Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 For Postgraduate Studies In Developing Countries: Apply Now!

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 for Postgraduate Studies in Developing Countries: Apply Now!

About the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship program provides annual scholarships to outstanding students from select developing countries for postgraduate studies. These scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis to help deserving candidates pursue their academic and career aspirations in fields critical to their countries’ development.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be nationals of the following countries:

Africa & Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda.
Western Countries: Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA (only for individuals originally from the above developing countries who lack financial means).

Eligible Fields of Study

Priority is given to Master’s and PhD programs in development-related fields, including:

Architecture
Health

Civil Society
Planning & Building
Culture

Rural Development
Economic Development
Humanitarian Assistance

Education
Music

Scholarship Highlights

Award Type: 50% grant and 50% loan.

Loan Conditions:
- Annual service charge: 5%.
- Payback period: 5 years, starting six months after the study period ends.
- A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
Funding Scope:
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
- Does not include travel costs.
- Preference is given to applicants with partial funding from other sources.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Have an excellent academic record.
Demonstrate genuine financial need.
Secure admission to a reputable institution of higher learning.

Present coherent and thoughtful educational and career plans.
Be under 30 years of age (preference given).
Have work experience in their field of interest.

Exhibit strong extracurricular achievements and potential to thrive in an international academic environment.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on:

Academic merit.

Financial need.
Quality of admission institution.
The relevance of the chosen program to the applicant’s career objectives.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to help students pursue their academic goals. This includes coverage for tuition fees, ensuring that recipients can fully focus on their studies without the burden of educational costs. Additionally, the scholarship provides assistance for living expenses, allowing students to maintain a comfortable standard of living while they engage in their educational programs. This support is designed to alleviate financial stress and enable scholars to thrive in their academic environments.

How to Apply

Obtain Application Form:

To begin the application process, applicants can acquire the necessary application form from either the Aga Khan Foundation or the Aga Khan Education Board/Service office located in their country of residence. It is important to ensure that you are obtaining the form from the appropriate office to facilitate the processing of your application.

Submit Application:

Once the application form has been filled out completely, it should be submitted directly to the office from which the form was obtained. Please note that applications should not be sent to the Geneva office, as they will not be processed there. Ensuring that your application is submitted to the correct office is crucial for timely consideration.

Application Timeline:

Applications are typically accepted once a year, specifically during the months of June or July. It is advisable for potential applicants to be aware of this timeline and prepare their applications in advance to meet the submission deadline (March 31, 2025), ensuring that all required materials are included for a complete application.

This program offers an incredible opportunity for academically exceptional and financially deserving students to pursue postgraduate education and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY