The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for African students at the University of London in the UK. This program is provided by the Centre of African Studies at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London, in collaboration with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The Governance for Development in Africa Initiative has been extended by three more years, supporting African students pursuing postgraduate and PhD studies related to governance and development.
Scholarship Highlights
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Programs Available: Postgraduate and PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to students from African countries
- Scholarship Package: Full tuition, £5,000 annual stipend, travel expenses covered
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Scholarship Goals and Focus Areas
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship aims to support African nationals by advancing research in governance and development across Africa. The initiative fosters an academic environment that explores the socio-economic, political, and legal intersections of governance, which the Mo Ibrahim Foundation considers essential to improving the quality of life on the continent. Established in 2006, the foundation promotes good governance and leadership as critical elements in Africa’s development.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must reside in Africa or be a permanent resident of an African country.
- Candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa are given priority.
- Admission into an eligible PhD program at SOAS, University of London, in:
- Development Studies
- Law
- Economics
- International Relations/Politics
- CISD (Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy)
- DEFIMS (Department for Financial and Management Studies)
- Have a confirmed place in the selected program.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates need to submit the following documents:
- Unconditional offer of admission from SOAS.
- Updated CV with contact information.
- Two-page statement demonstrating interest and knowledge in governance issues.
- Research proposal as submitted to SOAS.
- One academic reference directly sent to ab17@soas.ac.uk.
Selection and Scholarship Benefits
Applicants are selected based on academic merit, assessed by a panel from SOAS. The scholarship provides coverage for:
- Tuition fees: Covered for three years.
- Living expenses: Accommodation and living costs are covered for the first year.
- Annual stipend: £5,000 provided for years two and three.
- Travel and visa costs: Includes two return flights (one in the first year and one for the viva) and visa fees (reimbursed upon receipt submission).
- Fieldwork and Thesis: Scholars are encouraged to conduct fieldwork in the second year and complete their thesis in their home country by the third year.
Application Instructions
To apply, submit the necessary documents, including the unconditional offer, research proposal, CV, and academic reference, to Angelica Baschiera, Coordinator of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative, at ab17@soas.ac.uk.
- Important Deadline: March 31, 2025.
- Application Timing: It is advised to apply for the PhD program by January 2025, as processing can take up to 8 weeks.
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