Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2027–28 – Postgraduate Study Abroad (50% Grant, 50% Loan)
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) helps outstanding students from selected developing countries with no other means of financing to pursue postgraduate study. It funds Master’s and PhD study abroad on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis, so it is partial funding, and recipients repay the loan half after their studies on favourable terms.
Deadline (expected): applications are decentralised. The 2026–27 cycle has closed. Applications for 2027–28 are expected to reopen in early January 2027 through local Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board offices, with a standard deadline of 31 March. Local offices can vary, so contact yours well before January.
Eligibility
- Citizen and resident of an eligible country (African examples listed by sources include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar and Egypt; Central and South Asian countries are also included)
- Outstanding academic record and strong leadership potential and community engagement
- Starting the first year of a postgraduate programme (in practice, sources suggest an age under 30)
- Demonstrated financial need and no other means of funding the studies
- Admission to a recognised university, as required by your local office
How to Apply
- Contact the Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board office in your country of residence to learn the dates and obtain the form. Do not send applications to the international headquarters.
- Prepare transcripts, degree certificate, admission offer or proof of application, passport copy and English test results if required.
- Submit before your office’s deadline; interviews follow, and the global selection meeting takes place in late June or early July.
Tips
The programme looks for development-minded candidates, so connect your chosen course to a specific community need. Because the award is a mix of grant and loan, calculate your total costs and funding gaps before accepting.
Why the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Is Special
The programme was created for outstanding students from developing countries who have no other way to finance postgraduate study. It prioritises fields linked to development, and it expects recipients to show leadership and community engagement. For many East African applicants, it offers an option that does not depend on a single government’s foreign policy, and it is open to study at a range of institutions rather than one fixed university.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Early January 2027: application forms become available from local Aga Khan offices
- 31 March 2027: standard annual deadline, though local offices may set different dates
- April to May 2027: interviews and local selection steps
- Late June or early July 2027: the annual scholarship selection meeting
- Shortly after: applicants are notified by their local office
Understanding the 50/50 Structure
Half of the award is a grant and half is a loan. The loan portion has favourable repayment terms that start after your studies. Before you apply, calculate how much you will owe in total and how that compares with your expected salary. If you can secure another scholarship for the remaining costs, the Aga Khan award can still be part of a funding mix.
Eligibility Details
- You are a citizen and resident of one of the countries on the official list
- You were admitted, or are applying, to a master’s or doctoral programme at a recognised university
- You have an excellent academic record and a record of leadership
- You can show that you cannot finance your studies from other sources
- You intend to contribute to development in your country or region
How to Apply
- Find your local Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board office.
- Request the application form and ask for the current deadline and country-specific rules.
- Collect your transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, English test results and admission evidence.
- Write a statement that links your chosen course to a development need.
- Submit, attend any interview, and wait for the local office to confirm the outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending your application to a head office instead of your local Aga Khan office
- Waiting for a global portal that does not exist
- Ignoring the financial-need documentation
- Failing to plan for the loan portion
More Questions Applicants Ask
Is it fully funded? No. It is 50% grant and 50% loan.
Can I apply for undergraduate study? The programme described in our sources is for Master’s and PhD study.
Where do I confirm details? Use the Aga Khan Development Network website and your local office.
How to Strengthen Your Case
Reviewers look for students who combine excellent grades with a record of service. Include examples of community work, mentoring, volunteering, research or professional initiatives, and describe what changed because of your efforts. Show that you have thought carefully about the course you chose and that you understand how it fits the development needs of your country. A short, honest explanation of your financial situation, supported by documents requested by your local office, is also essential because the programme is meant for students with no other means of financing their studies.
Planning Your Admission in Parallel
Funding and admission work on different timelines. Many applicants need an offer or proof of application to a university before the local office can complete their file. Start your university applications early, research courses in development-related fields, and ask the admissions office whether they accept your qualifications. If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Portugal or the United States, check each country’s deadlines for visas and health insurance.
Planning for Repayment
Treat the loan portion as a real commitment. Discuss it with your family, estimate your future income, and ask the local office how repayment works in practice. Responsible planning makes the award a stepping stone rather than a burden.
After You Are Selected
Once your local office confirms the award, you will receive instructions on signing the grant and loan agreement, arranging payment to your university and meeting any reporting requirements. Keep copies of every document and ask questions early if any term is unclear.
A Note on Official Information
The programme is administered locally, so the exact dates, forms and eligible countries can differ between offices. Treat this guide as preparation, and confirm every requirement with the Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board office that serves your country before you submit.
