Aga Khan Schools celebrates IB Class of 2026 and signs partnerships to expand higher education opportunities for students

From 22–29 May, the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) celebrated 350 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme graduates across its schools in Africa and Asia, while also marking the signing of new Memorandums of Understanding with universities in Canada and the UAE. 

The ceremonies – held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Hyderabad, India; Kampala, Uganda; Maputo, Mozambique; Mombasa, Kenya; and Nairobi, Kenya – brought together families, friends, educators, alumni and partners to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. Alongside the presentation of certificates, the ceremonies featured performances by students and staff, as well as reflections on the graduates’ journeys and aspirations. 

A highlight of the celebrations was the participation of distinguished keynote speakers. These included Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre and Chairperson of BRAC Bangladesh; Dr Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University, who spoke at two graduation ceremonies; Dr Juan González, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at The University of Texas at Dallas; Dr Mohamed Bamatraf, Executive Director of Murdoch University Dubai; Mr David Agnew, President of Seneca Polytechnic; and Dr Farouk Walji, Founder and Chairman of Newton Prep and a Class of 1968 alumnus of the Aga Khan High School, Nairobi. 

Representatives from Lahore University of Management Sciences, Royal Roads University – Ras Al Khaimah Campus and BIG Education Group also participated in the celebrations. 

“When I look at our graduates, only one word comes to mind: hope,” said Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of AKS, during his graduation address. “These young people leave our schools not only with knowledge and skills, but with resilience, compassion and strength of character. They represent a generation that will help build more pluralistic, just and sustainable societies while improving the quality of life of the communities they will go on to serve. In a world facing increasing complexity and uncertainty, they remind us that the future can be shaped by courage, purpose and service.” 

The Class of 2026 has received admissions offers from leading universities in their home countries and around the world. Collectively, they have been awarded more than $17 million in scholarships to date, with additional offers continuing to be received. 

During the celebrations, AKS also signed Memorandums of Understanding with Royal Roads University – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, Toronto Metropolitan University and Murdoch University Dubai. These partnerships will expand higher education opportunities for AKS students while strengthening pathways for learning, leadership and collaboration. In addition to providing scholarships to select AKS students, the agreements will create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, collaborative learning and engagement in teaching and research activities between AKS and the partner institutions. 

With more than 2,500 graduates each year, AKS continues to strengthen partnerships with universities and colleges around the world, creating new opportunities for students to pursue higher education and broaden their horizons. AKS has established partnerships with universities across Canada, India, the UAE and the US, including the recent renewal of its partnership with Huron University. An additional agreement is expected to be formalised with Seneca Polytechnic in the coming months. 

Through these partnerships and its commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of students, AKS is preparing future leaders and changemakers to strengthen their communities and contribute to a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. The achievements of the Class of 2026 provide a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education and the promise of the next generation of AKS alumni.