The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships offer a significant opportunity for African students pursuing postgraduate studies at SOAS University of London. These fully funded scholarships aim to support emerging leaders dedicated to the advancement of Africa. The program provides substantial financial assistance, covering tuition fees and living expenses, making it a valuable prospect for eligible candidates.
Understanding the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an organization focused on improving leadership and governance in Africa, has established these scholarships in partnership with SOAS University of London. The initiative is designed to nurture individuals who aspire to contribute to the continent’s development. Each scholarship award is valued at £45,479, intended to cover all costs associated with postgraduate study for the duration of the program.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship, candidates must meet specific requirements. Firstly, applicants must be newly admitted students planning to commence their studies in September 2026. They should also hold an “Overseas” fee status. A strong academic background is essential, with a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from an international institution. Crucially, applicants must possess an unconditional offer for their chosen program at SOAS by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes.
Scholarship Benefits and Duration
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support. For the 2026/27 academic year, two awards are available. Each award carries a total value of £45,479. This amount is allocated to cover the student’s tuition fees, with any remaining balance disbursed directly to the student as a maintenance stipend to support living costs throughout their studies.
Required Application Documents
Prospective candidates must prepare a specific set of documents for their scholarship application. This includes a copy of the unconditional offer letter received from the SOAS admissions office. Applicants will also need to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV), ensuring their email address is clearly stated. A statement, limited to a maximum of two pages, is required to outline the applicant’s knowledge and interest in governance-related issues. Furthermore, the research proposal submitted to the SOAS Admissions Office must be included. Finally, one academic reference letter is necessary, which should be sent directly by the referee to the designated email address: ab17@soas.ac.uk.
Application Process for the Scholarship
The application process for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship involves several key steps. Aspiring scholars must first apply for a master’s degree program at SOAS. Details on how to apply for taught master’s programs can be found on the SOAS website. Following admission to a program, applicants can then proceed to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship application must be submitted via the SOAS admissions portal by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. Applicants will need their course application login credentials to access the scholarship application form.
