Understanding the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London offers a fully funded master’s opportunity for African students for the 2026/2027 academic year. This scholarship is designed to support future leaders in Africa by providing financial assistance and access to world-class education. It aims to nurture individuals committed to improving governance and development across the continent.
This scholarship is a significant opportunity for students seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. It covers all tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, making it a comprehensive financial package. The program emphasizes leadership, governance, and the socio-economic transformation of Africa, aligning with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s mission.
Overview of the Scholarship
The scholarship is open to students applying for any full-time, one-year taught master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. A total of two scholarships will be awarded, each valued at £45,479. This funding is intended to cover tuition fees entirely and provide a living stipend for successful candidates. The scholarship is specifically aimed at individuals who show a strong dedication to addressing governance and development challenges in Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship can expect substantial support throughout their master’s studies. These benefits are designed to allow students to focus on their academic pursuits and personal development without financial strain.
Full Tuition Coverage
One of the primary benefits is the complete coverage of tuition fees for the eligible master’s program. This removes a major financial barrier for many students aspiring to study at SOAS.
Maintenance Stipend
Beyond tuition, the scholarship provides a maintenance stipend. This financial support is paid directly to the student after tuition fees are deducted from the total scholarship value. It is intended to help cover essential living costs such as accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials.
Study in the United Kingdom
The scholarship offers a unique chance to study in London, a global hub for education and culture. SOAS University of London is renowned for its specialization in African, Asian, and Middle Eastern studies, providing a rich academic environment.
Global Academic Network
As a scholarship recipient, students gain access to an extensive network of academics, researchers, policymakers, and development professionals. This network can be invaluable for future career development and collaboration on African development initiatives.
Leadership and Development Focus
The program’s strong emphasis on African governance and development equips scholars with specialized knowledge and skills. This focus prepares them to make meaningful contributions to positive change and progress across the continent.
Eligible Programmes
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is applicable to any full-time, one-year taught master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. The program must commence in the 2026/2027 academic session. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full list of master’s programs offered by SOAS to find a suitable course of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet a specific set of requirements. These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports students who are most aligned with its goals.
- New Admission: Applicants must be starting a new program in September 2026.
- Fee Status: Candidates must hold Overseas fee status.
- Academic Background: A minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent international institution is required.
- Offer of Admission: An unconditional offer for an eligible master’s program must be secured before the scholarship panel reviews applications.
- Program Type: The scholarship is only for full-time, one-year taught master’s programs.
It is important to note that pre-sessional courses are not covered by this scholarship. Additionally, applications that are submitted late or are incomplete will not be considered.
Preference Criteria
While the scholarship is open to all eligible international students, preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate specific connections and interests related to Africa. These preferences help to direct the scholarship towards individuals who are most likely to contribute to the continent’s development.
- Residency in Africa: Applicants who are ordinarily resident in Africa will be given preference.
- Interest in African Governance: A demonstrated strong interest in governance issues within Africa is a key factor.
- Commitment to Development: Applicants showing a commitment to development issues affecting African communities and institutions will be favored.
Candidates should clearly articulate these interests and commitments within their personal statements and other application materials.
How to Apply
The application process for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship involves two main steps. Following these steps carefully is essential for a successful application.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
The first step is to apply for an eligible master’s program at SOAS University of London. It is advisable to apply for admission early, as the processing time can take several weeks, especially during peak periods. An application for admission is a prerequisite for accessing the scholarship application portal.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
Once an application for admission has been submitted, candidates can then proceed to apply for the scholarship. This is done through the admissions portal, where applicants will need their login credentials to access and complete the scholarship application form.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship application is 17 June 2026 at 12 noon United Kingdom local time. It is highly recommended that both the admission and scholarship applications are submitted well in advance of this date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Selection Process and Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated by a dedicated scholarship selection panel. The assessment is based on several key factors to identify the most promising candidates.
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance is a primary consideration.
- Personal Statement Quality: The clarity, content, and impact of the personal statement are crucial.
- Commitment to Africa: Demonstrated dedication to African governance and development issues is highly valued.
- Overall Application Strength: The panel will review all submitted materials for their coherence and persuasiveness.
Information provided in both the admissions and scholarship applications will be used for the assessment.
Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Use
Applicants are advised to be cautious when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for their scholarship applications. While AI tools can be helpful for tasks like grammar checking, spelling correction, and structuring ideas, they should not be used to generate the personal statement itself. The submitted statements must genuinely reflect the applicant’s personal experiences, motivations, and aspirations to ensure authenticity.
Scholarship Notification Timeline
The selection process for the scholarship is expected to conclude by mid-July 2026. Successful candidates will be contacted directly by the university. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified once all scholarship awards have been finalized and allocated.
Significance of the Scholarship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it represents a significant investment in the future of Africa. By supporting aspiring leaders, policymakers, and development professionals, the scholarship aims to foster positive change across the continent. Recipients will gain advanced academic training, develop leadership capabilities, build international connections, and be empowered to contribute innovative solutions to Africa’s governance and development challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS cover?
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend for living expenses for a one-year master’s program at SOAS University of London.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Eligibility requires Overseas fee status, a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s degree, and an unconditional offer for a full-time, one-year taught master’s program starting in the 2026/2027 academic year.
What is the application deadline for the scholarship?
The deadline to apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is 17 June 2026 at 12 noon United Kingdom local time.
How are scholarship applicants selected?
Selection is based on academic excellence, the quality of the personal statement, demonstrated commitment to African governance and development, and the overall strength of the application.
