Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
مؤسسة الآغا خان (AKF)
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, runs the International Scholarship Programme (ISP) for outstanding students from selected developing countries who have no other means of financing postgraduate study. Master's degrees have priority and PhD applications are also considered. Awards are given as 50% grant and 50% loan, repayable with a service charge after graduation, and applications are handled through AKF contacts in participating countries.
Information last verified: October 27, 2026Official source
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme for Postgraduate Studies 2027–2028
Master, PhDPartially FundedAll fieldsNext cycle not announced yet
Life and living
Geneva · Switzerland
Life and living
Geneva · Switzerland
Living in Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest city, at the tip of Lake Geneva, hosts the European UN headquarters and many international organisations, and is home to the University of Geneva.
Student housing
A University of Geneva law faculty page estimates student living costs at CHF 1,400–1,900 a month, with a shared room in a university residence at CHF 550 (current page, 2026).
Transport for students
Since 1 January 2025, the canton of Geneva has covered the annual unireso pass for eligible under-25s, according to HES-SO Genève.
Top landmarks
Jet d'Eau
Jurate Daugelaite · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
St. Pierre Cathedral
Fenliokao · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Palace of Nations
Risuciu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Studying and living in Switzerland
Costs and living
• Tuition: public universities charge low fees for their quality, usually a few hundred to about CHF 2,000 per semester, and some charge more to foreign students. At ETH Zurich, fees for new foreign students rose from CHF 730 to CHF 2,190 per semester from autumn 2025. • Living costs: the University of Zurich puts the minimum at about CHF 1,850 a month, and Zurich University of the Arts estimates living costs at about CHF 1,350 a month (rent about CHF 800). Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne are the most expensive. • Health insurance is compulsory; reduced plans exist for international students.
Working while studying
• During studies: non-European students may work from 6 months after starting their studies, up to 15 hours a week during the semester, and full time during breaks (cantonal rules apply). • After graduation: graduates can get a 6-month short-term permit to look for a job, with proof of funds, accommodation and successful completion of studies. Once hired, the employer applies for a work permit.
Last verified: October 2026· Source
Guide to studying in SwitzerlandFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Partially Funded. Announced benefits: Tuition and living expenses, 50% grant, 50% loan.
Eligible levels: Master, PhD.
Next cycle not announced yet. Follow the official website for updates.
Apply directly on the official website: https://the.akdn/en/international-scholarships. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
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