Mo Ibrahim Foundation University SOAS Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity at the University of London in the United Kingdom.
The Centre of African Studies at SOAS, University of London, is pleased to announce the extension of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative, funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, for another three years.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has generously provided SOAS with scholarships covering full tuition and £5,000 every year for African students undertaking a full-time PhD and Masters programme in the field of Governance for Development in Africa.
Facts About the University of London
1. The Birthplace of Higher Education
The University of London is one of the oldest universities in the UK, founded in 1836 by a royal charter from King William IV.
2. A Global Family
With over 170,000 students from 180 countries, the University of London is one of the largest and most diverse universities in the world.
3. Nobel Legacy
An impressive 84 Nobel Prize winners have been affiliated with the University of London, including Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf.
4. Iconic Landmarks
The University of London’s campus is home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Senate House, the British Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.
5. Distance Learning Pioneer
The University of London was the first university to offer distance learning programs, starting in 1858, making it a pioneer in online education.
6. Research Powerhouse
The University of London is ranked among the top 5 universities globally for research output, with over £1 billion in annual research funding.
7. Famous Footsteps
Notable alumni include Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, J.K. Rowling and many more.
8. Global Connections
The University of London has partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide, including institutions in the US, Australia and Asia.
9. History-Making Innovations
The University of London has a rich history of innovation, with achievements including the discovery of DNA structure, the development of the first computer and the creation of the first antibiotic.
10. Shaping the Future
The University of London is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, tackling global challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence and healthcare.
Details For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
The Centre of African Studies, School of African Studies (SOAS) University of London offers 2 PhDs to African nationals as part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
The focus of the project remains the same in terms of creating a dedicated environment to support the study of the socio-economic, political, and legal links between governance and development.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) is an African foundation, established in 2006 with one focus: the critical importance of governance and leadership in Africa. It is our belief that governance and leadership lie at the heart of any tangible and shared improvement in the quality of life of African citizens.
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA Leadership is about making choices, defining priorities, and taking risks. Governance is about properly documenting and effectively implementing these choices.
Requirements For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, you must:
- Candidates must be domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country.
- Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The eligible PhD are only those within the following departments:
- Development Studies
- Law
- Economics
- International Relations/Politics
- CISD (Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy)
- DEFIMS (Department for Financial and Management Studies)
- Distance Learning: Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CEFIMS), DEFIMS
- Once the place is secured, the applicants can apply for the scholarship.
Selection Criteria For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by a panel consisting of SOAS academic members. The assessment of your application will be based on the information in your scholarship application.
Duration and Reward For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
- PhD: The scholarship is on a part?present form and it provides for fees for three years. However, accommodation and living cost are covered for the first year only.
- The scholarship will also cover in total 2 return flights : one during the first year, and one for the viva (plus one week’s accommodation around the viva).
- In year 2 and year 3, the successful candidate will also receive an annual stipend of £5,000.
- We also cover visa cost, provided receipts are submitted to the Centre of African Studies office.
- We expect students to be on fieldwork during the second year, and to write the thesis in the third year in their country of origin.
Required Documents For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- A copy of the unconditional offer received from SOAS admissions office.
- CV (please include your email address).
- Two pages max statement outlining knowledge and interest in governance-related issues.
- Your research proposal (as sent to the SOAS Admissions Office).
- One academic reference (to be sent directly by referee to ab17@soas.ac.uk).
How To Apply For 2025 Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans
To apply, send your unconditional offer of admission, research proposal, CV, and one reference to:
Angelica Baschiera
Coordinator
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative
Email: ab17@soas.ac.uk
- NOTE: By 31st of March you must have an Unconditional offer for PhD in order to be considered for funding.
- Note that it takes 8 weeks to receive an offer of admission for PhD, therefore to apply for the PhD at least or before January 2025.