Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship — Master's Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship supports future leaders committed to Africa’s development at SOAS University of London. For 2026/27, it offered two awards for new overseas-fee students beginning any full-time, one-year taught master’s programme through an eligible on-campus or online route in September 2026.

The Foundation funds the award, while SOAS administers the course and scholarship applications. Ordinary residence in Africa and demonstrated interest in African governance or development are preferences, not eligibility restrictions.

Benefits & funding

Two awards were available for 2026/27.
Each award had a total value of £45,479.
SOAS deducts tuition fees from the award and pays the remainder directly to the student as a maintenance stipend.
The scholarship does not fund or permit a pre-sessional programme.

Eligibility

Applicants must be new admissions beginning in September 2026 on a full-time, one-year taught master’s programme.
Applicants must have Overseas fee status.
Applicants must hold at least a UK 2:1 bachelor’s degree or an international equivalent.
Applicants must hold an unconditional SOAS offer by the time the scholarship panel meets.
No nationality or residence restriction is stated. Ordinary residence in Africa is a selection preference.
Interest in governance or development in Africa is also a selection preference.

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Education required
Bachelor

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Application process

1
Select an eligible full-time, one-year taught master’s programme at SOAS and submit the course application early.
2
Provide the required course documents, including academic records, passport identity page, CV or résumé, and a supporting statement.
3
After receiving course-application login credentials, submit the separate scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal.
4
For the 2026/27 round, complete the scholarship application by 12 noon UK time on 17 June 2026.
5
The panel assesses academic merit and the personal statement; an unconditional offer is required when the panel meets.

Program timeline

The Foundation announced that applications were open.
21 May 2026
Scholarship application deadline.
17 June 2026 at 12 noon UK time
Shortlisting and awards expected to be completed.
Mid-July 2026 at the earliest
Eligible taught master’s programmes begin.
September 2026