Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)

Tuition and student living expenses, awarded according to need as 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan that must be repaid with a service charge. Master's study is funded for the whole degree; PhD study for the first two years only.

Fields: Any field

Citizens of 6 listed countries

Eligible country codes: EG, KE, MG, MZ, TZ, UG

• National of a programme country; in Africa the official list names Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda (the list is given as examples, so confirm with the local office)
• Excellent academic record and a bachelor's degree or equivalent training or professional experience
• Genuine financial need and a reliable multi-source funding plan covering all years of study
• Admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution and starting the first year of the programme (students already enrolled are not eligible)
• Strong leadership potential, professional experience and community or volunteer contributions; preference for applicants under 30
• Study in the United Kingdom or Russia is not supported; part-time and short courses are not considered

The 2026-2027 cycle is closed and the next cycle opens in early 2027. The current page does not state the closing date; earlier AKDN guidance set a 31 March deadline, with earlier internal dates in some countries. Confirm with your local office.

Deadlines move a little every year and some close early. Confirm the date on the official page before you plan around it.

• The AKF ISP application form from the local Aga Khan Foundation contact in your country
• Proof of your bachelor's degree and academic record
• Admission letter from your postgraduate institution
• A detailed funding plan showing other sources and your financial need
• Evidence of leadership, work experience and volunteer activity

1. 1

   Step 1: Check eligibility

   Use the eligibility tool on the AKDN International Scholarships page to confirm your country is covered and find your local team.
2. 2

   Step 2: Secure admission

   Apply for a full-time master's (preferred) or PhD place at a reputable university outside the UK and Russia.
3. 3

   Step 3: Build a funding plan

   Line up other scholarships and family or employer support first, because the AKF ISP is a resource of last resort.
4. 4

   Step 4: Apply locally

   Submit your application to the AKF contact in your home country before its internal deadline when the cycle opens in early 2027.

• Half of the award is a loan; a guarantor must co-sign and repayment with a service charge starts six months after graduation or ending studies
• You must keep good academic standing and show ongoing financial need to keep the award
• It does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture or family members' living costs
• PhD funding stops after two years

• Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals are not on the official list; check with an AKF office before preparing an application
• Ask for only what you truly need; awards are based on need and a smaller, well-documented request is more credible
• Make sure you can repay the loan half and have a guarantor ready before you accept
• Local and regional universities and good distance programmes can be funded, which may cost less than study abroad

Checked against these official pages on 16 Oct 2026.

• AKDN: International Scholarships (opens in a new tab)