Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded USA, Canada, France, Portugal

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About the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a partial — 50% grant + 50% loan (loan repaid over 5 years at 5% annual service charge) scholarship offered by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) for study in Multiple — USA, Canada, France, Portugal (NOT UK); varies by country office. The scholarship supports students pursuing Bachelor's (completed) studies in Development-related fields: Public Health, Education, Rural Development, Economics, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Social Policy. Must be relevant to AKDN focus areas. Recipients receive Covers tuition and living expenses only; exact amount based on need; no fixed stipend amount for a duration of 1–2 years (Masters priority); PhD — first 2 years only.

This opportunity is open to applicants from SPECIFIC COUNTRIES ONLY: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique. Applicants must hold Bachelor's (completed) and meet the academic standing: Excellent academic record, highly competitive; First Class or equivalent strongly preferred. Approximately Approx. 100–150 per year globally (very limited) are awarded through a competitive selection process each cycle.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 selection criteria, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance your education with financial assistance. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.

Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered

Selected recipients of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:

  • Living allowance: Covers tuition and living expenses only; exact amount based on need; no fixed stipend amount
  • Tuition fees: Partial (within overall award; amount based on need)
  • Accommodation: Partial
  • Airfare / travel: No — NOT typically included
  • Health insurance: Yes
  • Family / dependants: No
  • Program duration: 1–2 years (Masters priority); PhD — first 2 years only
  • Number of awards per year: Approx. 100–150 per year globally (very limited)

The scholarship is classified as Partial — 50% grant + 50% loan (loan repaid over 5 years at 5% annual service charge). Recipients receive substantial financial support, but should plan to supplement with personal or family contributions for uncovered expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.

Academic requirements

  • Minimum degree level: Bachelor's (completed)
  • Academic standing: Excellent academic record, highly competitive; First Class or equivalent strongly preferred
  • Academic background: Must have community service track record and commitment to development in home country; candidates already admitted to a reputable university preferred
  • Fields of study: Development-related fields: Public Health, Education, Rural Development, Economics, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Social Policy. Must be relevant to AKDN focus areas

Nationality & residency

  • Eligible countries: SPECIFIC COUNTRIES ONLY: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique
  • Residency: Must be a national AND current resident of one of the eligible AKF countries

Language requirements

  • Language of instruction: English (primary)
  • Language test: Yes — IELTS or TOEFL required by host universities
  • Minimum score: Varies by host institution — typically IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90

Other requirements

  • Age: Preference given to young professionals under 30; no strict upper limit
  • Gender: Open to all genders; women strongly encouraged

How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027

Applications for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 are submitted through the official channels of Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). Follow these steps to submit a strong application:

Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.

Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: Application form (from local AKF office); academic transcripts; personal statement; CV; 3 reference letters; proof of university admission; evidence of community engagement; proof of financial need; multi-source funding plan. Prepare each document carefully — reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.

Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes — 3 references required. Contact your referees early — quality references take time to prepare.

Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.

Visit the Official Application Portal →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The scholarship is classified as Partial — 50% grant + 50% loan (loan repaid over 5 years at 5% annual service charge). See the Benefits section above for a detailed breakdown of what's covered and what recipients must pay for themselves.

Who can apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027?

Applicants must be from SPECIFIC COUNTRIES ONLY: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique. Additionally, applicants must hold Bachelor's (completed). Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.

Is there a bond or return obligation?

Scholars expected to return and work in home country; 50% loan must be repaid over 5 years.

Where do I apply?

Apply directly on the official portal: Official Application Link. We link directly to the awarding body — ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.

Core Identity

1Scholarship NameAga Khan Foundation Scholarship
2Awarding BodyAga Khan Foundation (AKF)
3Category TagsPartially Funded; Masters; PhD (limited); Africa; Asia; Development
4Year / Intake2027

Location & Eligibility

5Host CountryMultiple — USA, Canada, France, Portugal (NOT UK); varies by country office
6Eligible CountriesSPECIFIC COUNTRIES ONLY: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique
7Residency RequirementMust be a national AND current resident of one of the eligible AKF countries
8Age RequirementPreference given to young professionals under 30; no strict upper limit
9Gender RestrictionOpen to all genders; women strongly encouraged

Academic Requirements

10Minimum Degree LevelBachelor's (completed)
11GPA / Grade RequirementExcellent academic record, highly competitive; First Class or equivalent strongly preferred
12Fields of StudyDevelopment-related fields: Public Health, Education, Rural Development, Economics, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Social Policy. Must be relevant to AKDN focus areas
13Academic BackgroundMust have community service track record and commitment to development in home country; candidates already admitted to a reputable university preferred

Language Requirements

14Language of InstructionEnglish (primary)
15Language Test RequiredYes — IELTS or TOEFL required by host universities
16IELTS Required?Yes (required by most host institutions)
17Min. Language ScoreVaries by host institution — typically IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90

Funding & Benefits

18Funding TypePartial — 50% grant + 50% loan (loan repaid over 5 years at 5% annual service charge)
19Annual StipendCovers tuition and living expenses only; exact amount based on need; no fixed stipend amount
20Tuition Covered?Partial (within overall award; amount based on need)
21Accommodation Covered?Partial
22Airfare Covered?No — NOT typically included
23Health Insurance?Yes
24Covers Dependents?No
25Duration1–2 years (Masters priority); PhD — first 2 years only
26No. of Awards / YearApprox. 100–150 per year globally (very limited)

Dates & Application

28Application Opening DateJanuary 1, 2027 (VERIFIED — 2026/27 cycle opened January 1, 2026)
29Application LinkApply Now
30Official WebsiteVisit Website
31Bond / Return ObligationScholars expected to return and work in home country; 50% loan must be repaid over 5 years

Required Documents

32Required DocumentsApplication form (from local AKF office); academic transcripts; personal statement; CV; 3 reference letters; proof of university admission; evidence of community engagement; proof of financial need; multi-source funding plan
33Reference Letters Required?Yes — 3 references required
Last verified: 02/06/2026 · Source: Official Source