The 2025 University of London Scholarship, sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, is now open for applications. This fully funded opportunity is offered through the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative and provides African students a chance to pursue a doctoral degree at SOAS, University of London. It focuses on research in governance, state capacity, and public sector development in Africa. This scholarship supports students dedicated to advancing understanding in these areas, aiming to foster development-oriented governance solutions.
This scholarship provides full coverage of tuition and other essential expenses for selected candidates. It is designed for students whose research projects focus on themes like state capacity, governance of state-owned enterprises, political settlements, and public policy implementation in Africa. It’s an ideal opportunity for students aiming to contribute to governance improvement across the continent.
Scholarship Requirements and Benefits
The University of London Scholarship, under the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s initiative, targets African nationals with a strong academic background and interest in governance-related issues. No IELTS is required for the application, which makes it accessible for a broad range of applicants. The scholarship benefits include full tuition coverage for the PhD program at SOAS and access to a network of researchers focused on governance and development in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be African nationals with a relevant academic background and research interest in governance, state capacity, or public sector development.
- Submit an unconditional offer letter from SOAS, University of London, confirming their acceptance into the doctoral program.
- Include a CV with contact details, a research proposal, and a two-page statement on their knowledge and interest in governance and development.
- Provide an academic reference, which must be sent directly from the referee to the designated email address at SOAS.
How to Apply for the University of London Scholarship
Eligible candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Obtain an unconditional offer for the PhD program at SOAS by completing the SOAS admissions process.
- Prepare and organize the following documents:
- A CV that includes your email address.
- A copy of the unconditional offer letter from SOAS.
- A two-page statement expressing your interest and experience in governance issues.
- A detailed research proposal submitted to SOAS Admissions.
- One academic reference sent directly by your referee to the SOAS scholarship coordinator.
- Email all application documents to:
- Angelica Baschiera
- Coordinator, Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative
- Email: ab17@soas.ac.uk
The application deadline is March 31, 2025, so ensure that all documents are submitted well in advance to secure your place.
Tips and Recommendations for Applicants
- Focus on governance and development issues specifically relevant to Africa, as this aligns with the scholarship’s mission.
- Emphasize any prior experience or academic interest in public sector governance, state capacity, and development.
- Ensure your research proposal is clear and highlights the relevance of your work to African governance issues.
- Submit a well-prepared, professional CV and secure a strong academic reference to enhance your application.
Scholarship Alerts: For scholarship updates, you can receive alerts on WhatsApp by clicking here.
For more scholarship opportunities, click here.
