The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is a highly competitive funding initiative designed to support outstanding students from developing countries who lack financial means for their higher education. In exchange for this support, recipients are expected to demonstrate a commitment to their home countries’ development and contribute to their communities after graduation.
What is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to exceptional students from select developing countries. The program aims to support students with academic potential but limited financial resources. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, ensuring that the funds are sustainable and continue to benefit future generations.
Key Features:
- Grant and Loan: Scholarships are offered as a combination of 50% grant and 50% loan.
- Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses.
- Focus on Development: Recipients must commit to returning to their home country to work, aiding in its development.
- Eligible Countries: The scholarship is available to students from select countries, including those in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- Financial Support: The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses, making higher education accessible for students who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
- Loan Repayment Terms: The 50% loan portion has favorable repayment terms, including a five-year repayment period starting six months after graduation.
- Commitment to Community: This scholarship encourages recipients to return home and contribute to their country’s socio-economic development.
- Prestigious Network: Recipients become part of the global Aga Khan Foundation network, offering valuable opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
Top 15 Resources to Help You Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Below are 15 real-world tools and platforms that will assist you in applying for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme. These resources provide scholarship databases, financial aid advice, and application tracking tools to make your journey smoother.
| Product | Use Case | Advantages | Disadvantages | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation Official Website | Application submission and eligibility criteria | Direct access to scholarship details and updates | Limited to scholarship-specific information | Free | Official resource for the Aga Khan Foundation |
| ScholarshipPortal | Search scholarships globally | Large database of scholarships | Not specific to Aga Khan Foundation | Free | Global scholarship search |
| IEFA.org | International financial aid and scholarships | Comprehensive resource for international students | Includes various unrelated scholarships | Free | Scholarship search, financial aid advice |
| Fastweb | Scholarship search for international students | Personalized scholarship matches | U.S.-centric, fewer international scholarships | Free | Matches scholarships based on student profile |
| Scholarships.com | Scholarship search for developing countries | Easy to use, large database | Heavily U.S.-focused | Free | Search for scholarships by region or criteria |
| DAAD Scholarships | Scholarships for study in Germany | Focused on Germany | Limited to DAAD programs | Free | Scholarship programs for international students |
| Chevening Scholarships | UK government scholarship for postgraduate studies | Fully funded | Competitive, focused on UK studies | Free | Scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK |
| StudyAbroad.com | Study abroad resources and scholarships | Comprehensive study abroad info | Primarily focused on Western countries | Free | Study abroad programs, financial aid resources |
| OPEC Fund for International Development | Scholarship for developing countries | Focus on development-focused scholarships | Limited to OPEC member states | Free | Scholarships for postgraduate studies in development |
| World Bank Scholarships | Scholarships for development-focused studies | Focus on students from developing countries | Highly competitive | Free | Funding for postgraduate education |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Scholarships for development professionals | Funding for development-related fields | Field-specific | Free | Scholarships for students from developing countries |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Fully funded scholarships for study at Cambridge | Prestigious, full coverage | Highly competitive | Free | Scholarships for postgraduate study at Cambridge |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Scholarships for Commonwealth countries | Focused on Commonwealth nationals | Limited to certain countries | Free | Scholarships for postgraduate education |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Fellowships for peace and development studies | Covers tuition and living expenses | Limited to peace and conflict studies | Free | Fellowships for peace-related studies |
| Open Society Foundations | Scholarships for human rights and development fields | Focus on human rights and social justice | Limited to certain fields of study | Free | Scholarships for social justice-focused programs |
| EducationUSA | U.S. government resource for international students | Wide range of resources for U.S. education | Limited to U.S.-based institutions | Free | Comprehensive guide for studying in the U.S. |
Comparison Table: Top Tools for Aga Khan Scholarship Applicants
| Product | Best For | Price | Main Features | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation Website | Official scholarship details | Free | Eligibility, application forms, deadlines | Direct access to scholarship details |
| ScholarshipPortal | Global scholarship search | Free | Large database, easy to navigate | Useful for discovering additional scholarships |
| IEFA.org | Financial aid for international students | Free | Comprehensive, focuses on international students | Perfect for finding financial aid resources |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Scholarships for Cambridge study | Free | Fully funded, prestigious | Ideal for students interested in studying at Cambridge |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Scholarships for Commonwealth students | Free | Focus on development, postgraduate education | Provides opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries |
How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
To apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Visit the Aga Khan Foundation’s official website to review the eligibility requirements, which include academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to community service.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement explaining your motivation for applying.
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted to the local Aga Khan Foundation or its affiliated institutions in your home country by March 31. Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview to assess their commitment and eligibility for the scholarship.
- Loan Agreement: If awarded the scholarship, recipients must sign a loan agreement, outlining the repayment terms for the 50% loan portion of the award.
FAQs
What is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme?
- It is a prestigious scholarship designed to support postgraduate students from developing countries, covering tuition and living expenses on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
- Students from select developing countries with excellent academic records and demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
- The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for postgraduate studies. However, travel expenses are not included.
What are the loan repayment terms?
- The loan portion has a five-year repayment period, which begins six months after graduation. No interest is charged during the study period.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
- You can apply by submitting an application to the local Aga Khan Foundation office in your country. The application deadline is typically March 31 of each year.
