The Aga Khan International Scholarship | An opportunity for exceptional students

Education is vital to individual growth, community development, and national progress. It equips people with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to lead fulfilling lives, contribute to society, and address complex challenges. Access to quality education remains challenging for many individuals and communities, particularly in low-income countries and marginalized areas. Financial barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities hinder many young people from pursuing their academic aspirations and achieving their full potential. Let’s learn more about The Aga Khan International Scholarship

Introduction to the Aga Khan International Scholarship 

The Aga Khan International Scholarship is a program established by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of institutions and agencies committed to social, cultural, and economic development in third-world countries, predominantly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The AKDN is a non-denominational entity that operates in more than 10 countries.

Founded in 1979, this Scholarship supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their communities and countries. The scholarship aims to provide high-quality education and training opportunities to students needing access to such resources. Since its inception, the scholarship has supported more than 3,400 students from 10+ countries pursuing postgraduate studies at top-ranked universities in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the Aga Khan International Scholarship 

Applicants must meet several academic, financial, geographic, and other requirements to be eligible for the Scholarship.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have a consistently excellent academic record, preferably in the top 10% of their class or equivalent. They should have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with distinction and have a strong background in their chosen field. The scholarship is available for postgraduate studies only, including master’s and Ph.D. degrees and specific professional programs, such as architecture, engineering, and law.

Financial requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they need more financial resources to fund their studies with the scholarship. They should provide proof of their family’s income, assets, expenses, and any scholarships, grants, or loans they have received or applied for. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, so the applicant should not have any other funding sources.

Geographic requirements

Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries where the AKDN operates, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mali.

Benefits of the Scholarship 

This Scholarship provides several benefits to the recipients, which helps them achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Here are some of the critical benefits of the scholarship:

Tuition fee

The scholarship covers the selected students’ tuition, registration, and other academic expenses. It relieves the financial burden on the students and allows them to focus on their studies and research.

Living expenses

The scholarship also covers the students’ living expenses, such as accommodation, food, healthcare, and travel costs to and from their home country and the university. It ensures that the students have a decent standard of living and can participate in academic and social activities without financial constraints.

Networking opportunities

The scholarship provides mentorship and networking opportunities to the recipients, which can be invaluable in their career and personal development. The AKDN offers guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey and connects them with alums, scholars, and professionals in their fields.

Recipient obligations and expectations of the Aga Khan International Scholarship 

The Aga Khan International Scholarship recipients have certain obligations and expectations, which ensure that they achieve the highest academic and personal standards, and contribute to their communities and countries.

Performance standards

The scholarship recipients must maintain high academic standards and performance throughout their studies and complete their degrees within the specified time frame. They should also participate actively in educational and research activities and produce original and innovative work that contributes to their fields.

Community service

The scholarship recipients should engage in community service and development activities in their home countries. They should share their knowledge and experience with their peers and colleagues and contribute to the AKDN.

Evaluation obligations

The scholarship recipients must submit regular reports and updates on their academic progress, research activities, and community service projects to the AKDN. 

Professional conduct

The scholarship recipients must maintain the highest professional and personal conduct standards and uphold the values and principles of the AKDN and the university. They should respect diversity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity and demonstrate leadership, integrity, and accountability in their actions and decisions.

Key takeaways

• The Aga Khan International Scholarship is a program established by the Aga Khan Development Network to enable exceptional students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies at leading universities worldwide.
• The Aga Khan International Scholarship supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their communities and countries.
• The Aga Khan International Scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs and provides mentorship and networking opportunities to the recipients.

Have you found the Aga Khan International Scholarship an excellent opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. For further details about the scholarship and its application process, click here to contact us without hesitation!

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FAQs

Q1. Can undergraduate students apply for the Aga Khan International Scholarship?

Ans. The Aga Khan International Scholarship is only available for postgraduate studies, including master’s degrees, Ph.D. degrees, and specific professional programs.

Q2. How many scholarships does the foundation award every year?

Ans. The number of scholarships awarded varies from year to year, depending on the availability of funds and the quality of the applications. Typically, the scholarship supports around 50-60 students every year.

Q3. Is the Aga Khan International Scholarship only available for students from Muslim communities?

Ans. The scholarship is open to all students, regardless of religion or background.