Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Guide

BySeach Scholarship
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Guide

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme supports outstanding students from selected countries who cannot finance their postgraduate education through other available resources.

The programme is international, but it is not open automatically to applicants from every country. Current participating countries include several nations across South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Applications may also be accepted through selected offices in countries such as Canada, Portugal, and the United States for candidates who originally come from an eligible country.

The scholarship gives priority to Master’s programmes, although PhD applicants may also be considered. Students may pursue suitable programmes at reputable international, regional, local, or distance-learning institutions, provided the academic quality is maintained. Part-time programmes and short courses are not supported.

One important condition distinguishes this programme from many fully funded scholarships. The award is structured as 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan. This means recipients must repay half of the amount awarded, together with an applicable service charge. It should therefore not be described as a completely non-repayable scholarship.

The award can help cover tuition and student living expenses. However, applicants must still develop a realistic funding plan because the Aga Khan Foundation treats the programme as financial support of last resort. Applicants are expected to seek other scholarships, personal contributions, university aid, and additional funding before requesting support from the Foundation.

This guide explains the latest application status, eligible countries, degree levels, financial coverage, loan conditions, academic requirements, application process, and practical ways to prepare a competitive application.

Eligible CountriesMaster’s & PhD50% Grant + 50% LoanFinancial Need

What Is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship?

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is commonly known as the AKF ISP.

It was established in 1969 to help academically strong students from selected countries pursue postgraduate education when they have no other adequate means of financing their studies. The programme has supported more than 1,500 students since its establishment.

A limited number of awards are offered during each annual application cycle. Applicants compete through a global selection process, but applications are normally managed through Aga Khan Foundation contacts in participating countries.

The programme focuses on developing effective professionals and future leaders who can use advanced education to contribute to their fields and communities.

It is not based only on academic grades. The Foundation also considers financial need, leadership potential, professional preparation, extracurricular involvement, entrepreneurial achievements, and volunteer contributions.

Latest Application Status

The 2026 to 2027 application cycle is closed.

The Aga Khan Foundation states that the next scholarship cycle will open in early 2027. Exact opening dates and submission deadlines have not yet been published.

Application dates may vary between participating countries because local AKF teams manage the first stage of the process.

Applicants preparing for the next cycle should avoid relying on a deadline from an older application year. They should confirm the current date through the official eligibility tool or the Aga Khan Foundation contact responsible for their country.

Is the Scholarship Available Worldwide?

The International Scholarship Programme is global in its educational reach, but it is not a scholarship that accepts every nationality without restriction.

It is available to applicants connected with selected participating countries.

The Foundation’s current published examples include countries in:

  1. South Asia
  2. Central Asia
  3. East Africa
  4. Southern Africa
  5. The Middle East
  6. Oceania

Applications may also be processed in some countries where eligible candidates have settled after originally coming from a participating country.

Applicants should therefore check both their country of origin and the country through which they intend to submit the application.

Eligible Countries

The Aga Khan Foundation currently lists the following examples of countries where the programme is available:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Australia
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Egypt
  5. India
  6. Kenya
  7. Kyrgyz Republic
  8. Madagascar
  9. Mozambique
  10. New Zealand
  11. Pakistan
  12. Syria
  13. Tajikistan
  14. Tanzania
  15. Uganda

This means applicants from several neighbouring regions may be eligible, including candidates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan.

However, the list should not be treated as a permanent guarantee of eligibility for every future cycle.

Country arrangements and local application procedures may change. Applicants should use the official eligibility tool when the next cycle opens.

Who Can Apply From Canada, Portugal, and the United States?

Applications may be accepted in Canada, Portugal, and the United States from candidates who originally come from one of the programme’s listed eligible countries.

For example, an applicant currently living in Canada or the United States may still be considered when their country of origin is included in the programme.

This does not mean that every Canadian, Portuguese, or United States citizen automatically qualifies.

Eligibility depends on the applicant’s background, connection with an eligible country, academic profile, financial circumstances, and the procedures of the local Aga Khan Foundation office.

Applicants in these countries should confirm their status through the official eligibility process rather than assuming eligibility based only on residence.

Where Can Recipients Study?

The scholarship is not tied to one university or destination.

