The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 is a partially funded program for students from specific developing countries. It helps pay tuition fees and living costs for master or PhD studies at top universities around the world. Half of the money is a grant and half is a loan with 5% interest that you pay back over 5 years. You must be from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar or Mozambique. You need very good grades and real financial need. Apply through your local Aga Khan office by 31 March 2026. It is for subjects like health, education, culture, rural development or economic growth but not medicine or engineering.
Quick Details About Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
| Host Country | Any (except UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Any top university |
| Degree Level | Master / PhD |
| Eligible For | From listed countries below |
| Benefits | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | Limited each year |
| Duration | Full study time |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Deadline | March 31 2026 |
| Official Website | www.akdn.org/akf |
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Overview 2026–2027
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship started to help students from poor countries who want to study master or PhD. It is from the Aga Khan Foundation to build leaders in health, education, culture and development. You study at any good university in the world except in UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway or Ireland. The program gives limited spots each year. You must go back home after study to work in your field. Many winners teach or work in government or NGOs. The scholarship makes sure you get good education without money problems.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides financial help for students with a clear need.
- It helps pay for tuition fees and living expenses only.
- For PhD students, funding is given only for the first 2 years. After that, you must find other funding.
- The amount you receive depends on your level of financial need.
- You are strongly encouraged to look for other sources of funding.
- Priority is given to students who already have some funding from other places.
Also See: National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic 2026
Important: The Loan Conditions
This scholarship is half grant, half loan.
- 50% of the award is a loan.
- You need a guarantor (a co-signer) for the loan agreement.
- The loan has a 5% yearly service charge.
- You must repay the loan within 5 years.
- Repayments start 6 months after your funded study period ends.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake
You can apply if you meet all these conditions:
Citizenship:
- You must be a citizen of one of these countries: Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mozambique, Syria or Madagascar.
- Exception: If you live in Portugal, France, the UK, USA, or Canada, you can only apply if:
- You are studying a development-related field, and
- You are originally from one of the eligible countries above,
- You have no other way to pay for your education.
Academic & Personal Requirements:
- You must have very strong academic grades.
- You must have admission to a reputable university or program.
- You must show genuine financial need.
- You should have clear plans for your study and future career.
- Your field of study should match the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) focus areas (e.g., development, health, education).
- Preference is given to applicants under 30 years old.
- Your extra activities, achievements, and ability to succeed abroad will be considered.
- You are expected to have some work experience in your field.
Available Courses
- Tourism promotion
- Civil society
- Music
- Infrastructure development
- Education
- Historic cities
- Enterprise development
- Agriculture and food security
- Institution building
- Health
- Economic development
- Humanitarian assistance
- Culture
- Habitat
- Industrial development
- Financial inclusion
- Rural development
- Media
Also See: Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2026 Application Deadline
The last date is March 31 2026. Get form from your local Aga Khan office early.
Required Documents
- Application form from local office.
- Copies of degrees and marks (translated if needed).
- Letter from university saying you are accepted.
- CV with your education and work.
- Motivation letter about your plans.
- Recommendation letters from teachers.
- Proof of financial need.
Send all to your local office.
How to Apply For Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
- Get application form from your local Aga Khan office or education board. This is the first step.
- Fill the form with your details and plans. Be honest and clear.
- Get acceptance letter from your chosen university. This is needed.
- Write motivation letter about why you need this and your goals.
- Add copies of degrees, marks and CV.
- Get recommendation letters from teachers.
- Send all documents to your local Aga Khan office by March 31, 2026.
- Wait for answer in summer 2026.
Official Website
For more details and deadlines visit the official Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship website.