Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) International Scholarship Programme supports postgraduate students from developing countries who could not otherwise afford world-class higher education. Sri Lanka is on the eligible country list. The standard award is a 50% grant plus 50% interest-free loan, repayable over 5 years after graduation — making it one of the few hybrid grant-loan instruments available to South Asian postgraduates. AKF scholarships are tenable at top universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe, with priority to applicants planning to work in development-related fields in their home region.
Aga Khan Foundation (tenable at top global universities)
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Master's
50% grant + 50% interest-free loan
PhD
Full funding case-by-case (max 3 years)
Eligibility
South / Central Asia, Africa, Middle East
Repayment
Over 5 years post-graduation, interest-free
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Country National
Open to outstanding students from select developing countries — Sri Lanka is currently on the list, alongside Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, and parts of East and West Africa.
Outstanding Academic Record
First-class Bachelor's (or equivalent) and a strong scholarly track record. For PhD applicants, a research-focused Master's with relevant publications is the typical floor.
Demonstrable Financial Need
AKF is need-aware — applicants must show they cannot self-fund. Family income, parental support, and existing savings are all assessed. This is not a merit-only scholarship.
Career in Development
AKF prioritises candidates planning to work on development-related issues in their home region after graduation. Public health, civil society, education, social entrepreneurship, and policy reform are recurring themes.
Age Limit
Applicants are typically under 30. AKF prefers Master's applicants in their mid-20s and PhD applicants in their late 20s.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to a top university first
Identify a suitable Master's or PhD programme at a top global university (US, UK, Canada, EU) and apply for admission directly. AKF does NOT secure admission — you must hold an admission offer (or be in the application process) to qualify.
Apply via your AKF country office
Sri Lankan applicants apply via the AKF Pakistan office (which covers South Asia) using the AKF International Scholarship application form. Submit by 31 March 2026 with admission offer, transcripts, references, financial-need declaration, and a development-impact statement.
Country office shortlisting
AKF Pakistan shortlists applicants based on academic merit, financial need, and development orientation. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed (virtual or in-person).
AKF Geneva final decision
Shortlisted candidates are forwarded to AKF's Geneva headquarters for final review and award. Outcomes are announced in July, in time for the September academic year start.
About the Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) — one of the largest private development networks in the world, operating in over 30 countries. The International Scholarship has supported over 1,000 graduates since its launch in 1969.
Since 1969
Programme Running
30+
Eligible Countries
AKDN
Largest Private Development Network
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