AKDN International Scholarship to Open Again in January 2026

Patricia Eaton2 weeks ago

If you’re dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree abroad but financial hurdles are holding you back—here’s a golden opportunity you need to prepare for in advance: The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) will reopen for applications in January 2026.

This globally competitive and highly prestigious programme supports outstanding postgraduate students from select countries* who have no other means of financing their education. With over 1,000 scholars already supported since 1969, the AKF ISP is one of the few opportunities offering a blend of merit-based and need-sensitive financial support.

Why Start Preparing Now?

The application cycle is short and highly competitive, with limited scholarships offered each year. The 2025–2026 cycle closed on March 31, 2025, and the 2026 intake will be the next window of opportunity, starting January 2026.

To maximize your chances, you’ll need to:

Secure admission to a reputable postgraduate program for the 2026 academic year.
Prepare a robust funding plan, even if you are applying for the AKF ISP (as it acts as a last-resort resource).
Gather academic, professional, and financial documentation early.
Reach out to your local AKF/AKES/AKEB office for specific application instructions and deadlines.

What Does It Cover?

The AKF ISP covers:

Tuition fees
Living expenses (for the student only)

Not covered: travel, family costs, furniture, or personal expenses

The award is structured as 50% grant and 50% loan, and a guarantor is required, and repayment begins 6 months after graduation or termination.

Eligible Countries

AKF ISP accepts applications from citizens of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. If you are originally from one of these countries but currently living in Canada, France, Portugal, or the USA, you’re also eligible.

Note: The UK is not a valid study destination for this scholarship.

Who Should Apply?

AKF ISP looks for candidates who are:

Academically brilliant (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required)
Financially under-resourced and can prove genuine need
Accepted or applying to reputable postgraduate institutions (Master’s preferred, PhD considered)
Entering the first year of their program
Aged preferably under 30
Community-minded with leadership potential, volunteer work, and professional promise.

Application Timeline

The application process for the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) for the 2026 intake will officially open in January 2026. Interested applicants must apply through the local units of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) in their country of residence.

Each country office may have slightly different internal deadlines, so it is recommended that applicants contact their local AKF office early to obtain specific timelines and instructions. The overall deadline for submission of completed applications is typically at the end of March 2026, following the same schedule as the previous cycle.

Finalists are usually shortlisted for interviews and selection processes in April and May, with award decisions announced by mid-year. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing all required documents, secure university admission, and develop a multi-source funding plan well before the official opening date.