The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (AKF ISP) is a ray of hope and assistance for motivated and intelligent students from developing countries who have no other means to pay for their education. Through granting access to higher education, this esteemed scholarship program aims to support the growth of future leaders and enhance their communities and nations as a whole. We shall discuss the main features of the AKF ISP in this blog, such as its funding structure, eligibility requirements, application process, and effects on students’ life.
| Host Country | Various |
| Host Institute | Various Higher Educational Institutes |
| Level | Masters, PhD |
| Eligible Nationality | Developing countries |
| Fellowship Type | Funded |
| Benefits | 50% scholarship, 50% loan |
| Duration | 2 year |
| Opening Date | January 2025 |
| Closing Date | TBA |
The Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational, private development organization that was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1967. Its main goal is to raise living standards in developing nations, especially in Asia and Africa. The foundation works in many different fields, including as economic development, civil society, education, health, and rural development. The AKF works to address the underlying causes of poverty and advance long-term social and economic improvement by establishing partnerships with regional governments, businesses, and other groups. With its all-encompassing and welcoming methodology, the Aga Khan Foundation is committed to enabling people and communities to create better futures.
Th Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (AKF ISP) helps deserving students from underdeveloped nations who have no other way to pay for their studies. The program, which is only open to people under 30, offers scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs. The awards are divided into two categories: grants and interest-free loans that must be paid back over time. The scholarships last for the whole term of Master’s programs and the first two years of PhD studies; beyond that, students are expected to find other sources of support. The AKF ISP equips aspiring leaders to support the long-term growth of their nations and communities by emphasizing academic achievement, financial necessity, and a dedication to community service.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for an award from AKF ISP, you need to:
- possess outstanding scholastic records;
- own a bachelor’s degree or a professional background that is comparable;
- prove that you are in actual need of money;
- present a careful, dependable, multi-source finance plan that extends to all study years;
- receive acceptance to a respectable postgraduate school;
- be starting the first year of the programme; and
- possess a strong capacity for leadership, work experience, accomplishments in extracurricular activities, business ventures, and volunteer work.
Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The funding mechanism of the AKF ISP is unique in that it is split 50/50 between grants and loans. This means that half of the scholarship funds is given to the beneficiaries as a grant that doesn’t need to be paid back and the other half is given as an interest-free loan. This creative strategy develops a sense of accountability and responsibility in addition to ensuring that students have access to the required financial resources.
The loan component’s terms of repayment are adaptable and created to take recipients’ financial circumstances into account. payback usually commences six months following degree program completion, with a five-year maximum payback duration. This arrangement allows future generations to benefit from the scholarship by encouraging graduates to give back to the program in addition to providing immediate financial help. The foundation’s values of sustainability and reciprocal assistance are reflected in it.
Scholarship Duration and Expectations for PhD Students
Scholarships for master’s students are awarded to support the students throughout their degree program, until their studies are finished. As a result, recipients can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without having to worry about always finding more money.
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Scholarships for PhD students are given for the first two years of study. Students are urged to look for alternate financing options to finish their education beyond this initial period. In order to succeed in their future academic and research careers, PhD students are encouraged by this requirement to hone their grant and scholarship-securing skills. Additionally, it makes sure the foundation can help more students, which will increase the scholarship program’s impact.
Required Documents
An academic transcript, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and evidence of financial need are among the papers that prospective applicants must compile. A candidate’s qualifications and ability to gain from the scholarship are mostly demonstrated by these documents. Phases of the selection process include preliminary screening, interviews, and a panel of experts’ final decision. The ability to plan ahead for their studies overseas is provided by the ample notice given to successful candidates.
Application Process for the 2025-2026 Cycle
Every year, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program welcomes new applications. The next cycle for the 2025–2026 academic year will begin in early January 2025. Because it gives potential applicants enough time to prepare and submit the required paperwork, this early start is essential. The application procedure is demanding and competitive, with the goal of identifying the most potential applicants who exhibit outstanding academic performance and a genuine desire to better their communities.
The Impact of AKF ISP on Students’ Lives
Recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program experience significant changes in their lives. Through the program’s provision of higher education, students are empowered to attain their academic and professional objectives, so enabling them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and countries. By relieving the pressure of living expenses and tuition, the financial help enables students to concentrate on their studies and personal growth.
Additionally, the program helps participants develop intercultural understanding and a feeling of global citizenship. Students who study abroad are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints and cultures, which enhances their education and expands their perspective. In the globalized world of today, this cultural interchange is priceless since it fosters respect for one another and cross-border cooperation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the International Scholarship Program of the Aga Khan Foundation is an essential endeavor that aids gifted students from underdeveloped nations in their pursuit of higher education. The AKF ISP is a model for long-lasting and substantial scholarship programs because of its thorough application procedure, strict eligibility requirements, distinctive funding structure, and profound impact on students’ lives. As the 2025–2026 academic year’s next application cycle draws near, prospective students are urged to get ready and seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
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