The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in collaboration with SOAS University of London, has announced the opening of applications for its fully funded scholarship program, aimed at African students wishing to pursue a PhD or Master’s degree in governance and development studies.
This initiative is part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI), which seeks to advance research on governance and leadership across the continent.
According to Scholarship Region, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship includes complete tuition coverage at SOAS, along with an annual stipend of £5,000 for students.
The recent three-year extension of the program underscores its commitment to enhancing academic expertise in governance and development for African nationals. The Ibrahim Scholarships also support emerging African leaders at several prestigious academic institutions.
Overview of the SOAS Scholarship Program
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship program offers comprehensive financial assistance to African students enrolled at SOAS. The program awards two PhD scholarships each year, concentrating on the social, economic, political, and legal aspects of governance.
•By funding students in development studies, law, economics, international relations, and related fields, the foundation aims to cultivate leadership in African governance.
•Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation highlights the critical role of governance in fostering progress and improving quality of life throughout African nations.
•The scholarships are designed to equip African scholars with the necessary tools to conduct meaningful research and contribute to advancements in governance on the continent.
Additionally, recipients of the scholarship will benefit from two return flights and coverage of their visa and accommodation expenses for the first year.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, candidates must reside in Africa, with preference given to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
•The scholarship is open to students pursuing degrees in specified fields such as development studies, law, economics, international relations, and financial management.
•Applicants must first gain admission to an eligible PhD program at SOAS before applying for the scholarship.
•Applications are assessed by a selection panel of SOAS academic members, who evaluate candidates based on academic merit and their potential contributions to governance research.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applicants for the scholarship must submit an unconditional offer of admission from SOAS, along with a CV, research proposal, and a letter of reference.
•Applications should be sent to Angelica Baschiera, Coordinator of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative, via email at ab17@soas.ac.uk.
•The deadline for scholarship applications is March 31, 2025.
Given that the admissions process can take up to eight weeks, prospective candidates are encouraged to apply for PhD programs by January 2025 to align with the scholarship timeline. Full application details and guidelines are available on the SOAS website.
