Call for Applications: Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London – Apply By 17 June 2026 @SOAS University of London – Apply By 17 June 2026

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support academically outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, governance, and development in Africa. Established through the generosity of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an African organisation founded by Dr Mo Ibrahim, the scholarship aligns with the Foundation’s mission of strengthening governance and promoting sustainable development across the African continent.

The award is structured to attract future leaders who are expected to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s social, political, and economic transformation through advanced academic training and critical engagement with global development challenges.

Scholarship Value and Financial Coverage

The scholarship provides substantial financial support for selected candidates pursuing postgraduate study.

• Two awards are available for the 2026/27 academic year
• Each award is valued at £45,479 in total funding
• Coverage includes:
  • Full tuition fees (deducted from the total award value)
  • Remaining funds provided as a maintenance stipend to support living expenses

This structure ensures that recipients can focus fully on academic and professional development without undue financial burden.

Eligible Academic Programmes

The scholarship is applicable to a defined range of postgraduate study options at SOAS University of London.

• Eligible programmes include:
  • Any full-time, one-year taught Master’s degree
  • Programmes commencing in the 2026/27 academic year

It is important to note that the scholarship does not extend to:

• Pre-sessional programmes
• Part-time study routes
• Multi-year taught degrees

Applicants are expected to commit fully to an intensive one-year academic experience.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet strict academic and administrative requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be a new entrant starting studies in September 2026
• Hold Overseas fee status
• Possess a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent)
• Hold an unconditional offer for their chosen Master’s programme by the time the scholarship panel convenes

Additionally, preference is given to:

• Candidates ordinarily resident in Africa
• Applicants demonstrating a clear academic or professional interest in:
  • Governance
  • Development studies
  • African policy and institutional transformation

These criteria reflect the Foundation’s strategic focus on nurturing leadership capacity within Africa.

Application Process and Key Steps

The application process is structured in two sequential stages, both of which must be completed within specified deadlines.

Step 1: Programme Application

• Applicants must first apply for a relevant Master’s degree programme at SOAS University of London
• Admission applications should be submitted as early as possible
• Departmental review of applications may take:
  • Up to four weeks under normal conditions
  • Up to six weeks during peak admission periods

Applicants are strongly advised to account for processing times to ensure eligibility for scholarship consideration.

Step 2: Scholarship Application

• Applicants must submit a separate scholarship application via the admissions portal
• Deadline: 17 June 2026 (12:00 noon UK local time)
• Access to the scholarship application portal requires prior submission of a programme application

Late or incomplete applications are not considered under any circumstances.

Selection and Assessment Criteria

Scholarship selection is conducted by an academic and administrative panel responsible for evaluating candidates based on merit and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives.

Assessment is based on:

• Academic excellence and intellectual capability
• Quality and clarity of the personal statement
• Alignment with governance and development priorities in Africa
• Evidence of leadership potential and commitment to impact

The selection process integrates both admissions and scholarship application materials to ensure a holistic evaluation of each candidate.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Applications

Applicants are expected to maintain academic integrity in the preparation of their personal statements.

• Generative AI tools must not be used to write application statements
• AI tools may be used for:
  • Grammar and spelling correction
  • Structural planning and organisation of ideas

This policy ensures authenticity and fairness in the evaluation process while still allowing limited supportive use of technology.

Notification of Results and Award Timeline

The scholarship selection process follows a structured timeline.

• Shortlisting and awarding are expected to conclude by mid-July 2026 (earliest estimate)
• Successful candidates will be notified first
• Once all awards are allocated, unsuccessful applicants will also be informed

Applicants are advised to monitor their email and admissions portal regularly during this period.

Contact Information and Further Enquiries

For assistance related to applications, SOAS University of London provides dedicated contact channels.

• Programme application enquiries:
  mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk
• Scholarship application enquiries:
  scholarships@soas.ac.uk

These contacts should be used for clarification regarding eligibility, documentation, or procedural requirements.

Conclusion: Strategic Importance of the Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship represents a significant investment in developing future leaders with the capacity to influence governance and development outcomes across Africa. By combining rigorous academic training at SOAS University of London with targeted financial support, the programme seeks to empower individuals who are committed to evidence-based policy, institutional reform, and sustainable development practices.

The scholarship ultimately functions as both an educational opportunity and a leadership development platform, positioning recipients to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s long-term transformation.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.