Study Overseas | Best of | Scholarships

Introduction

In terms of educational possibilities, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme stands out as a bright light for people around the world who want to become scholars. This blog post will teach you a lot about the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme by showing you all of its interesting parts. Each part will have a lot of specifics to make sure that you fully understand this scholarship programme.

Overview of Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is a well-known programme that helps bright students from poor countries gets the education they deserve. Established by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the program's goal is to give excellent students a high-quality education while also encouraging them to make life better in their home countries.

Benefits of Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The scholarship has many perks that can change the lives of recipients and make it easier for them to get a world-class education. Some of these perks are:

a. Lessons and Fees: The programme pays for all of the students' lessons and required fees for the chosen academic programme, so they don't have to worry about the costs of college.

b. Living Costs: Recipients get a nice salary to help pay for their living costs. The amount change based on how much it costs to live in the host country.

 (Read More: Know the cost of living in Canada for Indian Students)

c. Travel and lodging: The scholarship helps pay for travel to and from the host institution, which makes getting used to a new school setting easy.

d. Health Insurance: Scholars get full health insurance, which protects their health and well-being while they are in school.

e. Study Grants: Research grants may be available to scholars to help with their academic projects and study, depending on the academic programme.

Highlights of Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme stands out because it wants to make the world a better place by helping students learn new things and become better leaders globally. It stresses the importance of building a global group of people who can make a difference and are ready to take on big problems in their own countries.

All about it

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are a great way for students from developing countries to go to prestigious colleges in the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Portugal to study, as their dreams come true. To make sure that resources are used in a way that lasts, the Foundation gives money to help with things like education and living costs. But it's important to know the specifics about how to get money for Ph.D. programmes abroad and what choices are open to recipients:

1.  Funding for Ph.D. Programmes: The Foundation helps pay for the first two years of study for students in Ph.D. programmes in the UK, US, and Canada. Scholarship recipients are told to look for other ways to get money after this time period.

2.  Before applying, candidates who have already received some kind of financial help from other sources may be given priority by the Foundation. This way of doing things makes sure that the Foundation can help the kids who need money the most.

3.  Loan Option: The Foundation does offer financial help in the form of loans sometimes. About half of the money that is given is a loan that needs to be paid back with a 5% yearly service charge.

4.  Co-Signed Loan Agreement: Students who accept the loan offer must sign a loan agreement with a surety. The terms and conditions of the loan are more likely to be met with this deal.

5.  Terms for Repayment: The loan must be paid back over five years, starting six months after the end of the study time. Students can plan their money well with this structured method.

6.  Checking Out Other Sources: The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships are a great resource, but students should see this International Scholarship Programme as an extra choice. Students are told to look for other ways to get money before asking the Foundation for help. This way, the Foundation can focus on helping people with the most urgent financial needs. Students help the Foundation reach its goal of making a real difference in the lives of scholars who need help the most by doing this.

How Many Students Can Receive This Scholarship?

Through the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, the amount of scholarships given out can change from year to year. The selection process is very tough, and only a few students are chosen based on how well they do in school, how much they want to make a difference, and how well they fit with the program's goal.

Each year, a set number of scholarships are given out for various countries like USA, UK, Canada, etc. These are spread out among different academic fields and host institutions to make sure there is diversity and a wide effect.

Eligibility Criteria for the scholarship

People who want to apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme must meet certain requirements, which may be different based on the needs of the programme. When it comes to general qualifying requirements, here they are:

a. Nationality: Applicants must live in a country that meets the requirements and where the Aga Khan Development Network runs its programmes.

b. Outstanding Academic Performance: Applicants should show exceptional academic performance by showcasing a good academic record and accomplishments.

c. Financial Need: The grant programme gives priority to applicants who don't have enough money to go to college and need financial help to get a good education.

d. Community Engagement: A commitment to community growth is an important part of the scholarship programme. Those who apply should have a past of being involved in leadership and community service.

e. Access to Partner Universities: Those who want to be considered for the grant must be able to get into one of the partner universities.

How to Apply for Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program?

