply. 
• If you’ve already started or enrolled in your studies, you can’t apply.

Application Process

You can apply through local offices of the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or the Aga Khan Education Board. If you want to apply, make sure to check the website again in January 2026.

You can pick up the application form at the Aga Khan Foundation or the Aga Khan Education Board office in your country. Just fill it out and send it to the address below:

Aga Khan Foundation (India),
Sarojini House, 2nd floor 6,
Bhagwan Dass Road,
New Delhi - 110001, India

Documents you must have for this scholarship are as follows:

• You need to have caste certificate (if it is applicable)
• Age proof document is a must(if it is applicable)
• Domicile certificate
• Income proof
• Marksheet of the previous qualifying examination 

How are Applicants Selected for this Scholarship?

Evaluation is done based on the following criteria:

• To do well in school consistently is important. If you need financial help, that's a must too. 
• Getting into a well-known program and university is key, and it helps if the program matches what the AKF is about. 
• They prefer candidates with some relevant experience. 
• The selection committee will also look at your career goals, hobbies, and accomplishments.
• Studying abroad is a dream for many students. So, they also take into account your potential and drive to reach your goals in a different country.

If you applied for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships, you can expect to hear back from them around late June or early July after their annual selection meeting. The foundation might invite some of the shortlisted applicants for an interview with the local scholarship committee. They’ll be looking at your school performance, any activities you’ve been involved in, and your financial situation.