The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme funds master's, and in some cases PhD, study for exceptional students who could not otherwise afford postgraduate study, from a defined list of countries that currently includes Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda; applicants who originate from one of these countries but live in Canada, Portugal or the United States may also apply. Applicants must already hold an excellent academic record and a bachelor's degree, be entering the first year of a postgraduate programme at a reputable institution, show genuine financial need with a realistic plan to fund the remainder of their costs from other sources, and are generally expected to be under 30 with demonstrated leadership potential and relevant professional experience. Unusually, the award is structured as half grant and half loan: half of what a scholar receives does not need to be repaid, while the other half must be repaid after study, and funding covers tuition and living expenses but not international travel, clothing or costs for family members. Study in the United Kingdom or Russia is not covered by this programme. The 2026-2027 application cycle was closed at the time of this research, with the next cycle expected to open in early 2027.
Eligible nationalities
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda