Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2026–27 | Apply Now (Deadline + Full Benefits for Pakistani Students)

Introduction

Are you a bright, motivated student with strong leadership potential and a desire to make a difference in your community — but financial barriers are standing between you and your dream postgraduate degree?

Then the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) 2026–27 could be the answer you have been looking for. This prestigious scholarship provides competitive funding for exceptional students from select developing countries — including Pakistan — to pursue postgraduate studies at internationally recognized universities around the world.

The good news? The 2026–2027 award cycle is now open. This is a real, verified opportunity that could change your life. Read on to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

Scholarship Overview

Scholarship Name	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)
Funded By	Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
Award Cycle	2026–2027 (Currently Open)
Country of Study	International (varies by recipient's country of origin and study destination)
Degree Level	Postgraduate (Master's programs primarily)
Open To	Students from eligible countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and others
Award Format	50% grant + 50% interest-free loan (combined support)
Age Preference	Preference given to young professionals under 30 years of age
Official Website	the.akdn/en/international-scholarships

What Does the AKF Scholarship Cover?

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship covers your postgraduate study expenses through a combination of grant and interest-free loan. Here is what the scholarship supports:

Tuition Fees — A significant portion or full coverage of tuition fees at your chosen university.
Living Expenses — Monthly allowance to cover accommodation and daily living costs.
Books and Study Materials — Allowance for required academic resources.
Research Costs — Support for research-related expenses where applicable.
One-Time Settling Allowance — For international students, a one-time payment to help with initial relocation costs.

Important Note on Funding Structure: The AKF ISP awards are structured as 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan. The loan portion is repaid after graduation, making it a highly supportive but not entirely free program. However, for students with demonstrated financial need and exceptional potential, this is still one of the best opportunities available for postgraduate funding.

Typical award amounts have ranged from $8,000–$15,000 annually for undergraduates and $12,000–$20,000 for graduate studies, depending on location and program costs.

Eligible Countries

The AKF ISP is available in the following countries (students from these countries can apply):

Afghanistan
Australia (for those originally from eligible countries)
Bangladesh
Egypt
India
Kenya
Kyrgyz Republic
Madagascar
Mozambique
New Zealand (for those originally from eligible countries)
Pakistan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Uganda

Note: At this time, the AKF ISP is not available for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a citizen/resident of one of the eligible countries listed above.
You must have a strong academic record — exceptional grades throughout your educational history.
You must demonstrate leadership potential and a track record of making a positive impact in your community.
You must show professional experience — volunteer work, internships, or full-time employment.
You must have entrepreneurial achievements or extracurricular involvement.
You must demonstrate genuine financial need — the scholarship is for students who cannot self-fund their postgraduate education.
Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
You must be applying for a Master's level program at an internationally recognized university.

Required Documents

Completed AKF ISP application form (obtained from AKF national offices)
Valid passport copy
All academic transcripts (attested where required)
Degree certificates
Letter of acceptance / offer from the postgraduate university (or evidence of application)
2–3 reference/recommendation letters (academic or professional)
CV / resume
Personal statement explaining your leadership, community work, and career goals
Evidence of financial need (family income documentation)
English language proficiency test scores if required

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Contact AKF National Office in Pakistan: The AKF ISP applications are managed through national AKF offices. For Pakistani students, contact the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan office or visit the.akdn for details.
Step 2 — Confirm Current Cycle is Open: The 2026–2027 award cycle is currently open. Contact the national office for specific deadlines applicable in Pakistan.
Step 3 — Obtain the Application Form: Get the official application form from the AKF national office. Forms are not available for download from the website — you must contact the office directly.
Step 4 — Prepare Your Application: Fill in all sections carefully. The personal statement and leadership section are the most important parts of your application.
Step 5 — Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all transcripts, references, and financial need documentation.
Step 6 — Submit Before Deadline: Submit your complete application to the AKF national office before the announced deadline. Late applications are not considered.
Step 7 — Review and Selection: The AKF conducts a global, annual, competitive selection process. Only a limited number of new awards are given in each cycle.
Step 8 — Notification: Successful applicants are notified by the AKF and proceed with scholarship acceptance and enrollment.

Important Dates

Current Award Cycle	2026–2027 (Now Open)
Application Deadline	Varies by country — contact AKF Pakistan office for specific deadline

Visit the official AKDN website or contact AKF Pakistan for the most current deadline information.

Apply Here

Official Information: https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships

For Pakistani applicants, contact the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan office directly for application forms and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the AKF International Scholarship from Pakistan?

Pakistani citizens who are academically excellent, demonstrate leadership and community involvement, have professional experience, and have genuine financial need can apply. Preference is given to those under 30 years old.

2. Is the AKF Scholarship fully funded?

The AKF ISP is structured as 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan. While not entirely a grant, it is highly supportive, and the loan portion is repaid over time after graduation without any interest charges.

3. Is IELTS required?

IELTS or another English proficiency test may be required depending on the university you are applying to. AKF itself does not specify a language requirement, but your target postgraduate university will have its own requirements.

4. How competitive is the AKF scholarship?

The AKF ISP is highly competitive. Only a limited number of new awards are given globally each cycle. Strong academics, leadership, community work, and genuine financial need are all essential factors in selection.

5. Can I apply for the AKF scholarship if I have already been admitted to a university?

Yes. Having an acceptance letter from your target university actually strengthens your application, as it shows you are serious and have already taken the first steps toward your postgraduate education.

Conclusion

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is not for everyone — it is for the dedicated, the hardworking, and the purpose-driven. If you have strong academics, a history of giving back to your community, and a clear vision of how your education will make a difference, this scholarship is a perfect fit for you.

The 2026–27 cycle is currently open. Do not delay — contact the AKF Pakistan office today, get your application form, and start building the strongest application you can.

Your potential deserves support. The Aga Khan Foundation is here to provide it. Now go make it happen!

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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2026–27 | Apply Now