Applicants may be considered for study at reputable postgraduate institutions in different countries.

The Aga Khan Foundation may also accept:

  1. International universities
  2. Regional universities
  3. Universities in the applicant’s home country
  4. Suitable distance-learning programmes

The programme must maintain an appropriate level of academic quality.

This flexibility means applicants do not always have to choose an expensive university in Europe or North America.

A strong regional or local programme may be acceptable when it offers the academic training required for the applicant’s goals.

Countries Where Study Is Not Currently Supported

The Aga Khan Foundation currently states that the International Scholarship Programme is not available to students who wish to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.

An applicant may therefore be eligible based on nationality but still be unable to receive the award for a university located in either of these countries.

This distinction is important.

There are two separate questions:

  1. Is the applicant eligible through a participating country?
  2. Is the proposed university and study destination acceptable?

Both conditions must be satisfied.

Applicants should not secure admission to a United Kingdom or Russian university and assume that the Aga Khan Foundation will support the programme.

Eligible Degree Levels

The International Scholarship Programme supports postgraduate education.

It gives priority to Master’s programmes but may also consider PhD applications.

The main supported study levels are:

  1. Master’s degrees
  2. Selected doctoral programmes

The programme does not normally support:

  1. First Bachelor’s degrees
  2. Undergraduate study
  3. Part-time degrees
  4. Short professional courses
  5. Short-term training
  6. Students who have already started the proposed postgraduate programme

Applicants must be entering the first year of the programme for which they are seeking funding.

Does the Scholarship Support Bachelor’s Degrees?

No.

Applicants are generally expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree before applying.

The Foundation may also consider equivalent professional training or experience in certain cases, but the award itself is intended for postgraduate education.

Students looking for undergraduate funding should explore separate university scholarships, government awards, development programmes, or financial assistance opportunities.

Master’s Degree Funding

Master’s programmes receive priority under the International Scholarship Programme.

When a Master’s applicant is selected, the scholarship is normally awarded for the full duration of the approved degree course.

The applicant must still maintain:

  1. Good academic standing
  2. Continued financial need
  3. Compliance with the scholarship agreement
  4. Progress towards the approved qualification

A one-year or two-year Master’s programme may be considered when it meets the academic, financial, and institutional requirements of the programme.

Applicants should explain why the chosen degree is necessary and why a less expensive or more suitable alternative cannot meet the same goals.

PhD Funding

The Aga Khan Foundation considers PhD applications, but Master’s programmes receive priority.

For selected PhD students, funding is provided for the first two years of doctoral study. After that period, the recipient is expected to obtain support from another source.

A PhD applicant should therefore develop a complete funding strategy before applying.

The plan may include:

  1. University assistantships
  2. Supervisor research funding
  3. Departmental scholarships
  4. External research grants
  5. Teaching opportunities
  6. Government support
  7. Personal or family contributions
  8. Other charitable funding

An application that depends entirely on the Aga Khan Foundation for a four-year or five-year PhD may not present a reliable financial plan.

Courses That Are Not Eligible

The programme does not consider applications for part-time study or short-term courses.

Applicants should also avoid applying when they are already enrolled in the proposed postgraduate programme.

Students must be entering the first year of study. Someone who has already started the programme is not eligible for funding for the remaining semesters.

Common ineligible situations include:

  1. Applying during the second year of a Master’s degree
  2. Seeking funds only for a final semester
  3. Requesting support for a professional certificate
  4. Applying for a part-time qualification
  5. Seeking funding for a short training programme
  6. Requesting support for an undergraduate degree

Is the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?

The scholarship should not be described as a traditional fully funded, non-repayable award.

It may cover tuition and student living expenses according to financial need, but 50 percent of the award is a loan that must be repaid.

It also excludes several important costs, including international travel and family living expenses.

A more accurate description is:

A need-based postgraduate funding package consisting of 50 percent grant and 50 percent repayable loan.

Applicants should understand this structure before accepting an award.

Grant and Loan Structure

Every AKF ISP award is divided into two parts:

  1. Fifty percent grant
  2. Fifty percent loan

The grant portion does not normally need to be repaid when the recipient follows the award conditions.

The loan portion must be repaid according to the signed scholarship agreement. A service charge also applies.

