Understanding the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring leaders focused on Africa’s development. This scholarship aims to support individuals committed to strengthening leadership and governance across the continent. By providing financial assistance, it helps nurture the next generation of African leaders.
Scholarship Overview
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, established by Dr. Mo Ibrahim, is dedicated to improving leadership and governance in Africa. The foundation has created a scholarship at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) to support students pursuing postgraduate studies. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s mission to foster positive change and development within African nations.
Scholarship Details
For the 2026/2027 academic year, there are two Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships available. Each scholarship is valued at £45,479. This amount covers tuition fees, with the remaining funds provided to the student as a stipend for living expenses. It is important to note that this scholarship does not cover pre-sessional programs.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must be new students beginning their studies in September 2026. Applicants should also have an overseas fee status. A minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification is required. Crucially, candidates must hold an unconditional offer for their chosen program by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes.
Application Process
The application for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship involves two main steps. First, applicants must apply for their chosen master’s degree program at SOAS. It is advisable to submit your program application as early as possible, as admissions decisions can take several weeks, especially during busy periods.
Once an application for admission is submitted, the next step is to apply for the scholarship itself. The scholarship application must be submitted by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. Applicants will need to use their login credentials from the program application to access the scholarship application portal. Further details and the application link can be found on the SOAS website.
