Aga Khan International Scholarship 2017-2018

The Aga Khan Foundation is a private NGO founded in 1967 by Prince Shah Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. The foundation's headquarters is in Switzerland and it works in 19 countries in South & Central Asia, Eastern & Western Africa, and the Middle East, including India. One among its many initiatives is the Aga Khan International Scholarship Programme.

About the Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) offers a select number of scholarships every year to students from developing countries (like India) to finance their post graduate studies in a highly reputed university or course in any country abroad. Their aim is to nurture prepare scholars and leaders for employment, especially within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The scholarship amount is given in the form of 50% grant and 50% loan. The AKF scholarships are to be used only for the course tuition fee & living expenses. Traveling expenses will not be covered.

Paying back the loaned amount

The 50% of the AFK scholarship amount (which is given as a loan) has to be repaid within 5 years after your study period, along with an annual service charge of 5%.

Note: For the 2017- 2018 academic year, the Aga Khan scholarships won't be extended to students planning to study in universities in countries such as the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Norway and Ireland.

Eligibility

1. Indian citizens can apply. The foundation also accepts applications from other developing countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique.
2. You must be under 30 years of age.
3. You must be applying for a master's level program. The foundation also considers applications for Ph.D programs, provided that you are highly recommended by your professors and if the Ph.D is necessary to fulfill your career goals.
4. Short-term courses are not considered for the scholarship.
5. You can't apply if your course has already begun.

Selection criteria

The following factors are considered while short listing the scholarship winners:

• Excellent academic track record
• Actual need for financial assistance
• Admission to a top-ranked university or course of study
• Relevance of your chosen field of study to Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN's) focus areas.
• How well-planned and logical your educational and career plans are
• Your extra-curricular interests and achievements
• Your potential to achieve goals
• How likely you are to succeed in a foreign academic environment
• A few years of work experience in your field of interest

Important dates

• Application forms available: 1 January - 16 March, 2017 (5 pm IST)
• Last day to submit completed application: 20 March, 2017 (5 pm IST)
• Scholarship winners announced: By July 2017

How to Apply

If you want to apply for the Aga Khan International Scholarship Programme, you may obtain the application form from either of the following two offices. Completed application forms need to be submitted back at the same office.

Interview

A committee meets by late June or early July to review all the applications. Short listed candidates will be called for an interview by the local Scholarship Committee, so be prepared to discuss your financial situation, academic performance, extra-curricular achievements and career plans.