16 days left Fully Funded

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Deadline

2026-06-17

Country

United Kingdom

Level

masters

Organization

SOAS University of London / Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Field

Governance, Development Studies, Leadership

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London is designed to support and nurture future African leaders committed to the continent's development, specifically focusing on governance and leadership.

Coverage

There are two awards available for the 2026/27 academic year. Each scholarship has a total value of £45,479. This amount covers tuition fees, with the remainder provided to the student as a maintenance stipend.

Eligibility

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in an African country and demonstrate a clear interest in governance and/or development in Africa. You must be a new admission starting in September 2026 and hold an 'Overseas' fee status.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an international equivalent. You must hold an unconditional offer for your chosen master's programme by the time the scholarship panel meets.

How to apply

First, apply for your chosen master's degree programme via the SOAS admissions portal. Once you have applied for a course and received login credentials, you must submit a separate application for the scholarship through the same admissions portal by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026.

Notes

This scholarship does not cover pre-sessional programmes. It is highly recommended to submit your admission application as early as possible, as processing can take up to 4-6 weeks.

Source & Verification

Host organization: SOAS University of London / Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Original source: OpportunityDesk

Official application page: https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/student-life/finance/scholarships/mo-ibrahim-foundation-scholarship

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.