SOAS University of London Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship offers an outstanding opportunity for international students seeking to pursue a one-year taught master's degree at SOAS University of London in the United Kingdom. Designed to support future leaders committed to Africa's development, the scholarship provides significant financial assistance by covering tuition fees and offering a generous maintenance stipend.
The scholarship is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and aims to develop talented graduates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for governance, public policy, leadership, and sustainable development across Africa.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: SOAS University of London
- Scholarship Name: Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
- Degree Level: Master's Degree
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Number of Scholarships: 2
- Funding Value: Up to £45,479
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Preferred Applicants: Students ordinarily resident in Africa
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Duration: One Year
- Application Deadline: 17 June 2026 (12:00 PM UK Time)
Degree Level
The scholarship supports students enrolling in:
- One-year taught Master's Degree programmes at SOAS University of London.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is applicable to eligible master's programmes offered by SOAS, including fields such as:
- International Development
- Public Policy
- Governance
- Economics
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Regional Studies
- African Studies
- Political Science
- International Relations
Applicants should verify programme eligibility before applying.
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Funding worth up to £45,479
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Maintenance stipend for living expenses in London after tuition deduction
- Opportunity to study at a globally recognized university
- Access to world-class academic and research facilities
- Exposure to international policymakers and development experts
- Enhanced career prospects in leadership and public service
Please note that the scholarship does not cover pre-sessional English language courses.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to international applicants from around the world.
However, preference is given to candidates who are ordinarily resident in African countries and demonstrate a strong commitment to Africa's development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be classified as an overseas-fee-paying student.
- Apply for an eligible full-time one-year taught master's programme at SOAS.
- Hold at least the equivalent of a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) degree.
- Obtain an unconditional offer of admission before the scholarship selection process.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Show a genuine interest in governance, development, or public policy issues affecting Africa.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed admission application to SOAS
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae (if required by the programme)
- Passport copy
- Supporting documents requested by SOAS
- Language proficiency documents if applicable
Applicants are advised to write their scholarship statements independently, as the use of generative AI for drafting personal statements is discouraged by the university.
Application Process
To apply for the scholarship, follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to an eligible master's programme at SOAS University of London.
- Wait to receive access credentials for the scholarship application portal.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
- Ensure that an unconditional admission offer is secured before scholarship selection.
- Await the final decision from the scholarship committee.
Early application is recommended because admission processing may take several weeks.
Why Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship?
The scholarship provides more than financial assistance. It offers aspiring leaders an opportunity to study at one of the United Kingdom's leading institutions specializing in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East while building expertise in governance, development, and public policy. Graduates gain access to an international academic network and valuable professional opportunities that can contribute to positive change across Africa and beyond.
