AKFC is part of the global Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of development agencies with individual mandates that address the social, economic and cultural dimensions of development. His Highness the Aga Khan is our Network’s founder and chair.
Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, AKFC is an international development organization and registered Canadian charity. Since 1980, we have improved millions of lives in Africa and Asia, working in partnership with the Government of Canada and diverse Canadian institutions and individuals.
We take a holistic approach to development challenges, tackling poverty on multiple fronts, in over a dozen countries in Africa and Asia. We draw on the expertise and resources of the wider AKDN, including highly skilled local staff who can deliver programs and help monitor progress to ensure strong results and effective use of resources.
Electronic Submissions
- Aga Khan Foundation Canada uses Submittable for collecting applications
- To submit an application, you will need to create a Submittable account. All you need is an email and password to create your account, it's that simple. For further instructions, visit the following help center article How to submit.
- Supported internet browsers include: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, & Mozilla Firefox.
- If you have any technical issues, please contact Submittable through the following link: Submittable technical support
AKFC's Teachers' Leadership Institute (TLI) is a fully funded 5-day in person convening that aims to strengthen the professional capacity of educators across Canada. This initiative is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively integrate global citizenship, sustainability, and international development themes into their classrooms. Through a combination of in-depth training sessions, collaborative learning opportunities, and access to educational resources, the Institute will enhance participants’ pedagogical strategies and deepen their subject-area expertise.
The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a fully funded 5-day in person convening that aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively engage with global issues, promote sustainable development, and foster global citizenship. The academy will provide a collaborative learning environment where participants explore global challenges, leadership skills, and strategies for effective engagement.
The Teachers' Leadership Institute (TLI) and Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) will occur concurrently.
When: July 27-31, 2026
- Arrivals: July 26
- Full-day programming: July 27 to 31
- Departures: August 1
Where: York University, Toronto, Canada.
Deadline to apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 28, 2026.
Note: We recommend saving your responses in a separate document before filling out the form to avoid any lost progress.
To be eligible for participation in the Teachers’ Leadership Institute, applicants must be a resident of Canada.
Please note your responses to questions will only be used to assess the quality of your application and eligibility for the Institute.
Please note that as part of our initial review process, we use AI tools to support the assessment of applications. All final decisions are made by our selection team.
You will need to create and/or login to your Submittable account to submit your application. Please note you must click the submit button to fill in the initial form, and then click save and continue to move forward to the application form.
About the Program:
Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a 9-month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. This year the Fellowship includes two unique streams: International Development Management (IDM) and the International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM). Fellows are placed with field partners in over 10 different countries.
Eligibility:
- Hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by April 30, 2026, with a record of strong academic performance
- Will not be enrolled in any educational program for the duration of the Fellowship program (May 2026 – February 2027)
- Demonstrated a commitment to international development through related volunteer, professional or academic experience
- Be 30 years of age or under on or before February 1, 2026
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be fluent in English
- Present all appropriate documentation (CVs, degrees, transcripts, references, etc.)
Timeline:
- Applications Close - February 1, 2026
- References Due - February 8, 2026
- Interview Period - March-April 2026
- Offers to Candidates - April 2026
- Pre-Departure Training - May 27 - June 19, 2026*
- Fellows Depart for Field Placements - July 1, 2026
- End of Placement - February 28, 2027
*Dates subject to change slightly.
Electronic Submission:
- AKFC is using Submittable to collect applications to the International Youth Fellowship Program
- To submit an application, you will need to create a Submittable account. All you need is an email and password to create your account, it's that simple. For further instructions, visit the following help center article How to submit.
- We value the authenticity and individuality of each application. To ensure a fair assessment process, we request that you complete your application form without using any external assistance, including AI tools.
- Supported internet browsers include: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, & Mozilla Firefox.
- If you have any technical issues, please contact Submittable through the following link: Submittable technical support
Questions: If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to contact our Fellowship Team at AKFC.Fellowships@akdn.org. For frequently asked questions about the program, please visit our FAQ page.