Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship: Your Guide to Funding Postgraduate Studies in London

Understanding the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship offers a significant opportunity for African students pursuing postgraduate studies at SOAS University of London. This fully funded scholarship aims to support emerging leaders dedicated to the development of Africa. It covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend, making advanced education in the UK accessible.

The scholarship is a collaborative effort between the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an organization focused on leadership and governance in Africa, and SOAS University of London. This partnership seeks to nurture individuals who will contribute to positive change on the continent. Understanding the details of this scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process, is key for prospective candidates.

Scholarship Overview and Benefits

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship is designed to be a comprehensive award for African students. For the 2026/2027 academic year, two awards are available, each valued at £45,479. This amount is intended to cover all tuition fees for the chosen master’s program. The remainder of the grant is paid directly to the student as a maintenance stipend to help with living costs during their studies in the United Kingdom.

This generous funding makes it possible for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to pursue their academic goals at a prestigious institution like SOAS. The scholarship’s focus on leadership and governance underscores its commitment to fostering future leaders who can drive progress in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship, candidates must meet specific requirements. Firstly, applicants must be new students intending to start their program in September 2026. They should also hold an “Overseas” fee status.

Academically, applicants need to possess a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from an international institution. Crucially, candidates must have secured an unconditional offer for their chosen program from SOAS University of London by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes. Meeting these criteria is the first step in the application journey.

Required Application Documents

Successful application for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship requires careful preparation of several documents. Applicants must provide a copy of their unconditional offer letter from the SOAS admissions office. A curriculum vitae (CV) is also necessary, and it should clearly include the applicant’s email address.

Furthermore, candidates are required to submit a statement, not exceeding two pages, that outlines their knowledge and interest in governance-related issues. This statement is a critical part of the application, allowing the selection committee to gauge the applicant’s commitment and understanding of the scholarship’s core mission. Applicants also need to submit their research proposal, as it was sent to the SOAS Admissions Office. Finally, one academic reference is required, which should be sent directly by the referee to the specified email address: [email protected].

Application Process and Deadline

The application process for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship involves several steps. Prospective students must first apply for a master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. Information on how to apply for taught master’s programs can be found on the SOAS website.

Once an applicant has applied for a course and received login credentials, they can then proceed to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship application must be submitted through the admissions portal. It is essential to note the deadline: applications for the scholarship must be submitted by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. Missing this deadline will result in the application not being considered.

Frequently Asked Questions