Admissions Forms to Download
If you are having difficulty accessing our online enquiry service, you can also download the package and forms here.
Age requirements
Please see the age requirements that will apply over the following years for entry to the Academy.
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Junior School
Years 1–6: Primary Years Programme
Students entering year 1 should have completed at least three years of Nursery School and must be 6 years of age by 31 December of the year of entry.
All prospective students must demonstrate a potential for high academic achievement and demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy. Each applicant from year 2-5 must sit a standard assessment in logic, English (reading and writing), mathematics and creativity and supplemented by personal interviews with key members of the Junior School staff.
Senior School
Years 7–10: Middle Years Programme
All students applying for a place in the Senior School must have attained high scholastic achievement in their former educational institutions. They must also demonstrate a keen interest and participation in community service projects outside the classroom and/or extracurricular activities such as sporting activities, clubs, arts and music.
All applicants must schedule an appointment for a standard assessment test in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving at the school in addition to providing past student grade reports and certificates of achievement. Applicants will also have personal interviews with key members of the Senior School staff as part of their application process.
Diploma Programme
Years 11–12: Diploma Programme
Applicants for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa must have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement (with a minimum of an average B grade from their current school) as well as a proven record of civic mindedness and participation in community projects.
The application process requires prospective students to undergo a standardised assessment test in English, mathemathics and logic as well as an interview with IB Diploma Programme coordinators and key members of Senior School staff.
New students will not be accepted in the second year of the diploma programme.
Academy tours are held regularly throughout the school year. For more information about applying to the Academy, please contact the admissions office. You can call the admissions team on their direct lines: +254 (0) 736 200 008 or +254 (0) 733 121 927.
Diploma Programme
The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is an International Baccalaureate (IB) authorised World School and has been authorised for the Diploma Programme (DP). The DP is a demanding, pre-university-level course of studies. It is internationally recognised by over 2,000 universities worldwide.
The DP has a reputation for rigorous assessment of student achievement. Each student’s performance and levels of knowledge are examined internally by teachers according to set criteria. They are also assessed externally by independent examiners according to global standards applied to all IB schools.
Our students study all the subjects covered in a traditional, broad curriculum, including languages, social sciences, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts. The DP also takes the curriculum a step further through three unique programmes:
- Theory of knowledge;
- Creativity, activity, service; and
- Extended essay.
Theory of knowledge
Theory of knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary requirement unique of the DP. It encourages students to reflect on the knowledge they gain both inside and outside the classroom.
One hundred hours of classroom time are dedicated to the TOK programme. We challenge our students to question the nature of knowledge across disciplines, to recognise biases and to analyse evidence using rational thought and argument. By making our students consider and appreciate different perspectives, TOK contributes towards a pluralistic outlook.
Creativity, activity, service
Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is an important component of the IB curriculum and is required for every DP student at the Academy. Our students participate actively in a variety of creative endeavours, physical activities and community service projects. They develop self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills, and a sense of civil responsibility.
Students take part in sustainable projects that have real and lasting effects on the greater Dhaka community. They develop strength of character and an understanding of their ability to bring about change.
The CAS programme is valued for its power to transform the lives not only of students but also the people they work with. It serves as a platform for interpersonal exchange, personal growth and greater understanding of the issues we face as a global community.
Extended essay
The extended essay (EE) requires students to pick a subject of their choice and research and develop it into a 4,000-word essay. Students may choose to investigate a subject from one of their higher-level courses more deeply. Or they can broaden their academic experience by researching a subject in a field they are not currently studying.
Through the EE, we introduce students to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at the university level.
For further information on the IB Diploma Programme at the Academy, please see the admission requirements or contact us.
Asad Bogani: The Adventure of a Lifetime
Leaving one’s home and family is a daunting task for any person, but even more so for children. However, the lure of a better education and a new adventure can provide ample motivation for students to leave everything they know and follow their dreams.
For grade nine student Asad Bogani leaving his family and friends in Dubai and traveling to India to attend the Aga Khan Academy (AKA) in Hyderabad was a personal decision rooted in a need to become his own person.
“It was something of a personal decision on my side. I really love Dubai [it is] my home, but I thought I should try something out of my comfort zone. I decided I should be on my own now and live by myself.”
