Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)

Aga Khan Foundation (AKDN) · Checked September 26, 2026

AKF ISP helps outstanding students from selected developing countries, including Pakistan, who have no other means of paying for postgraduate study. Awards are half grant and half loan, and cover tuition and living costs. It is meant as a last-resort funding source.

Deadline: The 2026-2027 cycle has closed. AKF says the next cycle will open in early 2027.

Funding	Partial funding
Level	Master's, PhD
Study in	Multiple
Subjects	All fields (priority to Master's)

What it covers

Tuition expenses
Student living expenses
Master's: full degree duration; PhD: first two years only
Structured as 50% grant and 50% loan (loan repayable with a service charge)

Who can apply

A national of an eligible country. Pakistan is listed.
Excellent academic record and a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Genuine financial need, plus a reliable funding plan from several sources for all years of study.
Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution, and starting the first year of the programme. Students who have already started are not eligible.
Leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular or entrepreneurial achievements and volunteering.
Preference for applicants under 30. Master's programmes get priority, but PhDs are considered.
Not for study in the UK or Russia. Part-time and short courses are excluded.

How to apply

Use AKF's online eligibility tool to confirm eligibility and find your local AKF ISP contact in Pakistan.
Get the application from the local team when the cycle opens (early in the year).
Submit it with proof of admission, a funding plan and supporting documents.
If selected, sign the award agreement with a guarantor. Loan repayment starts six months after graduation.

Documents you usually need

AKF ISP application form (from the local AKF office)
Academic transcripts and degrees
Admission letter from postgraduate institution
Multi-source funding plan
Evidence of financial need
Recommendations and details of leadership/professional experience
Guarantor co-signature (on award)

Official page

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.

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