Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027 at SOAS London Open
A scholarship worth up to £45,479 is now available at SOAS University of London for students seeking a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on future leaders committed to Africa’s development agenda. Backed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the funding package combines tuition support with a substantial living stipend, making it one of the more attractive master’s scholarships currently available for the 2026/27 academic intake.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS is designed for international applicants enrolling in a one-year taught master’s programme in London. The award primarily targets academically strong candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in governance, leadership, public policy, or development challenges affecting Africa. Successful recipients receive funding valued at £45,479, covering tuition fees and providing maintenance support during their studies.
A Funding Package That Goes Beyond Tuition
Unlike many university scholarships that only reduce tuition costs, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship provides a fixed award value of £45,479 for each recipient. Tuition fees are deducted directly from this amount, while the remaining balance is paid to the student as a maintenance stipend to support living expenses in London.
Two scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year. The funding is intended exclusively for full-time one-year taught master’s programmes beginning in September 2026.
The award does not provide funding for pre-sessional courses, and applicants should plan their finances accordingly if additional English-language preparation is required before enrolment.
Who Has the Best Chance of Selection?
The scholarship is open to overseas-fee-paying students who will be starting a new master’s degree at SOAS in September 2026. Applicants must possess at least the equivalent of a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) and must secure an unconditional admission offer before the scholarship selection panel meets.
While students from around the world may be considered, the selection process strongly favours applicants who are ordinarily resident in Africa. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship was created to help cultivate future leaders capable of contributing to governance improvements, institutional development, and sustainable growth across the African continent.
Candidates who can clearly connect their academic goals with Africa’s future development priorities are likely to be particularly competitive.
Why SOAS Remains a Strong Destination for Development Studies?
Located in central London, SOAS University of London has developed an international reputation for teaching and research focused on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The institution is widely recognised for programmes in international development, public policy, economics, governance, law, social sciences, and regional studies.
For students interested in public leadership, governance reform, sustainable development, and international cooperation, SOAS offers access to a global academic network and strong connections with policymakers, development practitioners, and international organizations.
The scholarship’s alignment with both SOAS and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reflects a shared focus on leadership development and evidence-based policymaking.
What Applicants Need to Prepare?
Prospective candidates must first submit an application for admission to an eligible master’s programme at SOAS. Because admission assessments can take several weeks, students are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays in obtaining the required login credentials for the scholarship portal.
The scholarship selection panel will evaluate applicants based on academic achievement and the quality of their personal statements. Candidates should be prepared to explain their academic objectives, leadership potential, and intended contribution to governance or development outcomes, particularly within Africa.
SOAS has also advised applicants not to use generative AI tools to write scholarship statements, although such tools may be used for grammar checks and structural planning.
The application deadline for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London is 17 June 2026 at 12 noon UK local time.