The AKA has allowed students to not only have access to a world-class education but also activities that will help them with interpersonal growth. “I play football, volleyball, a bit of basketball, but my favorite sport is cricket,” says Asad, who is looking forward to playing cricket at the Academy.
Beyond extracurricular activities the students’ time is also taken up by personal chores. “There’s so many activities going on and you have your own life, like cleaning your cupboard and keeping neat; a lot of things happening as compared to my life in Dubai,” explains Asad.
Though Asad is finding lots to enjoy about his experience at the AKA there are always challenges to uprooting oneself from familiar surroundings. “My parents really miss me and I’m really missing home as well, but they’re supporting me and what I’m trying to do here,” he says.
But a little bit of homesickness is a small price to pay for a future that he will now be able to look forward to, one he hopes will mesh his love for sports, especially cricket, with his favorite subject—Mathematics.
“Maths is really fun to do. I’d love to do something related to Maths, like statistics and join it with sports, like a sports statistician, something related to cricket because that’s my love. I’d really like to combine the two of them and work towards making that as my career. After completing my diploma program here I’m aiming for university in England and onto my career.”
With ambitions and an educational foundation that will go the distance, Asad is well on his way to creating the life he’s imagined for himself.
Aashish Dhammani (Class of 2015): Student into teacher
Read below about alumnus Aashish Dhammani's unique experience as an intern at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad.
As an intern at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, you are immersed in the everyday life of teaching and learning amidst some extraordinary intellectuals. As an Academy graduate, I have valued diversity in thoughts, lifestyles and priorities. In the last three months and 14 days, that was put to the test. Every day has been a learning experience; be it with peers or among guests with immense wisdom, my storehouse is now filled with a plethora of knowledge.
Interning under the Dean of Students Aaron Jacob, my internship focused on academic support for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme students in history and the theory of knowledge. Additionally, I was a dorm parent trying to balance a variety of academic and personal issues in student life. In the process, I have developed skills in time management, communicating in a working environment and organisation and resilience under pressure. I was also involved in the facilitation of the Academy's yearbook for 2016, interaction with visitors, assisting in the making of the first IB Middle Years Programme film and various Senior School events.
In my time here, I have grown to value the time, energy and knowledge that goes into the profession of teaching, which unfortunately is not widely respected across our Indian subcontinent. I also realised that as a teacher, you work equally as hard as any student in your class. In the future, my goal will also be to change the stereotypical image of a profession which is as challenging, enriching and rejuvenating as any other valuable profession. Teaching is reliving every day and growing individually.
The Academy is an environment that challenges and nurtures leaders who are fearless, courageous and stewards. I have always envisioned growing up to be one myself. After this internship, I am confident my dream is not too far removed. I will continue to motivate myself to grow, beat the odds, acknowledge diversity and tap into the unfathomable.
I am ready to take on another journey from oblivion to self-discovery!
Sian Virani – our very own budding Scrabble champion
We wish Sian the best with his Scrabble career!
Tanish Panjwani (Class of 2019) - advocating scientific solutions for a better world
Tanish Panjwani is an alumnus of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad's Class of 2019 and is determined to follow a path he will carve independently, “off the beaten track.” He attributes this fierce individuality to the opportunities he has been presented with in school.
"The Academy has pushed me to boundaries and spaces which I never imagined being in,” he expressed. “It has taught me many important life lessons which I wish to take with me as I move towards university. One of these is to always try something new. It gave me so many opportunities to explore my passions for which I am eternally thankful."
Tanish was one of the three student organisers of Academy in Hyderabad’s pioneering TEDx conference, which took place in May 2018.
“TEDxYouth@AKAHyderabad began as a revolution of ideas that inspired me to dream big and accomplish more. I wanted the students in the Academy to dream and imagine with the same ferocity, and come up with ideas that not only solve global problems but also inspire. This was my motivation behind organising such a conference here.”
Additionally, he held key leadership positions in the Academy’s Model UN conferences, played in the Senior School football team and was a chief editor of the student newsletter.
However Tanish’s passion lies in the realm of physics, believing in the power of scientific solutions to address current global issues.
