Aga Khan Foundation 2021-2022 Masters and PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries

Published: 02 Feb 2021 2,630 views

The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.

 The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July.

The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives (academic or research oriented).

AKF Postgraduate Scholarship

Benefits of AKF Postgraduate Scholarship

 The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships. Applicants are requested to make every effort to obtain funding from other sources as well, so that the amount requested from the Foundation can be reduced to a minimum. Preference is given to those who have been able to secure some funding from alternative sources.

Loan Conditions: Half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Requirements for AKF Postgraduate Scholarship

The main criteria for selecting award winners are:

1. excellent academic records,
2. genuine financial need,
3. admission to a reputable institution of higher learning and
4. thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans.

Candidates are also evaluated on their extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and likelihood to succeed in a foreign academic environment. Applicants are expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.

Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.

Selection Process

Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed by local Scholarship Committees about their financial situation, their academic performance, extra-curricular achievements and career plans.

The annual Scholarship Selection Meeting takes place in late June or early July and the Aga Khan Foundation notifies all students of the outcome of their application shortly thereafter.

Application Deadline

How to Apply