For example, when a recipient receives an award equal to 20,000 in the relevant currency, approximately half would be treated as a grant and half as a loan.

The final repayment amount may be affected by the applicable service charge and the exact terms of the agreement.

Applicants should read the complete agreement carefully before signing.

Is a Guarantor Required?

Yes.

A guarantor must co-sign the award agreement.

The guarantor provides additional assurance that the loan obligations will be met.

Applicants should identify a suitable guarantor before reaching the final award stage.

The guarantor should understand:

  1. The amount being borrowed
  2. The repayment obligation
  3. The service charge
  4. The repayment start date
  5. The responsibilities created by co-signing

Applicants should not ask someone to sign without explaining the financial commitment.

Loan Repayment Conditions

Repayment of the loan component begins six months after the earliest of the following events:

  1. Graduation
  2. Termination of studies
  3. Withdrawal of scholarship support because the recipient failed to meet the required academic standards

The loan includes a service charge.

The Foundation’s central public guidance does not state one universal service charge rate for all future applicants. The applicable terms should be confirmed in the official award agreement.

Recipients should create a repayment plan based on expected employment, income, living costs, and local financial conditions.

What the Award Covers

The scholarship can cover:

  1. Tuition expenses
  2. Student living expenses

The amount is determined according to demonstrated financial need.

This means two recipients may receive different award amounts even when studying similar programmes.

The Foundation assesses the gap between:

  1. The cost of study
  2. Funding already secured
  3. Personal and family contributions
  4. Other scholarships
  5. University financial assistance
  6. The remaining amount the applicant cannot reasonably finance

The award should not be viewed as an automatic fixed payment.

Expenses Not Covered

The programme does not cover several costs.

The official guidance specifically excludes examples such as:

  1. International travel
  2. Clothing
  3. Furniture
  4. Living expenses for family members

Applicants should also avoid assuming that every personal expense will be reimbursed.

Before choosing a programme, prepare a complete budget covering:

  1. Airfare
  2. Visa fees
  3. Immigration costs
  4. Health insurance
  5. Housing deposits
  6. Technology
  7. Books and supplies
  8. Winter clothing where required
  9. Family costs
  10. Emergency expenses

Some of these costs may need to be paid from personal funds or another funding source.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have an excellent academic record.

The Foundation does not publish one universal GPA or percentage that applies to every country and institution.

Academic results are likely to be assessed within the context of:

  1. The applicant’s university
  2. National grading standards
  3. Degree subject
  4. Academic progression
  5. Research experience
  6. Programme difficulty
  7. Admission requirements of the selected university

Applicants should provide clear and complete academic records.

When the grading system may be unfamiliar, supporting information such as a grading scale or class ranking may help explain the strength of the result.

Is There a Minimum GPA?

The Aga Khan Foundation does not publish one guaranteed minimum GPA on its central scholarship page.

Having a high GPA does not automatically result in selection.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

  1. Genuine financial need
  2. Leadership potential
  3. Professional experience
  4. Extracurricular or entrepreneurial achievements
  5. Volunteer contributions
  6. A realistic funding plan
  7. Admission to a suitable institution

Academic excellence is necessary, but it is only one part of the evaluation.

Financial Need Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need.

The International Scholarship Programme is designed for students who have no adequate alternative means of financing their postgraduate education.

Applicants may need to explain:

  1. Household income
  2. Family responsibilities
  3. Savings
  4. Personal contributions
  5. Expected tuition
  6. Living costs
  7. Other scholarships
  8. University aid
  9. Loans or sponsorships
  10. The remaining funding gap

Financial information should be accurate and supported where required.

An applicant who conceals available funding or gives inconsistent financial information may weaken the credibility of the application.

The Scholarship as a Last Resort

The Aga Khan Foundation asks applicants to consider the programme a resource of last resort.

This means applicants should first explore other reasonable sources of funding.

These may include:

  1. University scholarships
  2. Tuition discounts
  3. Government grants
  4. Employer sponsorship
  5. Research assistantships
  6. Teaching assistantships
  7. External foundations
  8. Family contributions
  9. Personal savings
  10. Education loans

The Foundation is not simply looking for students who need one organisation to pay the complete cost.

