The outlook and educational perspectives of the Aga Khan Academies are based on the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan. His vision looks to education of the highest quality that can prepare young people to lead and enact positive change in the world they inhabit.

The text below outlines His Highness' vision for the Aga Khan Academies.

A time of change

"We live in a time of rapid change — change that is often unpredictable and not always positive. My experience with development, as an observer and a practitioner, has led me to the conclusion that the best way to manage change, whether positive or negative, is to prepare for it and that there is no greater form of preparation for change than investments in education. These investments must focus, of course, on teachers of the highest quality — teachers who are creative and committed to their own life-long learning and self-improvement. It also means investments in facilities that provide an environment conducive to the less tangible but equally important elements of an education — self-esteem, leadership, tolerance, ethical judgment and moral reasoning."

What does it mean to be educated?

“However, as educators and parents have begun to make these investments, they are revisiting the age-old question: What does it mean to be an educated person? Many have come to realise that education must prepare students not only for the job market, but also for life.

From Zanzibar's madrassas to Britain's public schools, from American university preparatory academies to government schools in Pakistan, there is a realisation that education must equip students with more than a narrowly focused curriculum based on reading, writing and mathematics. It must expose students to a broad and meaningful study of the humanities, including science, music and art. The teaching of history and world civilisations must be more broadly representative of the world's entire heritage than it has in the past. This is especially true in regard to Islamic civilisations, which have been misrepresented or ignored despite their vital contributions in a wide range of spheres, from science to architecture.

Education must include mastery of more than one language and an ability to communicate effectively in those languages. In the face of the most rapid advances in technology in history, education also must teach students how to master information technologies. These skills now form a critical part of the learning process, as well as essential qualifications for application in the workplace, but even these elements are not enough."

Preparing children for life

“An education must equip students with the tools that enable them to adapt and thrive, in a world characterised by change. In such an environment, technical proficiency is not enough. Education that prepares children for life must go beyond fundamental skills to stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity and honest inquiry. Advancement and development, both personal and societal, are dependant on these elements. Innovation and progress arise from the ability to approach a challenge in a new way and offer a solution."

A pluralistic outlook

“Education must also make the case for a pluralistic tradition in which other views, ethnicities, religions and perspectives are valued not only because that is just and good, but also because pluralism is the climate best suited for creativity, curiosity and inquiry to thrive. It must also stimulate students to consider a variety of perspectives on some of the fundamental questions posed by the human condition: 'What is truth?' 'What is reality?' and 'What are my duties to my fellow man, to my country and to God?' At the same time, education must reinforce the foundations of identity in such a way as to reinvigorate and strengthen them so that they can withstand the shock of change."

The most important measure of an education

“What students know is therefore no longer the most important measure of an education. The true test is the ability of students and graduates to engage with what they do not know and to work out a solution. They must also be able to reach conclusions that constitute the basis for informed judgements. The ability to make judgements that are grounded in solid information and employ careful analysis, should be one of the most important goals for any educational endeavour. As students develop this capability, they can begin to grapple with the most important and difficult step: to learn to place such judgements in an ethical framework.

“For all these reasons, there is no better investment that individuals, parents and the nation can make than an investment in education of the highest possible quality. Such investments are reflected and endure, in the formation of the kind of social conscience that our world so desperately needs."

His Highness the Aga Khan

Access the biography of His Highness the Aga Khan on the Aga Khan Development Network website.

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad is launching a unique scholarship programme to attract India’s brightest young minds to join the Academy.

Up to six merit-based scholarships are on offer for outstanding boys and girls who can demonstrate superior academic ability alongside the potential to excel outside of the classroom in one or more of the following areas:

• Leadership in the service of others
• Innovation in science, technology, engineering or math
• Environmental responsibility
• Performing arts
• Team sports

Scholarships will be awarded to students from a diversity of socio­economic, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and other backgrounds across India. Based on demonstrated merit and financial need, scholarship awards may cover up to 100% of school fees, including residential fees.