“A better understanding of our surroundings helps us gain a better understanding of ourselves," he said. "The biggest breakthroughs have come from principles based on physics – smartphones and normal appliances are built on the foundations of quantum tunneling. Not understanding physics hinders us from truly understanding the world around us.”
For his Grade 10 personal project, Tanish focused on the importance of a future free of climate change and pollution. He used an old television to make a cathode ray tube (CRT) that disintegrated plastic and created something new in its place. He draws inspiration from his physics teacher Sudipta Roy.
“He teaches with such great passion and his zestful energy lights up my mood inspiring me to study even the most boring (and difficult) topics.”
Tanish was accepted into University College London and the University of Glasgow to study pure physics, and intends to make connections in the fields that interest him. He wants to get involved in actively educating people about the possibilities of approaching everyday problems through the lens of science, by utilising concepts learnt within classrooms to bring small changes in their immediate environments, leading to big changes in a bigger context.
Contributed by Saheb Lakhani (Class of 2014).
Samson Suhas – swimming to a better life
“I came to this school searching for better opportunities and better facilities through which I can improve in sports and excel in music and studies,” says Samson. “I didn’t have these opportunities in my previous school and didn’t get a chance to play any sport.”
Samson Suhas Srungarapti, a grade 10 student at the Academy and a professional swimmer, represented Rangareddy district at the 2nd Telangana State Winter Aquatic Championship held in Khammam district in December 2016. He came away with the bronze medal in 100mts free style and a renewed desire to participate in not just regional, but national swimming tournaments. This was the first time he had participated in a state tournament.
“I want to be an Olympic swimmer. I want to win medals in Olympics for India. And alternatively, I love music and would like to be a music director or a music teacher in the future,” expresses Samson, who trains at the Academy pool for four hours a day when school is on, and six during holidays. “My father is my coach and my role model. He is my inspiration for choosing sports as my career. Without his support and commitment, I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have in my swimming career from when I started in December 2015 till today.”
Samson has joined a swimming club for extra support and to get his know his competition better. When he is not training, he enjoys playing football with his peers, and remembers the moment the school team won the interschool football tournament as one of the most rewarding experiences at school. His favourite subject is Mathematics, because he loves the challenge of solving a tough problem. Besides swimming, music is his other great love.
“I find the Aga Khan Academy very balanced in giving opportunities for students to develop their skills in academics as well as sports, and that is the most unique thing about this school.”
Samson feels confident of participating at a national level in 2017, and determined to continue working hard on his speed, endurance, and agility even if it involves longer training hours. He has his eyes set on the international swimming circuit, and we wish him all the very best!
Head of Academy's Welcome
The Aga Khan Academies is a network of Academies across South Asia and East Africa, promoting an internationally designed learning environment following the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The latest addition to the network, the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka in Bangladesh, was established in 2022 to realise His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s vision of a global learning community. We select students solely on their merit regardless of their socio-economic background.
The Academy in Dhaka has been carrying the 35-year-long legacy of the Aga Khan Education Service, Bangladesh, fostering an enabling environment to contribute to Bangladesh’s education. The Academy adds to this legacy through our Professional Development Centre (PDC), which provides professional development opportunities for our teachers to strengthen their pedagogical skills. Additionally, the PDC contributes to the Bangladeshi education sector through various outreach programmes, such as the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange project and the Teacher Preparation Programme and it partners with the government on various initiatives.
The Aga Khan Academies network invests in exceptional students who are expected to become future leaders committed to giving back to their community. For example, the Class of 2024 achieved a unique distinction in their IB Diploma Programme examinations with an average score of 34.8, which surpasses the IB global average of 30.32. We are committed to achieving more in the future. Besides striving for excellence in education, we want our students to become better humans, having the core attributes of the Aga Khan Academies Learner Profile instilled in them.
Our students are achieving remarkable results in various fields, from academics and sports to service learning activities that contribute to various social causes. Their responsible actions and commitment to society’s betterment make us proud as a community consisting of parents, teachers and staff. In addition to keeping up with the fast-paced dynamics of the 21st century, we inspire students to look back and become resilient, so they act responsibly towards their community and the planet.
