Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is a distinguished opportunity that enables excellent students from developing nations, including Pakistan, to pursue postgraduate studies at reputable universities across the world. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, this program aspires to develop effective scholars and leaders who can make major contributions to their communities and the world.

The AKF ISP offers a few scholarships each year for Master's programs and, in some rare cases, for PhD studies. The selection process is competitive and takes into account both merit and real financial need. What's interesting about this program is how it works: the funding is split evenly between a grant and a loan. So, half of the money you get is a grant that you don’t have to pay back, while the other half is a loan that you’ll need to repay after graduation, with a small fee added each year, usually starting six months after your studies wrap up.

The Foundation mainly focuses on Master's level courses, but they will look at PhD applications from outstanding students who have strong backing from their professors and need a doctorate for their career goals in academics or research.

Programs Offered

The AKF ISP mainly supports Master's degree programs, but they will also look at PhD applications in special cases where a doctorate is necessary for the candidate's career goals.

The scholarship is open to different fields, though they usually prefer areas tied to the Aga Khan Development Network's focuses, such as:

• Education
• Health
• Rural Development
• Civil Society
• Culture
• Economic Development

You can attend great universities in countries like the USA, Canada, France, and Portugal, among others.

Benefits

The AKF ISP gives solid financial help to its recipients, which includes:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full tuition cost at a recognized university.
• Living Expenses: Recipients get a stipend to help with everyday costs.
• Access to Top Universities: It lets students study at some of the best universities around the world, opening up new academic opportunities.
• Global Exposure: Studying abroad with the AKF ISP helps students gain important international experience, preparing them for a successful career.
• Networking and Mentorship: Scholars join a great network of professionals and alumni, offering valuable mentorship and career advice.

Keep in mind, though, that the scholarship doesn’t cover travel costs or expenses for family members. For PhD students, funding is usually available for the first two years, and after that, students are expected to find other funding for the remaining years.

Eligibility Criteria

If you're a Pakistani citizen interested in the AKF ISP scholarship, you need to meet certain requirements:

• Nationality and Residence: You must be a Pakistani national living in Pakistan and have access to local Aga Khan Offices that handle applications. 
• Academic Excellence: It's important to have strong academic records. You should hold a Bachelor's degree or have relevant training or work experience.
• Financial Need: You need to show that you truly need financial help. It's essential to provide a reliable funding plan, as the AKF ISP is seen as a last option. The Foundation prefers candidates who have already found some funding from other places.
• Admission to a Reputable Institution: Applicants must have been accepted to a highly reputable postgraduate institution for their desired program of study.
  First Year of Study: Applicants must be in the first year of a postgraduate program. Students who have already enrolled in or started their postgraduate studies are ineligible.
• Age Limit: While there is no hard age limit, students under the age of 30 are given precedence.
• Leadership Potential and Experience: Candidates are evaluated based on their outstanding leadership abilities, professional experience, extracurricular accomplishments, and volunteer activities.
• Career goals: Applicants should present comprehensive and coherent educational and career goals, as well as a clear grasp of how their proposed studies match with AKDN's key areas and how they will contribute to their home nation once completed.

How to Apply

To apply for the AKF ISP, things are pretty straightforward. People in Pakistan usually get their application forms and send them in at local offices of the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board.

Here's a quick overview of how to apply:

• Application Availability: You can usually find application forms starting in early January each year. It's a good idea to check the official AKDN website or get in touch with your local AKF/AKES/AKEB office for the latest info on when applications will be open.
• Get Application Forms: Reach out to your local AKF/AKES/AKEB office in Pakistan to grab the official application forms.
• Fill Out the Application: Make sure to fill out the application form carefully, giving detailed info about your education, personal achievements, financial situation, and career goals.
• Get Your Documents Ready: Collect everything you'll need, which usually includes:
  • Your academic transcripts and degrees (like your Bachelor's and any other relevant ones)
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers
  • A statement of purpose explaining your educational and career goals, and how the scholarship can help you
  • Proof that you've been accepted into a respected postgraduate program
  • Evidence of your financial needs and how you plan to fund your studies
  • An updated resume or CV showing your work experience, activities, and volunteer work
  • Any required language test scores (like IELTS or TOEFL) if your university asks for them.
• Submission: Make sure to send your full application to the local AKF/AKES/AKEB office in Pakistan by the deadline. If your application is late or missing any parts, it probably won't be accepted.
• Selection Process: A selection committee will look over all the applications. If you're selected, you'll likely be called for an interview. Decisions are made based on your academic performance, financial needs, leadership skills, and how well you fit with AKDN's goals.

Important Dates: The application process usually opens in early January, with the submission deadline typically around March 31st. Interviews generally happen between March and April, and candidates can expect to receive offers in April.

FAQs

1. Is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship fully funded? 

No, the scholarship is half grant and half loan. You’ll need to pay back half of the scholarship amount.

2. Does the scholarship cover travel expenses? 

No, it only covers tuition and living costs, not travel expenses.

3. Can I apply if I've already started my postgraduate studies? 

No, the scholarship is meant for students who are just starting their postgraduate program.

4. Is there an age limit for applicants? 

There’s no strict age limit, but students under 30 tend to get preference.

5. What kinds of programs are preferred for the scholarship? 

They prefer Master's programs. PhD applicants might be considered in special situations where a doctoral degree is really needed for career goals.

6. Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying for the scholarship? 

Yes, you need to have admission to a recognized postgraduate school to apply for the scholarship.

7. How do I repay the loan part? 

The loan repayment starts about six months after you graduate, stop studying, or end your support. You'll usually need someone to co-sign the loan agreement.

8. Can I apply if I'm not a Muslim? 

Yes, the Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme is open to all qualifying students from eligible developing countries, no matter their background or faith.

9. Where can I get the application forms in Pakistan? 

You should reach out to your local Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, or Aga Khan Education Board offices in Pakistan to get the application forms and local advice.