Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program, which is the leading scholarship program of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), offers postgraduate education to deserving students from various developing nations who lack the means to finance their studies overseas. The primary objective of this program is to cultivate highly qualified scholars and assist them in securing employment, particularly within the AKDN

Each year during June or July, the scholarships are awarded on a 50-50 basis, with grants and loans being granted through a competitive selection process. Although the scholarship is primarily intended for master’s degrees, in exceptional circumstances, it may be extended to doctoral studies as well.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Application Process

How to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship?

To apply for the scholarship, prospective applicants who meet the eligibility criteria should follow these steps:

  • Visit the official website of the scholarship.
  • Click on the “Apply Now” button.
  • Register by clicking on the “Register” button and filling in the necessary information. If already registered, log in.
  • Obtain the application form from the Aga Khan Foundation or the Aga Khan Education Board Service/Office in their current country of residence.
  • Submit the completed application to the Aga Khan Foundation India office.

Application Deadline:

The application process commenced in January 2023, with the deadline for submitting completed applications being March 17th of the same year. 

Tip: Interested Students must get in touch with their respective local offices to obtain information on application requirements, deadline dates, and forms, as these may differ from one country to another.

Aga Khan Scholarship Selection Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must satisfy the following selection criteria:

  • Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Must not be over 30 years of age.
  • Demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
  • Verifiable financial need. Applicants must show that they have attempted to secure funding from other sources and have exhausted all other possibilities. The funding provided by the program is determined by deducting the total amount of other grants, loans, parental contributions, and student employment income from eligible student expenses. Students are encouraged to reduce their requested amount from the Foundation by exploring alternative sources of support.
  • Enrollment in a prestigious postgraduate institution of higher learning. While Master’s degree courses are given priority, applications for PhD studies are also considered. Local/regional universities and distance learning programs are acceptable for ISP funding, provided that the courses’ quality is maintained.
  • Significant professional experience, extracurricular accomplishments, volunteer contributions, and leadership abilities.

Aga Khan Scholarship Selection Process

Applicants will be interviewed by scholarship committees in their respective areas, regarding their financial status, academic records, extracurricular accomplishments, and future aspirations. In July, the international selection panel will make the ultimate decisions. Those who make it to the final global round will be notified of the results of their application soon thereafter.

Benefits of the Aga Khan Scholarship

The ISP awards consist of both a grant and a loan, with 50% of the total amount being a grant and the remaining 50% being a loan that the applicant must repay. Scholarships for Master’s programs are granted for the entire duration of the degree course, while PhD students are awarded scholarships for the first two years, after which they are expected to secure funding from alternative sources.

A service charge of 5% per annum is added to the loan amount. The student’s head of family or another guarantor must co-sign the loan agreement.

The repayment period is five years, beginning six months after graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support due to failure to meet the expected academic standards of ISP students. Graduates who pursue further education after completing an ISP-funded program are also eligible for a moratorium. Graduates who return to work in a developing country and remain there are eligible for a two-year moratorium.

The Aga Khan Award covers tuition fees and living expenses for the student but does not include living expenses for family members or the cost of international travel.

Conclusion

The process of selecting recipients for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships is highly competitive, as students from numerous developing nations, not just India, compete for the chance to receive financial support from the foundation to further their higher education. And the scholarships granted are limited. Therefore, applicants must be extremely careful and attentive when drafting their applications for the Aga Khan Foundation grant. There’s no need to worry, as ALLEN Global Studies Division is here to share your burden and provide guidance.

ALLEN Career Institute, an esteemed educational establishment, has been providing coaching and support to students preparing for competitive exams for more than 34 years. The institute is widely recognised for its exceptional education standards and offers coaching for a wide range of competitive exams, including those for engineering and medical programs. ALLEN Career Institute provides students with comprehensive study materials, experienced faculty, and frequent testing and analysis to assist them in achieving their academic objectives.

To provide our students with access to international education, we have established the ALLEN Global Studies Division. We recognize the significance of well-prepared applications and are dedicated to offering extensive guidance throughout the entire process. With our resources and expertise, we can support you in every stage of the application process. 

Our goal is to help students explore academic opportunities beyond conventional selection criteria and prepare them for global careers by imparting the knowledge, skills, values, and ethical orientation necessary to become world-class professionals. If you are interested in broadening your global horizons, we encourage you to consider joining the ALLEN Global Studies Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to get an Aga Khan scholarship?

The selection process for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships is extremely competitive, with students from various developing nations, besides India, vying for the opportunity to secure funding from the foundation to pursue their tertiary education.

What is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship?

Scholarships for postgraduate studies are offered by the Aga Khan Foundation exclusively to students from specific developing countries, including but not limited to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Syria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mozambique.

What is the age limit for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

The applicant for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship must not be over 30 years of age while applying.

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