It expects applicants to make a serious effort to reduce the amount requested.

Multi-Source Funding Plan

Applicants must present a thoughtful and reliable plan that covers every year of study.

A strong funding plan may include:

University scholarship: 30 percent of tuition

Personal savings: Initial travel and visa costs

Family contribution: Part of the living expenses

Aga Khan Foundation request: Remaining tuition and essential living gap

Research assistantship: Expected support during the second year

The plan should be based on confirmed or realistic sources.

Avoid including uncertain funding as though it has already been secured.

For PhD applicants, the plan must explain how the remaining years will be funded after AKF support ends.

Age Preference

The programme gives preference to young professionals under 30 years of age.

This is described as a preference rather than a universal absolute age limit.

An applicant above 30 may still check eligibility, particularly when they have an exceptional academic, professional, and leadership profile.

However, older applicants should understand that the programme’s stated preference may affect competitiveness.

Applicants should use the official eligibility tool rather than ruling themselves out based only on age.

Leadership and Professional Experience

Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential.

The Foundation also considers:

  1. Professional experience
  2. Extracurricular achievement
  3. Entrepreneurial activity
  4. Volunteer contributions

Leadership does not require a senior job title.

An applicant may demonstrate leadership by:

  1. Starting a community initiative
  2. Managing a research project
  3. Improving an organisational process
  4. Mentoring students
  5. Coordinating volunteers
  6. Creating a small business
  7. Leading a professional team
  8. Solving a community problem

Strong examples should explain the applicant’s actions and results.

Admission Requirement

Applicants must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.

This means university admission is an important part of eligibility.

Applicants should begin their university applications early enough to receive the required admission evidence before the local scholarship deadline.

The exact form of acceptable admission evidence may depend on the country office and application stage.

Applicants should confirm whether the local team accepts:

  1. A final admission offer
  2. A conditional admission offer
  3. Evidence that the application is under review
  4. Admission to more than one university

Do not assume that submitting a university application is the same as being admitted.

Can Applicants Change Universities After Selection?

The central public guidance does not provide a universal rule for changing institutions after an award is approved.

Because the scholarship decision is based on the cost, quality, duration, and funding plan of the proposed programme, applicants should not assume they can change universities freely.

Any proposed change should be discussed with the relevant Aga Khan Foundation office before making a commitment.

Documents to Prepare

The exact application requirements are handled by the local contacts in participating countries. AKF advises applicants to use its eligibility tool to verify their status and obtain local application information.

Because there is no single public document list that applies identically to every country, applicants should follow the instructions issued by their local office.

However, applicants should be ready to document the main eligibility areas, including:

  1. Identity and country eligibility
  2. Bachelor’s qualification
  3. Academic results
  4. University admission
  5. Programme costs
  6. Financial need
  7. Funding already secured
  8. Personal and family contributions
  9. Professional experience
  10. Leadership and volunteer achievements
  11. Proposed study and career goals
  12. Ability to arrange a guarantor

Do not upload documents that were not requested by the local office.

Academic Transcripts

Academic records should clearly show:

  1. Institution name
  2. Degree title
  3. Study dates
  4. Subjects or modules
  5. Individual grades
  6. Overall result where available
  7. Degree completion status

Documents issued in another language may require an official translation, depending on local instructions.

Scans should be complete and readable.

University Admission Evidence

Applicants should prepare the official admission communication from the proposed university.

It should normally identify:

  1. University
  2. Programme name
  3. Degree level
  4. Study format
  5. Start date
  6. Duration
  7. Tuition cost
  8. Any university funding

A vague email exchange with a department may not be equivalent to an admission offer.

Financial Documents

Applicants may be asked to explain or verify their financial situation.

Useful preparation may include:

  1. Tuition fee statement
  2. Estimated living costs
  3. University scholarship letter
  4. Personal savings evidence
  5. Family contribution information
  6. Employer sponsorship
  7. Other scholarship applications
  8. Expected funding for later years
  9. Household income information
  10. Complete funding gap calculation

The financial plan should use consistent figures across every part of the application.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Country Eligibility

Review the current participating country information.

Use the official eligibility tool when the application cycle opens.

Step 2: Select a Suitable Postgraduate Programme

Choose a reputable full-time Master’s or PhD programme.