Welcome to the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka! We are fortunate to have you in our community as we embark on this exciting journey of true academic excellence!
Yours truly,
Head of Academy
Learn more about Ms Suvina and her background here.
Co-curricular Programmes
Co-curricular programmes enable students to realise their potential in a variety of settings beyond the classroom. Students develop a sense of self-awareness and an understanding of school and community needs and opportunities. They also learn how to apply their gifts and skills to make a positive impact.
At the Academy, we believe in a balanced, rounded, comprehensive school experience. As this includes both academic and co-curricular experiences, we encourage our students to do their best both in and outside the classroom.
We will offer outstanding sports facilities that will include:
- swimming and diving pools
- cricket, soccer and hockey pitches
- basketball and volleyball areas
- tennis and squash courts
- dance studio
- gymnasium
- athletics tracks.
Children with special sporting gifts will be encouraged to develop their talents in every way. Children with special gifts in music, art or drama will similarly be encouraged through opportunities to practise and perform while at the Academy.
Our co-curricular programmes are clustered into three main streams, each with a different focus:
Creative expression
Whether through visual or performing arts, this cluster engages students to think creatively and express their identities and thoughts aesthetically. Through theatre, art, music and drama, students learn to work together and infuse their projects with values and lessons from other parts of their schooling. Individual and collaborative creative projects emphasise growth and development through personal challenge, ultimately resulting in achievable personal goals.
Action
The student as a reflective practitioner is a basic tenet of the action cluster. Through physical sport – both competitive and non-competitive – students are challenged in their physical growth, and learn values such as good sportsmanship, teamwork and ethical behaviour. We encourage them to extend themselves by trying different activities and working with teammates to pass on their knowledge. In line with developing the student as a whole, a healthy lifestyle complements and enhances academic achievement.
"The Academies will be concerned with the whole of the human being – mind, body and spirit – and with the broad range of human aspiration – intellectual, moral, artistic, physical and spiritual. The fact that these are residential academies will contribute enormously to these broad objectives, encouraging students to identify more completely with the school, to help lead it and shape its environment."
Citizenship
At the Academy, we encourage knowledge and understanding of humanity and civil society. Through their involvement in citizenship activities, students gain an understanding of the practical implications of their work and study. By collaborating with community groups on sustainable projects, they develop an appreciation for human rights and human dignity, and of how their actions impact the world around them.
To learn more about the Academy's programme, please visit the Academic Programme page.
Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is launching a unique scholarship programme to attract Kenya’s brightest young minds to join the Academy.
Six merit-based scholarships of up to 50% off fees for outstanding students who can demonstrate superior academic ability. This includes:
- B average for international curricula
- B+ for KCSE students
- 390+ for KCPE
Applicants must have also excelled outside of the classroom in one or more of the following areas:
- Leadership in the service of others
- Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math
- Environmental Responsibility
- Performing Arts
- Team Sports
Scholarships will be awarded to students from a diversity of socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and other backgrounds across Kenya. Based on demonstrated merit and financial need, scholarship awards may cover up to 50% of school fees, including residential fees. View the fee schedule here.
Scholarships are open to new students applying for admission in August 2022. The deadline for application is 1st July 2022.
The process:
Students should make an application through the normal admissions process (an application fee is payable) and indicate their interest in applying for the Aga Khan Academy Scholarship Programme.
*AKASP is open to new students only; those already enrolled at the Academy are not eligible.
- Fill in the below form.
- An initial assessment to determine suitability for the scholarship programme will take place.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview with the Dean of Admissions. This interview will assess the ability of the student to contribute significantly to the Academy outside of the classroom.
- Final selection includes an interview with the Head of Academy and the Dean of Admissions.
*The decision of the Academy in awarding these scholarships will be final.
Eligibility:
- To apply, students must be residents in Kenya.
- The scholarships are open to students who are able to demonstrate exceptional academic ability and the potential to benefit from a unique educational programme based on the International Baccalaureate and the Aga Khan Strands.
- Scholarships are needs-based and will take into account aspects of the financial position of the family at the time of interviews.
- Scholarship awards may not cover all costs, and some scholarships will require the candidate and their family to contribute part of the cost.
To know more about this programme, please email mba-admissions@agakhanacademies.org.