Scholarships are open to new students applying for residential admission in Grade 9 or Grade 11 in July 2023. 

The process:

Students should make an application through the normal admissions process (an application fee is payable) and indicate their interest in applying for the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad Scholarship Programme.

*This scholarship programme is open to new students only; those already enrolled at the Academy are not eligible.

1. An initial assessment to determine suitability for the scholarship programme will take place.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview with the Dean of Admissions. This interview will assess the ability of the student to contribute significantly to the Academy outside of the classroom. 
3. Final selection includes an interview with the Head of Academy and the Dean of Admissions. 

*The decision of the Academy in awarding these scholarships will be final.

Eligibility:

• To apply, students must be Indian Nationals resident in India. 
• The scholarships are open to students who are able to demonstrate exceptional academic ability and the potential to benefit from a unique educational programme based on the International Baccalaureate and the Aga Khan Curricular Strands.
• Scholarship are needs-based and will take into account aspects of the financial position of the family at the time of interviews.
• Scholarship awards may not cover all costs, and some scholarships will require the candidate and their family to contribute part of the cost.

To apply or learn more about this programme, please email AKASP.Hyderabad@agakhanacademies.org

Applications will close on 30 April 2023.

With the aim of bringing diverse perspectives and fresh energy to the Aga Khan Academies, a small number of carefully selected recent graduates from well-respected universities are recruited each year to serve as Aga Khan Academy Fellows. 

AKA 201702 Academy Fellows 3.jpg

How can I become part of the Academy Fellow's Programme?

To find out more and submit your application, please visit the AKDN Career Centre 

Applications are now open for opportunities in Kenya, India and Mozambique for 2020

What is the Fellows Programme at the Aga Khan Academies?

Academy Fellows have the opportunity to work with gifted and talented students from diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Each Academy Fellow will live on campus and serve the student residential programme as a Dorm Parent promoting community life. 

Academy Fellows have a demanding and important role in our community and may be responsible for any of the following, depending on the Fellow’s interests and experiences and the Academy’s needs:

HYD20181212ChangeMaker_1.jpg

• Key role as a Dorm Parent in the residential programme, which includes weekday duties and weekend duties.
• Assistance in a specific curricular area under the mentorship of an experienced master teacher. 
• Tutoring individual students or study groups.
• Involvement in the administrative work of departments such as Admissions, Communications or University Counselling.
• Coaching sports and athletic teams, providing music lessons, SAT prep, artistic pursuits. 

AKA 201702 Academy Fellows 4.jpg

An integral part of the residential programme at the Academy, the Fellows participate actively in and chaperone off campus field trips, engage in the enrichment programmes (sports, arts, ...) and are closely involved in the student leadership development programme, including activities such as Model MUN, TedX etc.

These opportunities are offered at all our Academy campuses: Mombasa, Kenya, Hyderabad, India and Maputo, Mozambique - Future Academies are planned across Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.,In which parts of the world can I hope to serve as a Fellow? 

Fellows can indicate a preference when applying. 

Is this a permanent role or can I come just for a few months or a year?

These will be two-year appointments, overlapping so as to assure continuity. Some Academies will consider one year appointments but prefer a longer commitment.

What are we looking for in our Fellows? 

AKA 201702 Academy Fellows 2.jpg

• Genuine interest and commitment to the mission of the Aga Khan Academies and to the development of young people.
• A record of excellent academic achievement at a highly respected college or university.
• A record of significant involvement in residential life, student leadership programming, music, athletic and/or community service during college or university.

The Fellow's programme also provides onsite mentoring and coaching by experienced faculty and staff and an opportunity to experience life in a lively and dynamic school environment. 

Some Fellows may come from the AK Academies’ alumni body and others may decide to pursue a career in teaching or education in general.

Do you want to hear more about the programme?

Click here to read what some of our former Fellow have to say about their experience.

To find out more and submit your application, please visit the AKDN Career Centre