Confirm that the study destination is acceptable.

Step 3: Check the Study Country Restrictions

The programme currently does not support students who wish to study in the United Kingdom or Russia.

Step 4: Apply for University Admission

Complete the university application early.

The scholarship requires admission to a reputable postgraduate institution.

Step 5: Explore Other Funding

Apply for university aid, government scholarships, assistantships, and other financial support.

Step 6: Prepare a Complete Budget

Calculate:

  1. Tuition
  2. Living expenses
  3. Travel
  4. Visa costs
  5. Insurance
  6. Personal contributions
  7. Other secured funding
  8. Remaining financial gap

Step 7: Contact the Local AKF Team

Applications are managed through participating country contacts.

The eligibility tool provides information on how to reach the relevant team.

Step 8: Complete the Local Application

Follow the exact forms, document requirements, and deadline issued for your country.

Step 9: Prepare for Assessment

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to explain their academic plan, financial need, leadership experience, career goals, and ability to repay the loan component.

The exact assessment process may differ by country.

Step 10: Review the Award Conditions

Before accepting, understand:

  1. Grant amount
  2. Loan amount
  3. Service charge
  4. Guarantor requirement
  5. Repayment start
  6. Academic conditions
  7. Funding duration
  8. Expenses not covered

How Applicants Are Selected

The Aga Khan Foundation describes the programme as global, annual, and competitive, with only a limited number of new awards offered in each cycle.

The published eligibility criteria indicate that applicants are assessed through a combination of:

  1. Academic excellence
  2. Genuine financial need
  3. Reliability of the funding plan
  4. Quality of the postgraduate institution
  5. Leadership potential
  6. Professional experience
  7. Entrepreneurial or extracurricular achievement
  8. Volunteer contributions
  9. Readiness to begin the first year of study
  10. Overall suitability for the programme

Selection is not based on one element alone.

A student with excellent grades but no credible financial plan may be less competitive.

A student with strong financial need but an unsuitable programme may also be unsuccessful.

How to Build a Strong Application

Choose a Programme With Clear Value

Explain why the degree is necessary for your academic or professional direction.

Show Academic Readiness

Use transcripts, research, projects, and relevant achievements to demonstrate that you can succeed.

Present Genuine Financial Need

Be transparent about your available resources and remaining funding gap.

Apply for Other Funding

Show that you treated AKF as a last-resort source rather than your only plan.

Explain the Full Degree Budget

Cover every year, not only the first semester.

Demonstrate Leadership

Provide examples of action, responsibility, and measurable impact.

Connect the Degree With Future Contribution

Explain how the education will benefit your field, profession, organisation, or community.

Select an Affordable Option

A high-cost university is not automatically a stronger choice.

A reputable regional programme with lower costs may result in a more credible financial plan.

Understand the Loan

Make sure you and your guarantor understand the repayment responsibility.

Common Application Mistakes

Calling It a Completely Free Scholarship

Half of the award is a repayable loan.

Applying From an Ineligible Country

The programme is available only through selected countries and arrangements.

Choosing Study in the United Kingdom or Russia

These study destinations are currently excluded.

Applying After Starting the Degree

Applicants must be entering the first year.

Requesting Funding for Part-Time Study

Part-time programmes are not considered.

Applying for a Short Course

The programme supports postgraduate degrees rather than short-term training.

Depending Only on AKF

Applicants need a multi-source financial plan.

Ignoring the Guarantor Requirement

A guarantor must co-sign the award agreement.

Failing to Plan for PhD Years Three and Beyond

AKF funds PhD students only for the first two years.

Presenting an Unrealistic Budget

Every cost and funding source should be credible.

Focusing Only on Financial Hardship

Applicants also need academic excellence, leadership potential, and professional preparation.

Submitting Inconsistent Financial Information

Figures should match across the budget, forms, and supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about eligibility, participating countries, the grant-and-loan structure, supported degrees, funding, age preference, admission, and application timing.

What is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship?

It is a need-based postgraduate funding programme for outstanding students from selected countries who lack other adequate means of financing their education.

Is it open to every country?

No. It is available through selected participating countries and arrangements.

Which countries are currently included?