There are several steps to applying for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, and you need to send in a lot of different materials and papers. The entry process is broken down below:

a. Look into and find eligible programmes: To begin, look into and find eligible academic programmes and partner universities that fit your academic and job opportunities abroad.

b. Application Form: Fill out the official application form that the Aga Khan Foundation gives you. You can usually find this form on their website or at partner schools.

c. Documentation: Get all the papers you need ready, like your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and (if needed), a study proposal.

d. Documentation of Financial Need: Applicants are often asked to show proof of their financial need in order to get financial aid.

e. Admission to Partner Universities: Make sure you get into one of the partner universities and send the letter of acceptance with your application.

f. Send in Your Application: Fill out the online application and send all the necessary files. Make sure you send in your application by the due date if you want to be considered for the grant.

Selection Process Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme has a strict and competitive selection process that aims to find outstanding students who have the potential to make a good impact in their communities. Usually, the following steps make up the process:

a. Initial Screening: All forms are first looked over to make sure they meet the basic requirements for eligibility.

b. Academic Evaluation: Scholarship applications are looked at based on academic records, letters of recommendation, and (if available) the applicant's research proposal.

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c. Interview: Those who have been shortlisted may be asked to come in for an interview as part of the hiring process. These talks help figure out if a person is a good fit for the program and if they could make a difference in the community.

d. Final Selection: A final selection group looks at all of an applicant's materials, such as interviews, recommendations, and the quality of the application as a whole. The chosen candidates are then told that they were chosen.

Important Dates to Remember

To apply for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme successfully, you need to know about the following important dates and deadlines:

• Application process: Usually, the application process starts a few months before the deadline.
• Due Date for Applications: The due date for applications changes every year, but it's usually between January and March. From year to year, dates may be different.
• Notification of Interview: Within a few months of the application limit, shortlisted candidates may be told they have been chosen for an interview.
• Award Notification: People who are chosen usually find out about their award in the months after the application cut-off.
• When does the programme start: Scholars usually start their classes the same year they get their award, but the exact dates can change.

Applicants should check these dates on the Aga Khan Foundation website or with their partner colleges to make sure they don't miss any deadlines.

(Read More: Best Places for Pursuing Higher Education abroad)

Terms & Conditions

As a condition of receiving the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, students must follow certain rules. Some of these are:

a. Academic Progress: Scholars must make good academic progress throughout their program to meet the academic requirements of the scholarship.

b. Participation in the community: A dedication to community growth is an important part of the grant program. Scholarship holders are urged to get involved in their communities and help the growth of their home countries.

c. Return to Home Country: Scholars are usually expected to use their newfound knowledge and skills to make their home countries better places to live after they finish their studies.

d. Joining the Aga Khan Network: People who receive grants are often asked to stay involved with the Aga Khan Network and help it reach its goals of better people's lives in developing areas.

FAQ’s

1. What is the mission of the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program?

A: The program's mission is to empower outstanding students with a commitment to improving their communities by providing them with access to world-class education in countries such as Australia, Canada, UK, etc.

2. Can applicants apply directly to the Aga Khan Foundation for the scholarship?

A: Applicants typically apply through partner universities and institutions designated by the Aga Khan Foundation.

3. Can this scholarship be used for any field of study?

A: The scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines, but the availability of specific fields of study may vary by Partner University and program.

4. Is there an age limit for applicants?

A: The scholarship program generally targets recent graduates, early-career professionals, and mid-career professionals. While there may not be a strict age limit, applicants are expected to fit within these categories.

5. What are the financial documentation requirements for demonstrating financial need?

A: Specific financial documentation requirements may vary, but applicants are typically asked to provide evidence of their financial situation, including income, expenses, and any existing scholarships or grants.

Conclusion

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme gives students from developing countries the chance to change their lives by going to college and becoming good forces in their communities. Scholars can focus on their academic and community development goals because it provides a wide range of perks and help.

 Aspiring scholars can start a life-changing academic journey if they meet the requirements, submit a good application, and make it through the selection process. They can learn the information and skills they need to make a difference in their areas and help the world move forward through this program.