Aga Khan Schools and Toronto Metropolitan University sign partnership to expand global pathways for students

The Aga Khan Schools and Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand higher education opportunities and strengthen global pathways for students across the Aga Khan Schools. 

The agreement was signed at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa by Dr Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University, and Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of the Aga Khan Schools. Dr Lachemi also served as the keynote speaker for two Aga Khan Schools’ International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme graduation ceremonies this month in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

Through the agreement, Toronto Metropolitan University will provide scholarships to a select number of Aga Khan Schools’ students. The partnership will also create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, collaborative learning and engagement in teaching and research activities between the two institutions. 

In addition, the agreement will enable a select number of students at the Aga Khan Schools to participate in the Toronto Metropolitan University DMZ Sandbox Basecamp summer programme, which supports young entrepreneurs in developing innovative technology solutions that address social and economic challenges. 

“Making a global impact through our collaborations and exchanges with partners around the world is central to Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to taking a global view,” Dr Lachemi said. “This new partnership with the Aga Khan Schools will not only provide scholarships to Toronto Metropolitan University for Aga Khan Schools’ students, it will also create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and global citizenship, promote interest in our institutions, and deepen the understanding of our respective economic, cultural, and social environments.”  

The Aga Khan Schools’ relationship with Toronto Metropolitan University began in late 2017 and early 2018, when the university, previously known as Ryerson University, formalised a three-year partnership with the Aga Khan Academies on social innovation and global capacity development. Through this, 12 fellowships were awarded to top students and faculty from the Academies, offering summer innovation intensives in Toronto, Canada and exposure to Canada's leading incubator models, driven by the DMZ. The partnership also aligned with Ontario’s tuition-waiver initiatives for Academies graduates, connecting Canadian experiential learning with talent from emerging markets to cultivate ethical, entrepreneurial leaders. 

Dr Somani also shared how this partnership stems from a strong alignment of values and goals between the two organisations.  

“At the Aga Khan Schools, we believe education should not only prepare students for university, but also equip them to lead meaningful lives of purpose, service and contribution,” Dr Somani said. “This partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University reflects a shared commitment to expanding access, nurturing innovation and creating globally relevant pathways for young people across our system. Together, we are helping prepare students to thrive and lead in an increasingly interconnected world.” 

With more than 2,500 graduates each year across its schools, the Aga Khan Schools continues to strengthen partnerships with universities and colleges around the world to expand access to higher education, reduce financial barriers and create meaningful opportunities for students from across diverse contexts. 

Alongside this agreement with Toronto Metropolitan University, the Aga Khan Schools has established partnerships with universities across Canada, India, the UAE and the US. Additional agreements are also being signed with Royal Roads University – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, Seneca Polytechnic and Murdoch University Dubai.