The Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship (IYF) offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals in Canada to engage directly in global development work. Designed to nurture leadership and practical project-management skills, the Fellowship appeals to individuals with a deep interest in international development, global citizenship, and community impact.
Program Overview
Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship consists of two main parts: an intensive pre-departure training program in Ottawa followed by an eight-month overseas placement in a host country in Africa or Asia. Over the course of the program, Fellows immerse themselves in real-world development initiatives under the umbrella of the wider Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), gaining hands-on experience in sectors ranging from community development to micro-enterprise.
At the start of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship, participants undergo a rigorous three-week pre-departure seminar essentially a development “bootcamp.” This training equips them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed abroad. Through workshops led by seasoned international-development practitioners, Fellows cover key areas such as project design and planning, monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, gender equality and climate integration, communications, proposal writing, reporting, and security protocols. By the end of the seminar, they are better prepared to face the challenges and responsibilities of working in field placements.
Following training, Fellows depart for their overseas placement, where they spend approximately eight months working with partner agencies or institutions affiliated with the AKDN. During this time, they contribute to development projects in their assigned placements whether in sectors like health, education, environment, enterprise, or community development applying the skills acquired during their training, and gaining invaluable experience in international development work.
Fellowship Streams & Placements
Applicants choose one of two streams depending on their background, interests, and professional aspirations:
- International Development Management (IDM): This stream is aimed at candidates interested in working on broad development issues such as health, education, civil society strengthening, climate resilience, gender equality, environment, and community development. Placements might involve roles in project management, monitoring and evaluation, research, communications, partnerships, operations, and more.
- International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM): This stream is best suited for individuals with a foundation in finance, business, or entrepreneurship, and focuses on microfinance, small business support, market development, and enterprise strengthening. Fellows in IMM may work with microfinance institutions or microenterprise units as part of their placement.
Though applicants select a particular stream during application, they may also indicate flexibility allowing the selection panel to consider them for other streams if appropriate.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
To be considered for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 30 years of age or younger at the time of the application deadline.
- Hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Not be enrolled in any educational programme during the period of the Fellowship (from pre-departure training through to the end of the overseas placement).
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to international development, which could be evidenced through volunteer experience, academic background, or relevant professional work.
- Be fluent in English and submit all required documentation (academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, references, etc.).
The selection process for the Fellowship is competitive. Only a limited number typically between 10 and 25 Fellows are chosen each cycle, depending on available funding and the match between applicants’ backgrounds and available placements.
Costs and Funding
The Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship is largely funded by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. It covers most of the costs associated with the overseas placement, including travel, accommodation, vaccinations, health insurance, and a modest living stipend. As part of the commitment, successful applicants are required to contribute a one-time payment of CAD 1,000 toward the costs of the Fellowship.
This arrangement enables young professionals to undertake meaningful development work abroad while minimizing financial burden and ensuring their basic needs are met during the placement.
What Makes the Fellowship Valuable
The Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship can be a transformative experience. Participants emerge with enhanced project-management and cross-cultural skills, a deeper understanding of development challenges and sectors, and personal growth from living and working in a different context. For many, it serves as a launchpad for careers in government, non-profit organizations, international development, media, finance, education, or public service.
In addition to technical and professional development, Fellows often gain confidence, resilience, global perspective, and the ability to engage constructively with complex social issues. Mentorship from experienced alumni throughout the placement further supports Fellows’ growth and helps build professional networks across continents.
How to Apply
The application window for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship 2026-2027 cycle opens in late 2025 and closes on February 1, 2026. Prospective applicants must prepare their documentation carefully including academic records, a CV, personal statements reflecting their commitment to global citizenship and development, and references (academic or professional). Candidates must also be ready to commit fully to the Fellowship period, including the pre-departure training and the overseas placement.
Those selected will be invited to interviews between March and April 2026, with final offers made shortly thereafter.
