Call for The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme 2024 is open now!!!
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date.
Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. The AKF ISP offers a limited number of new awards in each cycle. Applications for the 2024-2025 award cycle will open in early January 2024 and close on 31 March 2024.
At present, the AKF ISP is available in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the countries listed in point earlier.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Their multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) works in over 30 countries around the world. They currently operate over 1,000 programmes and institutions − many of which date back over 60 years, and some over 100.
They employ approximately 96,000 people, the majority of whom are based in developing countries. Their annual budget for non-profit development activities is approximately $1 billion. Their economic development arm, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, generates annual revenues of $4 billion, but all surpluses generated by its project companies are reinvested in further development activities, usually in fragile, remote or post-conflict regions.
Location:
Asia, Africa, North America, EuropeBenefits
- AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where the candidate needs to repay 50 percent of the award amount.
- Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course.
- For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which they are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
- The award covers the candidate’s tuition fees and living expenses.
- It does not cover the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
- In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, the candidate needs to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of the applicant’s postgraduate programme.
- The repayment period is five years, starting six months after the first of the following events: a) graduation, b) termination of studies or c) the withdrawal of support following failure to meet the academic standards expected of ISP students.
- A cumulative service charge of five percent per annum is levied on the amount of the loan.
- The candidate’s head of family or another guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
Eligibilities
To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, the candidate must:
- have excellent academic records;
- hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience;
- demonstrate genuine financial need;
- construct a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan;
- be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution; and
- have strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.
- preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
- Awards are provided according to need, but please consider the AKF ISP a resource of last resort and secure multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount the candidate requests. See the section Examples of Other Scholarships and Financial Assistance Programmes below for a ‘starter’ list of other sources of funding that may be of interest.
- AKF ISP gives priority to Master’s programmes but will also consider applications for PhD studies. Local/regional universities and distance learning programmes are acceptable for ISP funding, only if the quality of the course is maintained. Applications for part-time programmes and short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already enrolled in or commenced their postgraduate studies.
Application Process
- Applications are handled by local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB).
- Liaise with the appropriate country-level entity (see contact details below) to request an application form.
- For example, if the candidate resides in India they must apply via the local office in India, or if they reside in Kenya they must apply via the local office in Kenya.
- Please submit the candidate’s completed application to the agency from which the ISP application form was obtained.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
