Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025 – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Pakistani Students
If you are a student in Pakistan with excellent academic performance but limited financial resources, then this opportunity might be perfect for you.
Indeed, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program 2025 offers a golden opportunity for deserving students to pursue higher education at leading universities worldwide. This competitive scholarship program is designed to help bright minds from developing countries who lack the financial means to fulfill their educational goals.
What is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program?
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (AKF ISP) is a prestigious initiative that provides funding for postgraduate education to outstanding students from developing countries. Specifically, the scholarship operates on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, supporting master’s level studies at top global universities.
Moreover, the program aims to foster strong leaders and scholars who are committed to development and who will make a lasting impact in their communities and countries.
Key Features of the Aga Khan Scholarship
- Available for Master’s degrees (PhD funding is extremely limited)
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses
- Funded on a 50% grant / 50% loan basis
- Awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, and commitment to development
- Open to students from selected countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Syria, Afghanistan, and more
Eligibility Criteria for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025
To apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of Pakistan or another eligible developing country
- Be under the age of 30 years (preferably)
- Have an excellent academic record
- Have financial need and lack other means of funding education
- Have secured admission or be in the process of applying to a reputable university
In addition, preference is given to applicants with prior professional experience and a record of community service.
Fields of Study Supported
The Aga Khan Foundation does not prioritize any specific field of study. However, applicants must demonstrate how their chosen discipline supports the Foundation’s goal of promoting development in their home country.
Popular fields include:
- Education
- Health
- Architecture
- Law
- Journalism
- Economic Development
- Civil Society
- Culture and Heritage
Application Process for Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025
Step 1: Review Your Eligibility
First, ensure you meet all academic and financial criteria. You must also be applying to or accepted by a well-regarded institution.
Step 2: Obtain the Application Form
Next, application forms become available each January at local Aga Khan offices. Forms are not available online or by email.
Pakistani applicants can collect forms from the Aga Khan Education Board or Aga Khan Foundation Office in Islamabad.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
Then, prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts
- Admission letter (if available)
- Personal statement and career plans
- Details of financial status and need
- Letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
Note: The submission deadline in Pakistan is usually mid-March, but exact dates may vary by national office.
Step 4: Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview by national and international committees. During the interview, evaluators assess:
- Academic potential
- Leadership abilities
- Commitment to development
- Financial need and repayment feasibility
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive and based on:
- Proven academic excellence
- Genuine financial need
- Strong leadership potential
- The development relevance of the chosen field
- Admission to a highly reputable institution
Scholarship Amount and Repayment Terms
- Covers full tuition fees and living expenses
- 50% of the total award is a loan with a 5% annual service charge
- Repayment starts one year after graduation and must be completed within five years
Scholarships for Undergraduate or MBBS Students
The Aga Khan Foundation ISP does not fund undergraduate degrees. However, Aga Khan University (AKU) offers its own financial aid options for:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery)
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Health Sciences
Furthermore, AKU provides need-sensitive financial aid, which may cover up to 100% of tuition fees based on merit and demonstrated financial need.
FAQs: Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
Academic excellence, financial need, admission to a reputable university, leadership potential, and commitment to community development.
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2025 is one of the key scholarships offered in Pakistan for international graduate-level study.
AKU offers need-based scholarships and financial assistance which can cover up to 100% of tuition fees depending on the student’s profile.
AKU’s financial aid applications can be accessed via their official admissions portal. Scholarships are awarded based on need and merit.
Applicants typically require at least 70-80% marks or equivalent grades for competitive programs.
Yes, through both the Foundation International Scholarship Program and the University’s internal aid system.
Salaries vary by experience and role. Entry-level teaching staff may earn between PKR 50,000 to PKR 150,000 monthly.
No. However, it offers generous financial assistance and scholarships for deserving students.
Eligibility depends on the program. For MBBS, a strong science background, entry test, and interview are required.
MBBS tuition at AKU is approximately PKR 1.5 million per year, though this varies by program and may be offset by financial aid.
Final Thoughts
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program 2025 is a powerful opportunity for motivated and academically talented Pakistani students to pursue international postgraduate education. With its emphasis on leadership, development, and financial support, the program seeks to empower future change-makers who will uplift their communities upon return.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to making a difference, start preparing now to secure your future through this life-changing scholarship.
