Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS University of London Scholarships: A Guide for Aspiring African Leaders

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has partnered with SOAS University of London to offer a new scholarship opportunity for master’s students. This award is designed to support emerging leaders from Africa who are committed to the continent’s development. With a significant funding amount, these scholarships aim to remove financial barriers for talented individuals seeking to advance their education and leadership skills. This guide will break down the key details of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS University of London Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Understanding the Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, established by Mo Ibrahim, focuses on improving leadership and governance in Africa. Their collaboration with SOAS University of London represents a commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders. The scholarship provides substantial financial support, covering tuition fees and offering a maintenance stipend for living expenses.

Scholarship Value and Coverage

For the 2026/2027 academic year, there are two scholarships available. Each award is valued at £45,479. This amount is intended to cover the full cost of tuition fees for a one-year taught master’s program. The remaining funds will be disbursed directly to the student as a stipend to help with living costs during their studies in the UK.

Eligible Programs

This scholarship is open to students pursuing any full-time, one-year taught master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. The program of study must commence in the 2026/2027 academic year. Prospective students should ensure their chosen master’s program meets these criteria before applying.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS University of London Scholarships, applicants must meet specific requirements. Firstly, they must be new students beginning their master’s studies in September 2026. Secondly, applicants must hold an “Overseas” fee status, meaning they are not considered a UK resident for tuition fee purposes.

A minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification is also required. Crucially, candidates must have an unconditional offer for their chosen master’s program from SOAS by the time the scholarship selection panel convenes. It is important to note that this scholarship does not cover funding for pre-sessional courses.

Application Process

The application process involves two main steps. First, prospective students must apply for their desired master’s degree program at SOAS University of London. The university advises submitting program applications as early as possible, as admissions decisions can take several weeks, especially during peak periods.

Once an application for admission has been submitted, candidates can then proceed to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship application must be submitted through the SOAS admissions portal by 12 noon UK local time on June 17, 2026. Applicants will need their login credentials from their program application to access the scholarship application form.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The application deadline for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS University of London Scholarships is June 17, 2026. This date is firm, and late applications will not be considered. Prospective students should ensure they have submitted both their program application and their scholarship application well in advance of this deadline.

Additional Information

For further details and to access the official scholarship webpage, applicants are encouraged to visit the SOAS University of London website. This resource provides comprehensive information about the scholarship, including any updates or clarifications. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s dedication to African development makes this a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain world-class education and contribute to their home countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS University of London Scholarship?

It’s a scholarship for African students pursuing a master’s degree at SOAS University of London, aiming to support future leaders in Africa’s development.

How much is the scholarship worth?

Each of the two scholarships is valued at £45,479, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend for living expenses for one year.

Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?

Eligible applicants must be new students starting a full-time, one-year taught master’s program in September 2026, have an ‘Overseas’ fee status, and hold an unconditional offer from SOAS.