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The International Scholarship Programme (ISP) of the Aga Khan Foundation was initiated by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its primary goal is to assist exceptional students from developing nations who lack the financial means to fund their education, enabling them to undertake full-time postgraduate studies at esteemed higher education institutions of their choice.
Award Structure
The ISP offers scholarships structured as a combination of a grant and a loan, where 50% of the total awarded amount is repayable by the recipient. For those pursuing Master’s degrees, scholarships are provided for the entire length of the program. In contrast, PhD candidates receive funding for the initial two years, after which they are expected to secure alternative financial support.
A service charge of 5% per year is applied to the loan amount. Additionally, a co-signer, typically a family member or another reliable guarantor, is required to endorse the loan agreement.
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Comprehensive Guide to the Fully Paid Aga Khan Fellowship 2024 for Aspiring Students Worldwide
Repayment Terms
The loan repayment period spans five years, commencing six months after one of the following occurs:
a) the completion of the degree,
b) cessation of studies, or
c) termination of support due to failure to meet the academic criteria set for ISP participants.
Graduates who seek additional education after completing their ISP-funded program are eligible for a payment moratorium. Those returning to work in a developing country and maintaining their residence there can also benefit from a two-year moratorium.
Coverage of Expenses
The scholarship covers tuition fees as well as living expenses for the recipient. However, it does not extend to living costs for family members or international travel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ISP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Strong Academic Performance: Candidates should have excellent academic records.
- Demonstrated Financial Need: The ISP is designed to serve as a last-resort funding option. Applicants must show that they have pursued and secured funding from other sources. The financial need will be assessed by considering the total eligible expenses against any grants, loans, family contributions, or income from employment.
- Admission to a Recognized Postgraduate Institution: The program prioritizes Master’s degree applications but also considers PhD candidates. Applications from local or regional universities and distance learning programs are acceptable if they maintain quality.
- Professional Experience: Candidates should possess relevant professional experience and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles.
Eligible Countries
The ISP is open to nationals from several countries, including
- Afghanistan,
- Bangladesh,
- Canada,
- Egypt,
- France,
- India,
- Kenya,
- Kyrgyz Republic,
- Madagascar,
- Mozambique,
- Pakistan,
- Portugal,
- Syria,
- Tajikistan,
- Tanzania,
- Uganda,
- USA.
In Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applicants must originally hail from one of the developing countries listed above and have a keen interest in development-related studies without alternative financing options.
Application Procedure
Recipients of the ISP are chosen through a competitive annual selection process. Currently, the ISP is operational in
- Afghanistan,
- Bangladesh,
- Canada,
- Egypt,
- France,
- India,
- Kenya,
- Kyrgyz Republic,
- Madagascar,
- Mozambique,
- Pakistan,
- Portugal,
- Syria,
- Tajikistan,
- Tanzania,
- Uganda,
- USA.
Notice
In Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA, applications are welcomed from individuals who originated from the aforementioned developing nations, have a focus on development studies, and lack other financing means.
Applicants must be nationals residing in one of the listed countries. Since applications are managed by local branches, interested individuals need to engage with the appropriate country-based unit (contact information is provided below). For example, candidates in India should submit their applications through the Indian office, while those in Kenya must do so through the Kenyan office.
The Foundation only processes applications from eligible nationals residing in countries where local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices manage applications and conduct candidate interviews.
Funding Priority
The ISP operates as a lender of last resort, giving preference to applicants who have secured funding from other sources. Individuals are encouraged to seek alternative funding to minimize the amount they request from the Foundation. Although not comprehensive, the following list of additional scholarships and financial aid programs may be beneficial for applicants.
Additional Information
- Age Preference: Preference is typically given to applicants under 30 years of age.
- Course Limitations: Applications for short-term courses are not accepted, nor are those from students already enrolled in postgraduate studies or part-time programs.
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