Description:
The Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships annually for postgraduate students from developing nations who are unable to finance their studies. These scholarships are awarded through a competitive process once a year and consist of a 50/50 split of a grant and loan.
Institutions:
Applicants may attend any reputable university or higher learning institution for postgraduate studies.
Area of Study:
The Foundation prioritizes Master’s degree programs but is open to considering PhD programs. Applications for short-term courses will not be considered.
Eligibility:
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada (for individuals originally from one of the listed developing countries, interested in development-related studies, and unable to finance their education), Egypt, France (for individuals originally from one of the listed developing countries, interested in development-related studies, and unable to finance their education), India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal (for individuals originally from one of the listed developing countries, interested in development-related studies, and unable to finance their education), Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the USA (for individuals originally from one of the listed developing countries, interested in development-related studies, and unable to finance their education).
The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship covers tuition and living expenses, but not travel costs. The scholarship for a Master’s degree is awarded for the entire program, while funding for PhD studies is provided for the initial two years, after which the student must seek alternative funding. Half of the scholarship amount must be repaid, with a 5% annual service fee, over a five-year period starting six months after the study period funded by the Foundation. A co-signed loan agreement and a guarantor are required.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be a national of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada (limited to those from developing countries, with a focus on development-related studies, and no other means of financing), Egypt, France (same criteria as Canada), India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal (same criteria as Canada), Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, or the USA (same criteria as Canada). The applicant must also reside in a country with a local Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board office processing applications.
Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age.
