The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with SOAS University of London, has opened applications for its fully funded scholarship program; providing African students with the chance to pursue a PhD or Master’s degree in governance and development studies.
The scholarships, part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI), aim to support research into governance and leadership in Africa.
According to Scholarship Region, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship covers full tuition at SOAS and includes an annual £5,000 stipend for students.
Reports note that the program’s recent three-year extension reinforces its goal of building academic expertise in governance and development for African nationals. The Ibrahim Scholarships also supports aspiring African leaders at a number of distinguished academic institutions
Overview of the SOAS scholarship program
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship program provides full financial support for African students admitted to SOAS. The firm offers two PhD scholarships annually, focusing on governance’s social, economic, political, and legal dimensions.
- Reports note that by sponsoring students in development studies, law, economics, international relations, and related fields, the foundation supports the development of leadership in African governance.
- Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation underscores the importance of governance in driving progress and enhancing the quality of life across African nations.
- The foundation’s scholarships aim to provide African scholars with tools to conduct impactful research and contribute to Africa’s progress through governance studies.
Candidates chosen for the scholarship will also receive two return flights and coverage for their visa and accommodation costs for the first year.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Eligibility requirements for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship emphasize residence within Africa, with priority given to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Reports inform that the scholarship accepts students in specified fields, including development studies, law, economics, international relations, and financial management studies.
- Once admitted to an eligible PhD program at SOAS, candidates are invited to apply for the scholarship.
Applications, according to reports, are evaluated by a selection panel composed of SOAS academic members, focusing on academic merit and applicants’ ability to contribute to governance research.
Funding and support
The scholarship’s support extends through the three-year PhD duration. For the first year, it covers all tuition fees and living expenses, with an additional stipend of £5,000 in the second and third years.
Students are also expected to conduct fieldwork in their home countries during their second year and continue their research remotely in the third year.
The foundation also reimburses visa costs for the scholars upon submission of receipts.
Application process and deadlines
Details note that scholarship applicants must submit an unconditional offer of admission from SOAS, along with a CV, research proposal, and a letter of reference.
- Applications, as informed, are to be directed to Angelica Baschiera, Coordinator of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative, by email at ab17@soas.ac.uk.
- Prospective applicants should also note the scholarship application deadline of March 31, 2025.
As the admissions process can take up to eight weeks, candidates are encouraged to apply for PhD programs by January 2025 to meet the scholarship timeline. Full details and application guidelines are available on the SOAS website.
