Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship 2026

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is one of the most respected and impactful scholarship programmes available to Nigerian graduate students from low-income backgrounds. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for Masters degree study at leading universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and other developed countries, specifically targeting outstanding students who have no other means of financing their postgraduate education. About the Aga Khan Foundation The Aga Khan Foundation is a private, non-denominational development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. Despite being established by the Aga Khan, the Foundation is non-sectarian and is open to applicants of all faiths and backgrounds. The Foundation has operations in over 30 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe and is widely regarded as one of the most effective development organisations in the world. In Nigeria the Aga Khan Foundation has supported education and development programmes for decades. About the Scholarship The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme was established to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented graduates from developing countries including Nigeria from accessing world-class postgraduate education. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit combined with demonstrated financial need — meaning that both academic excellence and genuine financial hardship are required for selection. The scholarship takes the form of a grant-loan combination. Fifty percent of the scholarship is provided as an outright grant that the recipient does not need to repay. The remaining fifty percent is provided as an interest-free loan that must be repaid over a period of years after the completion of studies. This innovative structure ensures the long-term sustainability of the scholarship programme while still making postgraduate education accessible to talented Nigerians who could not otherwise afford it. What the Scholarship Covers The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship covers tuition fees at your chosen university, living expenses for the duration of your degree programme, books and academic materials, and return economy class airfare. The scholarship amount varies depending on the cost of living and tuition at your specific university but is designed to be sufficient to complete your degree without financial stress. Priority Fields of Study The Aga Khan Foundation gives priority to applicants studying in fields that are directly relevant to the development challenges facing Nigeria and other developing countries. These priority areas include Health Sciences — medicine, public health, nursing, pharmacy, and health management. Education — teacher education, educational leadership, and educational policy. Environmental Studies — environmental management, natural resource management, and climate policy. Rural Development — agricultural development, food security, and rural livelihoods. Economic Development — development economics, microfinance, and economic policy. Architecture and Urban Planning — particularly urban planning for growing African cities. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Nigerian applicants must be citizens and residents of Nigeria. Applicants must hold a first degree with strong academic results — typically a minimum of Second Class Upper. Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need and must not have access to other funding sources that could cover their tuition and living costs. Applicants must be applying for a full-time Masters degree programme at a recognised international university. The scholarship is not available for undergraduate study or for study within Nigeria. Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not eligible. How to Apply Applications are submitted through the Aga Khan Foundation Nigeria office. The application requires academic transcripts, proof of admission or application to your chosen university, a detailed personal statement, financial documentation demonstrating need, and two letters of recommendation from academic referees who know your work well. Application Deadline March 31, 2026. Visit micrise.com.ng daily for more fully funded international scholarships and study abroad opportunities for Nigerians.