Aga Khan Schools and Huron University renew strategic partnership to expand higher education opportunities for student leaders and changemakers

The Aga Khan Schools (AKS) and Huron University have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding higher education opportunities and creating pathways for talented students to thrive as leaders and changemakers. 

The agreement was signed at Huron University in London, Ontario, Canada by Dr Barry Craig, President & Vice-Chancellor of Huron University, and Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of AKS. Under the renewed agreement, Huron University will continue to provide scholarships to a select number of AKS students and offer preferred admission pathways to undergraduate programmes. In addition, the agreement will create opportunities for students to participate in workshops, leadership initiatives and summer programmes at Huron University that are designed to support their academic and personal growth. 

"The Aga Khan Schools have a remarkable track record of preparing students to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” said Dr Craig, who attended two AKS International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme graduation ceremonies in Kenya last year and delivered the keynote address at one of the ceremonies. “We have seen that firsthand at Huron through the achievements of Aga Khan Schools students who have taken on leadership roles across campus, excelled academically and enriched our community in countless ways. Renewing this partnership reflects our confidence in the talent and potential of these students, and our shared commitment to helping future students build on the successes of those who have come before them." 

The partnership between AKS and Huron University was first established in 2021 to expand higher education opportunities for students graduating from AKS. Since then, the collaboration has enabled a growing number of AKS alumni to pursue their studies at Huron University and contribute meaningfully to campus life and the broader community. 

For example, an AKS alumnus served as Huron University Student Council President for the 2024–25 academic year. Another alumna recently received the university’s prestigious Neil S. Abbott Memorial Award, presented annually to a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, community engagement and a commitment to mentoring others. 

“At the Aga Khan Schools, we seek to nurture young people who combine academic excellence with character, compassion and a commitment to improving the quality of life of others,” Dr Somani said. “Our graduates go on to become leaders, innovators and changemakers in their communities and professions. This partnership with Huron University is built on a shared belief in the potential of these remarkable students and a shared commitment to helping them maximise their impact in an increasingly interconnected world. We are proud to deepen this partnership and are grateful for Huron University's continued confidence in the strength, talent, and promise of Aga Khan Schools graduates.” 

The renewed agreement follows the recent signing of Memorandums of Understanding between AKS and Royal Roads University – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, Toronto Metropolitan University and Murdoch University Dubai. These partnerships provide scholarships for eligible AKS students while creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, collaborative learning and engagement in teaching and research activities. An additional agreement is expected to be formalised with Seneca Polytechnic in the coming months. 

With more than 2,500 graduates each year, AKS continues to strengthen partnerships with universities and colleges around the world, expanding access to higher education and creating meaningful pathways for students across its diverse learning communities.