UK University, Mo Ibrahim Foundation launches fully funded scholarships for African Students at SOAS

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in collaboration with SOAS University of London, has announced the opening of applications for its fully funded scholarship program, which offers African students the opportunity to pursue a PhD or Master’s degree in governance and development studies.

These scholarships are part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI) and aim to foster research into governance and leadership across the continent.

According to reports from Scholarship Region, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship covers full tuition fees at SOAS, along with an annual stipend of £5,000 for students.

The recent three-year extension of the program emphasizes its commitment to building academic expertise in governance and development among African nationals. The Ibrahim Scholarships also support emerging African leaders at various esteemed academic institutions.

Overview of the SOAS Scholarship Program

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship program provides comprehensive financial support for African students accepted into SOAS. Each year, two PhD scholarships are offered, concentrating on the social, economic, political, and legal dimensions of governance.

By sponsoring students in fields such as development studies, law, economics, international relations, and related disciplines, the foundation aims to cultivate leadership in African governance. Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation highlights the crucial role of governance in fostering progress and improving quality of life across African nations. The scholarships are designed to equip African scholars with the necessary tools to conduct impactful research and contribute to governance studies.

Additionally, recipients of the scholarship will receive two return flights and coverage for their visa and accommodation expenses for the first year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Eligibility for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship requires applicants to be residents of Africa, with a preference for those from Sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarship is open to students in designated fields, including development studies, law, economics, international relations, and financial management.

Candidates must gain admission to an eligible PhD program at SOAS before applying for the scholarship. Applications will be assessed by a selection panel of SOAS academics, focusing on academic merit and the applicants’ potential contributions to governance research.

Funding and Support

The scholarship provides financial assistance for the full three-year duration of the PhD program. In the first year, it covers all tuition and living expenses, with an additional stipend of £5,000 available for the second and third years. Students are expected to conduct fieldwork in their home countries during the second year and continue their research remotely in the third year. The foundation also reimburses visa expenses for scholars upon receipt of relevant documents.

Application Process and Deadlines

To apply for the scholarship, candidates must submit an unconditional offer of admission from SOAS, along with a CV, research proposal, and a letter of reference. Applications should be sent via email to Angelica Baschiera, Coordinator of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative, at ab17@soas.ac.uk. The scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2025. Since the admissions process may take up to eight weeks, prospective applicants are encouraged to apply for their PhD programs by January 2025 to align with the scholarship timeline. Complete details and application guidelines are available on the SOAS website.