Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027: A Guide for Aspiring African Leaders

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship offers a significant opportunity for emerging leaders dedicated to advancing governance and development across Africa. Established by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing postgraduate studies at SOAS, University of London. The program specifically seeks to nurture individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the continent’s progress. This guide provides details on the scholarship’s value, eligibility criteria, and the application process for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Scholarship Overview and Value

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is designed to empower future leaders committed to Africa’s growth. For the 2026/2027 academic year, two awards are available. Each scholarship carries a total value of £45,479. This amount covers tuition fees, with the remainder provided directly to the student as a maintenance stipend to support living expenses. The scholarship is a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to fostering strong leadership and governance across Africa.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, candidates must be applying for new admission and plan to commence their studies in September 2026. Secondly, they must hold an “Overseas” fee status. A strong academic background is also essential, requiring applicants 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 an unconditional offer for their chosen program by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes. It is important to note that this scholarship does not provide funding for pre-sessional programs.

Application Process

Applying for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship involves a two-step process. The first step is to formally apply for your chosen master’s degree program at SOAS. Prospective applicants are advised to submit their program applications as early as possible, as complete admission applications can take several weeks to process, especially during peak periods. Applicants should be prepared for potential waiting times of up to six weeks.

The second step is to submit your scholarship application. This must be done through the admissions portal by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. To access the scholarship application, you will need to have already applied for a course and obtained login credentials for the portal. Further details and specific instructions can be found on the SOAS website.