The Aga Khan International Scholarship:

Leading Asia and Africa to a bright future

Some scholarships come with a story and a vision. Established by his Highness the Aga Khan, the scholarship graced with his title seeks remarkable individuals who will champion the cause of the developing world. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship offers substantial funding to students and professionals from Asia and Africa who are determined to tackle the challenges faced by struggling nations and communities, from climate change to cultural conservation, health, and education. What is the Aga Khan Scholarship, are you its ideal candidate, and if so, how can you become the next Aga Khan Scholar? Read to find out. 

The vision behind the scholarship

It was hope and duty which led to the establishment of the AKDN, short for the Aga Khan Development Network. His Highness the Aga Khan succeeded his father in 1957 at the young age of twenty, becoming the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, a spiritual leader. Ever since, he was dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations, guided by Islam's teachings on compassion and tolerance. Being the Network's founder and chairman is only one of his many achievements in his engagement with development over the past sixty years.

The AKDN is a network of private development agencies with a mission to improve the quality of life of those in need, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Its focus has been on vulnerable communities in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa, giving them, in pragmatic terms, the tools to become self-reliant. In more visionary terms, you might say it empowers them to become a positive force for humanity. Four goals direct the AKDN activity: developing human capacity, building resilient communities, generating economic growth, and honouring cultural heritage. This organization has been involved in environment and climate change, economy and habitat planning, tourism and industry, cultural heritage and health, and of course – education.

Everything you need to know about the scholarship

Nothing empowers a future generation more than education, and the AKDN knows this well. The foundation has been determined to create opportunities for young people hailing from developing countries. The new generation of promising individuals, forged into leaders, can then bring back knowledge and solutions to the most fundamental problems in their home communities at home.

The crown jewel in the foundation's diverse efforts to help developing countries, the Aga Khan International Scholarship was awarded Scholarship of the Month by Times Higher Education in 2022. Its goal is to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. With that in mind, every year the Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students. The shoe best fits those who are in financial need and who have been admitted to a programme relevant to the foundation's goals.

In particular, it seeks candidates from select developing countries where its agencies' efforts are focused (see next section). The foundation gives priority to candidates who intend on doing a Master's level course. Nevertheless, applications for PhD programmes are also considered, in the case of excelling students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives, whether academic or research-oriented. 

Scholarships are awarded on a 50 percent grant : 50 percent loan basis, awarded to its selected candidates by June or July. The Foundation thus assists students with tuition fees and living expense, while the cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships. In the case of PhD programmes, funding is only provided for the first two years of study, after which doctorates are expected to find alternative sources of support.

Everything the scholarship wants to know about you

Given the AKDN's goals and values, it makes sense the foundation would look for very specific candidates to benefit from its generous funding schemes. There are several parameters for selecting future scholars. If you find that the Aga Khan Scolarship matches your academic and career pursuit, next you must make sure that you match their selection criteria. This includes nationality, financial need, academic achievements, university, course type and subject, and some additional considerations.

First, you should have the right nationality or country of origin. You are eligible so long as you are a national of one of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Syria in Asia, and Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique in Africa. You must also reside in your country or alternatively in UK, France, Canada, USA, or Portugal.

Second, you should have so far consistently excelled in your previous studies. Top-of-the-class grades are one aspect: did you achieve first-class honours or a distinction? A high GPA or the equivalent? How do you compare with the rest of your class mates or previous cohorts? Another aspect is your accomplishments and awards: did your revolutionary research project or mind-blowing presentation bag a glittering trophy, or did you publish an inspired academic paper? Having accomplished such exploits at a prestigious university makes it all the more impressive.

Next, you should already hold an offer to a reputable institution, a place the Foundation can be confident will launch you to a promising future. The course or programme should be a Master's degree, though the scholarship accepts PhD candidates under particular conditions. However, you must also be admitted to a relevant programme that is aligned with the AKDN's goals.

Finally, you should have genuine financial need. In concrete terms, this means that without AKDN's support you would simply be unable to pursue your studies. If you have sufficient income or savings, or your family does, or if you have the financial support of another oganizaton or government, the AKDN might prefer to support someone else who is in greater need of funding.

There a few additional considerations. To begin with, candidates are also evaluated on demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans, their extra-curricular passions and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and likelihood to shine in a foreign academic environment. If that's not enough, applicants are also expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest. And to add another little hurdle, the foundation prefers candidates under the age of thirty.

The application process

Ticking the Nile-long eligibility checklist is only step one. Applying to the scholarship is a process involving various documents, references, and very likely an interview. It all starts with obtaining an application form from the Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Board/Service office in your country of current residence. Since the Aga Khan International Scholarship Programme's application procedures are decentralised, the completed application should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. If you are shortlisted,  your local Scholarship Committee might want to interview you about your financial situation, achievements, and plans.

This exciting process starts in January, when applications open. The deadline varies, but is usually around March. By then or during this time window,  you should already be holding an offer to a course. By late June or early July, the annual Scholarship Selection Meeting takes place. Then comes the drumroll: following this decisive moment, the Aga Khan Foundation notifies all students of the outcome of their application.

Chancellor Education

It's not enough to be the ideal candidate – you must also follow through on a strong application. The process can be complicated and the competition fierce. That's why many applicants turn to Chancellor Education's unique expertise to maximize their chances.  Chancellor applies unrivalled admissions methods to the Aga Khan scholarship.

The first-class consultation company accompanies clients with great potential who are applying to UK higher education institutions and scholarships. First, Chancellor Education checks in-depth whether you are eligible for the Aga Khan Scholarship and how well you are positioned. Next, expert consultants develop a customized strategy, laying out the timeline and deadlines. Then, the consultation company helps you put together all the required documents, including personal statements, CV, and references. Finally, they deploy their hands-on approach and skill to ensure your application is as competitive as possible.

They eagerly wait together with your for the results - if you are shortlisted and invited for an interview, Chancellor Education will coach you. When you are accepted, it's champage all around. In this manner, Chancellor Education accompanies its clients every step of the way. This method maximizes your chances of getting the Aga Khan scholarship to study in the UK.

His Highness the Aga Khan once said, "the question is not only 'What have I achieved?', the question is 'What have I helped others achieve?'" The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship reflects just that, and twice over: by helping students from the developing world help their communities achieve a life of pride and dignity.