The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The foundation gives priority to requests for master’s-level courses but may consider applications for Ph.D. programs when doctoral degrees are necessary for a candidate’s career objectives.
Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant/ 50% loan basis in support of tuition fees and living expenses only. The foundation asks applicants to make every effort to obtain financial support from other sources and favors candidates who have already secured some funding in support of their proposed graduate study.
The foundation accepts applications from countries where it has branches or affiliates. At present, these are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, France, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age.
The foundation uses four main selection criteria in selecting recipients: excellent academic records, genuine financial need, admission to a reputable institution of higher learning, and thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans. Candidates are also evaluated on their extra-curricular interests and achievements, their potential to achieve their goals, and their likely success in a foreign academic environment. Applicants are usually expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.
Please note: Application procedures for this program are decentralized. Students may obtain application forms beginning on January 1 each year from foundation offices or other affiliate agencies in their current countries of residence. Applications must usually be returned to these agencies by the international deadline or by an earlier deadline specified by the local agency.