FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London 2026/27

Popular

FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London 2026/27

Applications are open for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London for the 2026/27 academic year. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support outstanding students who are passionate about leadership, governance, and development in Africa. The scholarship is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an organization dedicated to strengthening governance and leadership across the African continent. The programme aims to nurture future African leaders who are committed to contributing to sustainable development and positive change in their communities and countries.

The scholarship is available for students pursuing any full-time one-year taught master’s degree programme at SOAS beginning in September 2026. Two scholarships will be awarded for the 2026/27 academic year, and each award is valued at £45,479. This funding covers full tuition fees, while the remaining amount is provided directly to the student as a maintenance stipend to support living expenses during their studies in the United Kingdom. Preference will be given to applicants who are ordinarily resident in Africa and those who can demonstrate a strong commitment to governance and development issues affecting the continent.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply.

Host Institution

SOAS University of London

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support valued at £45,479 for each successful candidate. Tuition fees are fully covered, and the remaining funds are paid directly to students as a maintenance stipend to help with accommodation, living costs, transportation, and other personal expenses while studying in London. This makes the programme one of the most competitive and valuable opportunities for African students seeking postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.

Beyond financial support, scholars become associated with the values and mission of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, gaining recognition as future leaders committed to improving governance and development across Africa. Studying at SOAS also provides access to a globally respected academic environment focused on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, allowing scholars to connect with international networks, researchers, and professionals working in development and governance sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be new admissions starting their studies in September 2026 and must qualify for overseas fee status. Candidates are required to hold at least a UK upper second-class degree (2:1) or an international equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. In addition, applicants must have secured an unconditional offer from SOAS by the time the scholarship selection panel meets. The scholarship is open to students applying for any eligible full-time one-year taught master’s programme at the university.

Preference is strongly given to students who are ordinarily resident in African countries and who demonstrate a clear passion for governance, leadership, policy, or development issues related to Africa. Applicants are assessed based on academic merit and the strength of their personal statements submitted during both the admissions and scholarship application processes. The selection committee reviews academic records, leadership potential, and the applicant’s commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is primarily intended for applicants who are ordinarily resident in African countries. This means students from countries across Africa are eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic and admission requirements of the scholarship and secure admission to an eligible master’s programme at SOAS University of London.

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/student-life/finance/scholarships/mo-ibrahim-foundation-scholarship