Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships: Guide for Pakistani Students

Scholarship Overview

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) International Scholarship Programme provides financial support to outstanding students from select developing countries, including Pakistan. Designed for students who have no other means of financing their postgraduate education, this programme seeks to develop future leaders who will contribute to development-related fields. The scholarship is partially funded, consisting of a 50% grant and a 50% loan.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are explicitly eligible to apply for this programme. The foundation accepts applications from nationals of Pakistan for study at reputable universities globally, excluding institutions in the UK and Russia.

Funding and Benefits

The AKF scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for master's and PhD studies. For PhD candidates, support is strictly provided for the first two years. Applicants are encouraged to secure alternative funding sources, as preference is given to those who can demonstrate a partial contribution toward their total costs. The loan portion requires a 5% annual service charge and must be repaid over five years, beginning six months after the completion of the funded study period. A guarantor is required for the loan agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet several stringent requirements:

• Must be a national of an eligible country, including Pakistan.
• Demonstrate genuine financial need.
• Maintain a consistently excellent academic record.
• Possess an admission offer from a highly reputable university.
• Show relevance of the field of study to AKDN focus areas (e.g., health, education, civil society, agriculture).
• Demonstrate work experience in the chosen field.
• Preference is given to applicants under 30 years of age.
• Provide coherent educational and career plans.

Required Documents

While the specific document checklist varies by application cycle, candidates must obtain the official application form from local Aga Khan Foundation offices or Aga Khan Education Services boards in their country of residence. You must have an admission offer from a university before your application will be considered.

Application Timeline

The application process for the next cycle is expected to open in early 2027. The deadline for the most recent cycle was March 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to monitor the official AKDN website for 2027 opening dates.

Selection Process

The selection is highly competitive and occurs once a year. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic potential, the genuine need for financial assistance, and their intent to pursue a career that aligns with the Foundation's focus areas, ideally returning to the AKDN or their home country post-studies.

How to Apply

1. Secure an admission offer from your target university.
2. Obtain the official application form from your local Aga Khan Foundation office or local Aga Khan Education Services board.
3. Complete the form with your academic and financial details.
4. Submit the physical application to the same agency from which you received the document.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Because the AKF requires original documentation submitted through local offices in Pakistan, do not attempt to send your application directly to the Geneva headquarters. Early communication with the local Aga Khan Education Services office in your region is essential to ensure you receive the correct application packet before the deadline.

Important Terms and Limitations

This is not a fully funded scholarship. Half of the awarded amount is a repayable loan. Short-term courses are not eligible, and students who have already commenced their studies are ineligible to apply. Funding is prioritized for master’s level courses; PhD support is reserved for outstanding candidates with strong academic endorsements.