Published examples include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Can applicants from Canada apply?

Applications may be accepted in Canada from people originally from one of the listed eligible countries.

Can applicants from the United States apply?

Applications may be accepted in the United States from people originally from a participating country.

Can applicants from Portugal apply?

Applications may be accepted in Portugal from people originally from one of the listed countries.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

It may cover tuition and student living expenses according to need, but half of the award is a repayable loan. It is not a completely non-repayable scholarship.

How much of the award must be repaid?

Recipients must repay 50 percent of the award amount, plus the applicable service charge.

Is a guarantor required?

Yes. A guarantor must co-sign the award agreement.

When does loan repayment begin?

Repayment begins six months after the earliest of graduation, termination of studies, or withdrawal of support because academic requirements were not met.

Does the scholarship cover tuition?

Yes. Tuition expenses can be covered according to demonstrated need.

Does it cover living expenses?

Yes. Student living expenses can be included.

Does it cover airfare?

No. International travel is specifically listed as an expense that is not covered.

Does it cover family expenses?

No. Living expenses for family members are not covered.

Does it cover furniture and clothing?

No. These are listed among the excluded expenses.

Does it fund Bachelor’s degrees?

No. The programme supports postgraduate education.

Does it fund Master’s degrees?

Yes. Master’s programmes receive priority.

Does it fund PhD programmes?

Yes, but Master’s programmes receive priority. PhD funding is provided for the first two years only.

Does it fund part-time degrees?

No. Part-time programmes are not considered.

Does it fund short courses?

No. Short-term courses are not supported.

Can current postgraduate students apply?

No. Applicants must be entering the first year of their proposed programme.

Can applicants study at a local university?

Yes. Local and regional universities may be considered when the quality of the programme is maintained.

Can applicants study online?

Suitable distance-learning programmes may be considered when academic quality is maintained.

Can recipients study in the United Kingdom?

No. The programme is currently not available for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom.

Can recipients study in Russia?

No. Study in Russia is currently not supported.

Is there an age limit?

The Foundation gives preference to young professionals under 30. This is stated as a preference rather than a universal absolute limit.

Is there a minimum GPA?

No single universal GPA is published. Applicants must have excellent academic records.

Is work experience required?

The eligibility criteria include strong professional experience, leadership potential, and other achievements, but the central page does not publish a fixed number of required work years.

Is financial need compulsory?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need.

Do applicants need other funding?

Applicants must present a reliable multi-source funding plan and should treat the scholarship as a last-resort resource.

Is university admission required?

Yes. Applicants must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.

Is admission to any university accepted?

No. The institution and programme must be reputable and academically suitable.

Is there one global application form?

Applications are handled through contacts in participating countries. Local instructions may differ.

When will applications reopen?

The next cycle is expected to open in early 2027.

Are exact 2027 deadlines available?

Not yet. Applicants should wait for the official country-specific announcement.

How many scholarships are available?

The Foundation offers a limited number of new awards each year. It does not publish one guaranteed worldwide number for every cycle.

Can the award continue if grades fall?

Recipients must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate ongoing financial need. Failure to meet academic expectations can lead to withdrawal of support.

Can another scholarship be held at the same time?

The programme expects applicants to secure several funding sources. Any other award should be disclosed so the AKF request reflects the genuine remaining need.

Final Thoughts

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme can provide important postgraduate funding, but applicants should understand its conditions clearly.

It is not a completely free scholarship.

The award is divided equally between a grant and a repayable loan. It can cover tuition and student living expenses, but does not cover international travel, clothing, furniture, or family living costs.

It is also not available automatically to applicants from every country.

The programme currently operates through selected countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and several others.

A strong applicant should demonstrate:

  1. Excellent academic performance
  2. Genuine financial need
  3. Admission to a reputable postgraduate programme
  4. A realistic multi-source funding plan
  5. Leadership potential
  6. Professional or entrepreneurial experience
  7. Volunteer contributions
  8. A clear connection between the degree and future goals
  9. Readiness to begin the first year of study
  10. Understanding of the loan and guarantor conditions

The 2026 to 2027 application cycle is closed. The next cycle is expected to open in early 2027, and applicants should use the official eligibility tool to confirm their country status and local application instructions.

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