The Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) International Youth Fellowship 2026–2027 is a fully funded global opportunity designed to help young Canadians build meaningful, international careers. Since 1989, this fellowship has supported nearly 600 emerging leaders, offering them hands-on experience, professional training, and a chance to contribute to real development work across Africa and Asia.
This program is open to recent graduates and young professionals aged 30 or under who want to understand global development challenges, work in unfamiliar environments, and gain skills that shape long-term careers in government, non-profit, media, education, finance, STEM, and more.
About the Fellowship
Canada is home to innovative thinkers and active global citizens. The International Youth Fellowship is one of AKFC’s key initiatives that empowers young Canadians to explore development contexts, collaborate with local institutions, and create long-lasting impact.
The fellowship includes:
- Intensive pre-departure training in Canada
- An eight-month overseas placement in a role aligned with the participant’s skills
- Professional mentorship and access to AKFC’s global development network
Fellows return home with practical experience, a strong global perspective, and confidence to thrive in challenging environments.
Also Apply For: United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 – Fully-Funded
Program Streams
Applicants can choose between two specialized streams:
1. International Development Management (IDM)
Fellows work with organizations involved in fields such as:
- Health
- Education
- Civil society
- Gender equality
- Early childhood development
2. International Microfinance & Microenterprise (IMM)
Fellows are placed with organizations focused on:
- Microfinance
- Market development
- Enterprise support
Placement Areas
Participants are matched with placements based on their backgrounds and interests. Possible fields and roles include:
Fields
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Climate Resilience
- Work & Enterprise
- Health & Nutrition
- Education
- Civil Society
- Gender Equality
Roles
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Communications & Marketing
- Research
- Operations
- Project Management
- Partnerships
According to an October 2023 survey, 93% of fellows reported that the program significantly influenced their career or study decisions.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The International Youth Fellowship is recognized as a powerful career-launching platform. Fellows gain:
- Global leadership experience
- Practical development skills
- Networking opportunities with professionals across the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
- A deeper understanding of international issues affecting communities in Africa and Asia
As one past fellow stated:
“The most valuable thing my placement has given me is the confidence to thrive in a new and challenging environment.” 2022/2023 Fellow
About AKFC
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a global development organization and registered Canadian charity. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKFC has worked since 1980 to fight poverty, strengthen communities, and create opportunities across Africa and Asia.
Their holistic approach tackles poverty through education, health, economic inclusion, gender equality, and local partnerships, supported by highly trained local staff and strong monitoring systems.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are open until: February 1, 2026
Applicants must submit their application online using Submittable. Creating an account requires only an email and password. Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
For technical help, applicants can visit the International Youth Fellowship.
