A group of students sitting in chairs with their backs to the camera. A woman is standing at the front of the room in front of a projection on the wall, addressing the students.

DP students at AKA Dhaka participate in regular career guidance sessions to prepare them for life beyond school.

Career Preparation

As the Diploma Programme approaches, we help our students prepare for life after school. We organise internships, provide comprehensive university counselling and offer career guidance to enable them and their families to plan ahead.

Experiencing the World of Work

DP1 students may apply for an internship over their July and August break, gaining essential workplace experience, university application material and career inspiration. Previous students have contributed to their local AKDN agencies and other grass-level NGOs, volunteering in medical, financial, tourism and educational fields as well as more specialist areas.

Students sitting around a table working on their laptops.

Students interned at Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT), applying their skills to help raise awareness about cancer and support communities across Bangladesh.

A group of students and staff members of BERNOSSUS pose together for a photo outside the entrance to the community health centre.

During their time with BERNOSSUS, students collaborated with individuals to uplift the health and wellness of women and children in Dhaka.

AKA Dhaka students and young children sit around tables in an outdoor learning area, engaged in an educational activity.

Students engaged with children at the BERNOSSUS community centre during their internship, providing educational support and fostering a love for learning.

“My internship at The Daily Star gave me hands-on exposure to media operations and teamwork. Evaluating social business pitches strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, while balancing internship work with academics taught me time management and adaptability. The experience was truly transformative for my professional and personal growth.”

Suzana Masud

DP2, AKA Dhaka

University Counselling

We have dedicated university counsellors who work with staff, students and their families to navigate the application process, connect with university admissions staff and apply for scholarships.

Throughout their Grade 10 and Diploma Programme years, our university counsellors provide various opportunities and resources for students to prepare them for their university careers:

Grade 10

We help students choose their subjects of study according to their strengths and goals.

Grade 10 and DP1

We guide students through exploratory and reflective exercises to discover and articulate their strengths.

Early DP1

We help students understand the application processes in different countries and to shortlist universities and courses.

DP1, DP2

We facilitate visits from university representatives, who discuss their offerings with students.
We offer workshops for families on funding university studies and help students consider appropriate options.

Late DP1, DP2

Through workshops and individual assistance, we help students craft essays and complete forms for university applications, create resumes and practise their interview skills.

DP2

We nominate students for scholarships, both Academy-specific and global.
We assist students in selecting a university, applying for visas and navigating other steps.

Download our University Counselling Handbook See our IB School Profile Financial benefits

32.6

Our DP2 students achieved an impressive average of 32.6 in the 2025 IB DP exams, exceeding the global average of 30.6

$2 million

The Class of 2025 received over $2 million in scholarships from prestigious universities around the world

Forging a pathway to success

Aaryan Ajani, Class of 2020 from AKA Mombasa, received one of the four scholarships awarded to the Aga Khan Academies by Concordia University to study politics and economics.

He believes the growth he exhibited during his final years in the IB is why he received the scholarship. “I developed my leadership skills through the Academy’s extracurricular programme, Service Learning programme and as a member of the Student Representative Council. Academically, I was able to identify my weaknesses and worked really hard to make sure I was able to succeed as a well-rounded student," Aaryan said.

Looking forward to university life, he intends to make the most of this opportunity to succeed. "I consider this a massive stepping stone to the greater things I can achieve in the future, and I will always be grateful for my life-changing experience at the Academy," Aaryan said.

Spotlights

Theresa Urist: A passion for education

As Global Manager of University Counselling for the Aga Khan Schools, Theresa Urist helps students access world-class universities and realise their potential as ethical leaders.

Ziyaan Virji: The International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia

AKA Mombasa alumnus Ziyaan Virji received the prestigious International Leader of Tomorrow Award from the University of British Columbia.

Bilal Adamjee: The Pomona College International Scholarship at Pomona College

AKA Mombasa alumnus Bilal Adamjee received the Pomona College International Scholarship.

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