In a world where education is the cornerstone of progress and development, the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) emerges as a beacon of hope for aspiring postgraduate students. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has been a pivotal force in shaping the futures of over 1,000 students to date, offering them the wings to soar high in their academic and professional endeavours.
AKF ISP: A Global Opportunity for Deserving Scholars
The AKF ISP is specifically tailored for outstanding scholars from select countries who face financial constraints in pursuing their postgraduate education. This programme is more than just financial assistance; it is a commitment to nurturing global leaders and innovators.
The application process for the 2024-2025 award cycle opens in January 2024 and closes on 31 March 2024, marking a crucial period for prospective applicants to seize this life-changing opportunity.
Countries Eligible for the AKF ISP Scholarship
Currently, the AKF ISP is available to students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Additionally, students in Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA who originate from the aforementioned countries are also eligible to apply.
Who Can Apply for the AKF ISP Scholarship 2024?
To be considered for the AKF ISP, applicants must:
- Exhibit outstanding academic records.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or possess equivalent experience.
- Demonstrate a genuine financial need.
- Create a comprehensive funding plan with multiple sources.
- Gain admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.
- Show strong leadership potential, professional experience, and a history of extracurricular and volunteer activities.
Where to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship?
You can submit your application for the AKF ISP scholarship 2024 online. The application deadline for the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme for the 2024-2025 award cycle is 31 March 2024.
Eligibility Criteria: Paving the Way for Future Leaders
To be eligible for an AKF ISP award, you must meet the following criteria:
- Possess excellent academic records.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Construct a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan.
- Be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
- Exhibit strong leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and/or entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.
Note: Preference is given to young professionals under 30 years of age.
Award Structure: A Blend of Grants and Loans
AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount. Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course.
For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
The award covers your tuition fees and living expenses. It does not cover the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
Maintaining Your Award: Academic Excellence and Financial Need
To maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.
Loan Repayment: A Commitment to Empowerment
The repayment period for the loan component is five years, starting six months after the first of the following events:
- Graduation
- Termination of studies
- Withdrawal of support following failure to meet the academic standards expected of the ISP
A cumulative service charge of five percent per annum is levied on the amount of the loan. Your head of family or another guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement.
Alternative Funding Sources: Maximizing Your Opportunities
The Aga Khan Foundation encourages applicants to explore multiple sources of funding to reduce the amount requested from the Foundation.
Here are some examples of other scholarships and financial assistance programmes to consider:
- British Chevening Scholarships
- British Council Scholarships for women in STEM
- Campus France (database of programmes to study in France)
- Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students
- Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- International Education and Financial Aid (database to enable searches)
- International Student (database to enable searches)
- Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Pakistan Advanced Skills Development through International Scholarships
- Pakistan Higher Education Commission
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
- Prodigy Finance (loan programme)
- Qatar Afghan Scholarship Project
- Rotary Peace Fellowship (Master’s degree programmes)
- The American Association of University Women
- The Charles Wallace India Trust
- The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
- The Johns Hopkins – Bloomberg School of Public Health
- The Saïd Foundation Scholarships
- The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- World Bank Scholarship Program
A Legacy of Empowerment: The Aga Khan Development Network
Through a multimodal development strategy, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals who are impoverished, mainly in Asia and Africa.
With more than 1,000 programs and institutions under its belt, AKDN employs 96,000 people, mostly in developing countries, and through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, it earns $4 billion in revenue yearly.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to unlock your academic dreams.
Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme 2024-2025 before the deadline of 31 March 2024, and embark on a journey of personal growth, intellectual enrichment, and global impact.
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