The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26 are now open for international students seeking to pursue their master’s or PhD degrees at prestigious universities worldwide, excluding institutions in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland. Check also: Mid Sweden University Scholarship 2025-2026 | Fully Funded
These scholarships, offered annually by the Aga Khan Foundation, aim to support exceptional students from developing countries who lack alternative financial resources. The program is designed to nurture future leaders and scholars, equipping them for impactful careers, primarily within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Check also: Nanyang Technological University Scholarship 2025-2026
Awarded on a competitive basis, the scholarships operate on a 50% grant and 50% loan model, with applications typically accepted in June or July each year. While the Foundation prioritizes master’s level courses, outstanding PhD candidates with strong recommendations from their professors may also be considered, particularly if a doctoral degree aligns with their academic or research-driven career goals.
Table of Contents
1 Scholarship Summary for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26
- Host Country: Any reputed university except universities in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway and Ireland
- Study for: Masters, PhD
- Scholarship Provider: Aga Khan Foundation
- Deadline: 31 March 2025
2 Scholarship Coverage for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26 provide the recipient with the following benefits:
- The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only.
- Funding for PhD programs is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance.
- Financial assistance is provided according to the needs of students.
- 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.
- Check also: Fully Funded Shanghai Government Scholarships 2025
2.1 Loan Conditions
Half of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26 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.
3 Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025-26 Eligibility
To qualify for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26, the candidate must fulfil all of the following requirements below:
- Required Language: As per chosen institute requirement.
- Eligible Countries: The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, the UK, the USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above-developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and have no other means of financing their education.
- Consistently excellent academic records.
- Genuine financial need.
- Admission to a highly reputable university or program of study.
- Relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas.
- Demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans,
- 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.
- Check also: Fully Funded Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2025-26
4 Courses Offered for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26
- Health
- Education
- Culture
- Rural development
- Institution building
- Economic development
- Agriculture and food security
- Civil society
- Enterprise development
- Financial inclusion
- Habitat
- Historic cities
- Humanitarian assistance
- Industrial development
- Infrastructure development
- Media
- Music
- Tourism promotion
A list of scholarship links may be helpful.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the application deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships 2025-26?
The application deadline is March 31, 2025.
Which countries’ nationals are eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Eligible applicants are from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Additionally, individuals originally from these countries but residing in France, Portugal, the UK, the USA, and Canada may apply if they have no other means of financing their education.
What levels of study does the scholarship support?
Are there any restrictions on the universities I can attend with this scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship excludes universities in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The Foundation assists with tuition fees and living expenses only.
Is the scholarship a grant or a loan?
The scholarship operates on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, with a 5% annual service charge on the loan portion.
What is the repayment period for the loan portion of the scholarship?
The repayment period is five years, starting six months after the funded study period ends.
How many years of funding are provided for PhD programs?
Funding for PhD programs is provided only for the first two years of study.
What are the language requirements for the scholarship?
Language requirements are determined by the chosen institution’s criteria.
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