Understanding the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships for African Students
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with SOAS University of London, offers a significant scholarship opportunity for African students aiming to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. This scholarship is designed to support future leaders dedicated to the advancement of Africa. It covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend, making it a fully funded award for selected candidates.
Scholarship Overview
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship is a fully funded award available to students from African countries. It is specifically for postgraduate studies at SOAS University of London. The scholarship aims to foster leadership and governance across the African continent by supporting talented individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements. Firstly, they must be new students beginning their studies in September 2026. Applicants must also hold an “Overseas” fee status. A minimum academic qualification of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification is necessary. Crucially, candidates must possess an unconditional offer for their chosen program at SOAS by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship offers substantial financial support. There are two awards available for the 2026/27 academic year. Each award has a total value of £45,479. This amount is used to cover the cost of tuition fees. The remainder of the grant is paid directly to the student as a maintenance stipend to help with living expenses during their studies.
Application Requirements
Prospective applicants need to prepare specific documents for their scholarship application. A copy of the unconditional offer letter from the SOAS admissions office is mandatory. Applicants must also submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV), ensuring their email address is included. A statement, limited to a maximum of two pages, is required to outline the applicant’s knowledge and interest in governance-related issues. If applicable, the research proposal submitted to the SOAS Admissions Office should also be included. Additionally, one academic reference letter is needed, which should be sent directly by the referee to [email protected].
How to Apply
The application process involves several steps. First, applicants must apply for a master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. Information on taught master’s applications can be found on the SOAS website. Once an applicant has applied for a course, they will receive login credentials for the admissions portal. The scholarship application itself must be submitted through this admissions portal by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. It is important to note the deadline for both course application and scholarship submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship?
It’s a fully funded scholarship for African students pursuing postgraduate studies at SOAS University of London, aiming to support future leaders in Africa.
Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible applicants are new students starting in September 2026, with an ‘Overseas’ fee status, a 2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and an unconditional offer from SOAS.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend for living expenses, with a total value of £45,479 for each of the two awards.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You must first apply for a master’s program at SOAS and then submit the scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal by June 17, 2026.
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