Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships: A Guide for African Students
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, dedicated to fostering leadership and governance in Africa, offers a significant scholarship opportunity for African students pursuing postgraduate studies at SOAS University of London. This fully funded scholarship aims to support emerging leaders committed to the continent’s development. For the 2026/2027 academic year, two awards are available, each covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend.
This guide will break down the details of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, the benefits offered, and the necessary steps to submit a successful application. Understanding these components is key for any aspiring candidate looking to advance their education and contribute to Africa’s future.
Scholarship Overview
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to empower African students. It is hosted in the United Kingdom at SOAS University of London, a renowned institution for the study of languages, cultures, and social sciences of Africa and Asia. This scholarship falls under postgraduate studies and is open to applicants from all African countries.
The scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers all essential costs associated with studying abroad. This includes tuition fees and a living stipend. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the total value of each award is £45,479. This generous funding aims to remove financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic pursuits and personal development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship, candidates must meet specific requirements. These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports individuals who are well-prepared for postgraduate study and align with the foundation’s mission.
First, applicants must be new students intending to start their program in September 2026. They must also hold an “Overseas” fee status, which typically applies to international students. Academically, a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or its international equivalent is required. Crucially, applicants must possess an unconditional offer for their chosen program from SOAS University of London by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes.
Scholarship Benefits and Duration
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship offers substantial benefits to its recipients. As mentioned, there are two awards available for the 2026/2027 academic year. Each award has a total value of £45,479. This amount is allocated to cover the full cost of tuition fees.
The remainder of the £45,479 grant is paid directly to the student. This portion serves as a maintenance stipend, intended to help cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs during the study period. The scholarship covers the duration of the chosen master’s degree program.
Required Application Documents
Prospective candidates must prepare a specific set of documents to support their scholarship application. Having these ready in advance will streamline the application process and ensure all requirements are met by the deadline.
Key documents include a copy of the unconditional offer letter received from the SOAS admissions office. Applicants will also need to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV), which should clearly include their email address. A statement, not exceeding two pages, is required to outline the applicant’s knowledge and interest in governance-related issues. This is a critical part of the application, demonstrating alignment with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s goals.
Additionally, applicants must submit their research proposal, the same one that was sent to the SOAS Admissions Office. Finally, one academic reference is needed. This reference must be sent directly by the referee to the specified email address: [email protected].
Application Process
The application process for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship involves several steps. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your application is considered.
The first step is to apply for a master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. Information on how to apply for taught master’s programs can be found on the SOAS website. Once you have applied for a course, you will receive login credentials for the admissions portal.
The scholarship application itself must be submitted via this admissions portal. The deadline for scholarship applications is 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. It is advisable to complete both the course application and the scholarship application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship?
It’s a fully funded scholarship for African students to study a master’s degree at SOAS University of London, aiming to support future leaders for Africa.
Who is eligible for this scholarship?
You must be a new student from an African country, have an ‘Overseas’ fee status, hold a 2:1 degree, and have an unconditional offer from SOAS for a master’s program starting in September 2026.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a living stipend of £45,479 in total for the 2026/2027 academic year.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
First, apply for a master’s program at SOAS. Then, submit your scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal with all required documents by June 17, 2026.
