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Scholarships

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Award Program 2025

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

Good news! The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program 2025 is now open. This is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding Master’s and PhD students from developing countries to achieve their academic and career goals. With a focus on fostering leadership, innovation, and community development, this program provides full funding for eligible students to pursue advanced degrees at top universities in the United States, Canada, France, and Portugal.

By offering comprehensive support, the scholarship empowers talented individuals to contribute to the development of their home countries and address pressing global challenges.

About the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation has a long-standing commitment to promoting education and leadership in developing countries. This scholarship program is designed to support exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, a strong commitment to social development, and leadership potential.

  • Scholarship Type: Full funding (tuition, living expenses, and more)
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s and PhD programs
  • Eligible Institutions: Universities in the U.S., Canada, France, and Portugal
  • Eligible Nationalities: Open to nationals of eligible developing countries
  • Deadline: March 31, 2025

Through this program, the Aga Khan Foundation aims to develop a network of skilled professionals who can drive positive change in their communities.

Key Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program offers an array of benefits that make it one of the most sought-after opportunities for postgraduate students:

  1. Comprehensive Financial Support: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs, ensuring students can fully focus on their studies.
  2. Support for Top-Tier Education: Recipients can pursue advanced degrees at world-renowned universities in the U.S., Canada, France, and Portugal, gaining access to exceptional academic resources and networks.
  3. Leadership Development: The program emphasizes cultivating leadership skills, and preparing students to take on impactful roles in their communities and beyond.
  4. Loan Component: A unique feature of the scholarship is its 50% loan component, which recipients repay after graduation, fostering a sense of responsibility and enabling the program to support future scholars.
  5. Commitment to Community Development: Scholarship recipients are encouraged to use their skills and knowledge to address social and economic challenges in their home countries.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Eligible Degrees and Courses

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program supports Master’s and PhD programs across a wide range of disciplines. Students can choose from courses offered by the universities they are admitted to, allowing for flexibility and alignment with individual career goals.

Examples of fields often pursued by recipients include:

  • Public Health
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Social Sciences
  • Sustainable Development
  • Business Administration

The program prioritizes fields of study that align with the development needs of the recipient’s home country.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of eligible developing countries where the Aga Khan Foundation operates. These countries often include regions in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
  2. Academic Excellence: Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record and the potential to excel in their chosen field.
  3. Admission to an Eligible University: Applicants must secure admission to a Master’s or PhD program at a university in the U.S., Canada, France, or Portugal.
  4. Commitment to Development: Candidates must show a commitment to using their education to benefit their home countries, particularly in addressing social and economic challenges.
  5. Financial Need: The program prioritizes students who lack the financial resources to pursue their education independently.
  6. Age Limit: Preference is given to students under 30 years of age, though this may vary depending on the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances.

How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Applying for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship involves a multi-step process. Here’s how to prepare a successful application:

  1. Check Eligibility: Verify that you meet the nationality, academic, and financial requirements outlined by the foundation.
  2. Research Eligible Universities: Identify universities in the U.S., Canada, France, and Portugal that offer programs aligning with your academic and professional goals.
  3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Commonly required materials include:
    • Academic transcripts showcasing your educational achievements
    • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your academic, professional, and extracurricular accomplishments
    • Letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or employers
    • A personal statement describing your academic goals, commitment to community development, and how the scholarship will support your aspirations
    • Proof of admission to an eligible Master’s or PhD program
  4. Submit Your Application to a Local Office: Applications must be submitted to the Aga Khan Foundation office or local partner agency in the applicant’s country of residence.
  5. Participate in Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews to discuss their academic goals, financial needs, and commitment to social development.
  6. Adhere to the Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by March 31, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

To enhance your chances of receiving the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship:

  1. Demonstrate Financial Need: Clearly explain your financial circumstances and why you require scholarship support to pursue your education.
  2. Highlight Your Commitment to Development: Provide examples of how you’ve contributed to community development in the past and outline how you plan to use your education to create a positive impact.
  3. Craft a Clear Personal Statement: Detail your career aspirations, academic goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your vision for the future.
  4. Secure Strong Recommendations: Request recommendation letters from individuals who can attest to your academic excellence, leadership qualities, and dedication to social progress.
  5. Research the Loan Component: Familiarize yourself with the scholarship’s 50% loan requirement and explain how you plan to repay it.

Why Choose the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program stands out for its comprehensive support, commitment to leadership development, and emphasis on social impact. Here’s why this scholarship is a transformative opportunity:

  1. World-Class Education: Recipients gain access to top-tier universities, enabling them to learn from leading experts and develop skills to address global challenges.
  2. Leadership Training: The program nurtures future leaders who can drive innovation and progress in their home countries.
  3. Focus on Sustainability: By requiring recipients to repay 50% of the funding, the program ensures its sustainability and ability to support future generations of scholars.
  4. Support for Development Goals: The scholarship prioritizes fields of study that align with the development needs of the recipient’s country, ensuring a direct impact on local communities.

The Aga Khan Foundation’s Broader Mission

The Aga Khan Foundation is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of institutions dedicated to improving the quality of life in developing regions. Through initiatives in education, health, infrastructure, and cultural preservation, the AKDN promotes sustainable development and social cohesion.

The International Scholarship Program is a cornerstone of the foundation’s efforts to empower individuals and communities through education. By investing in talented students, the foundation aims to create a ripple effect of positive change across generations.

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for Master’s and PhD students committed to academic excellence and social impact. By providing full funding, access to world-class education, and leadership development, the scholarship equips recipients to address the most pressing challenges in their communities and beyond.

If you’re ready to make a difference and pursue your academic dreams, start preparing your application today. Ensure all materials are submitted to your local Aga Khan Foundation office by March 31, 2025.

For more details and guidance, visit the Aga Khan Foundation’s official website or contact the local office in your country.