he Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year is now accepting applications. This program is designed to assist postgraduate students from developing countries who lack other financial means to pursue higher education. The foundation seeks to support future leaders and scholars, particularly those who wish to contribute to development efforts, often within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Brief Details:

• Support By: Aga Khan Foundation
• Levels of Study: Master’s and Ph.D. degrees
• Deadline: March 31, 2025
• Eligible Countries: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, France, Portugal, UK, USA, and Canada.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be nationals of the above-listed countries.
• Preference is given to candidates under 30 years of age with a strong academic background and a demonstrated need for financial support.
• Only those with no other financial resources for further education are eligible.
• Candidates should be applying for development-related studies, with preference for Master’s programs. Ph.D. applications will be considered only for exceptional cases where the degree is vital for the applicant’s career.
• Applicants must have been admitted to a reputable university or course relevant to the AKDN’s areas of focus.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic excellence and financial need are key factors.
• Applicants must have gained admission to a respected university or study program.
• The relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s development goals is important.
• The foundation also considers extracurricular activities, career aspirations, and the likelihood of success in an international academic environment.
• Practical experience in the field of interest is preferred.

Benefits:

• The foundation provides support for tuition fees and living expenses.
• Funding is provided as a 50% grant and 50% loan.
• The scholarship will not cover travel costs.
• Ph.D. applicants receive funding for a maximum of two years.
• Students are encouraged to seek additional funding from other sources, as the foundation prefers to contribute a minimal amount.

Loan Terms:

• The loan component must be repaid with an annual 5% service charge.
• A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
• The repayment period is five years, starting six months after the study period ends.

Application Process:

• Applications are decentralized, and forms can be obtained from Aga Khan offices or affiliated educational services and boards in the applicant’s country.
• Completed applications must be returned to the office from which the form was obtained.
• The deadline for submission is March 31, 2025, but applicants should check for any internal deadlines that might apply in their country.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit the Aga Khan Foundation’s official website.