African students looking for fully funded master’s scholarships in the UK now have an incredible opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading institutions for development studies, governance, public policy, and African studies.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 at SOAS University of London is now open for applications.

This prestigious UK scholarship is designed to support future African leaders passionate about:

• Governance
• Public policy
• Economic development
• Leadership
• International relations
• Sustainable development
• African transformation

The scholarship offers funding worth up to £45,479, covering:

• Full tuition fees
• Living stipend
• Financial support for studying in the UK

What Is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship?

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in partnership with SOAS University of London.

The programme aims to support and nurture outstanding African students committed to Africa’s development, governance, and leadership transformation.

The scholarship is specifically targeted at students pursuing a:

• Full-time
• One-year taught Master’s degree at SOAS University of London beginning in September 2026.

Preference is given to candidates:

• Ordinarily resident in Africa
• Passionate about governance and development issues in Africa
• With strong academic records and leadership potential

Scholarship Benefits

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is one of the most generous UK postgraduate scholarships available for African students.

Scholarship Value

Successful applicants will receive funding worth:

£45,479

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Maintenance stipend
• Living expenses support

Tuition fees will be deducted from the total award, while the remaining amount is paid directly to the student as a maintenance allowance.

This funding can significantly reduce:

• Student loan dependency
• Financial pressure
• International tuition burdens

The programme is highly attractive for students interested in:

• International development careers
• Public sector leadership
• Global policy careers
• Research and governance roles

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027, applicants must:

Applicants Must:

• Be new admissions starting in September 2026
• Be classified as Overseas fee-paying students
• Hold a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s degree or international equivalent
• Hold an unconditional offer for an eligible programme before the scholarship panel meeting
• Demonstrate strong interest in governance and development issues in Africa

Preference will be given to:

• Applicants ordinarily resident in Africa
• Students committed to African leadership and governance development

Eligible Programmes

The scholarship supports full-time one-year taught Master’s programmes at SOAS University of London.

Students interested in:

• Governance
• Development Studies
• International Relations
• Economics
• Public Policy
• African Studies
• Sustainable Development

may find relevant eligible programmes at SOAS.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Applying for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship requires careful preparation.

Step 1: Apply for Admission to SOAS

Before applying for the scholarship, applicants must first apply for an eligible master’s programme at SOAS University of London.

Official SOAS Admission Portal: https://www.soas.ac.uk/

Step 2: Secure an Unconditional Offer

Applicants must hold an unconditional admission offer before scholarship consideration.

Conditional offers may not qualify.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Common required documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• CV/Resume
• Personal statement
• Passport copy
• References
• Admission offer letter

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Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship

Scholarship applications must be submitted through the SOAS admissions portal using your student login credentials.

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early because UK scholarships are highly competitive.

Application Deadline

Deadline:

17 June 2026

Applicants should begin preparing documents several months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship provides funding worth up to £45,479 covering tuition and living support.

2. Who can apply?

Primarily African students applying for eligible master’s programmes at SOAS University of London.

3. Is IELTS required?

Language requirements depend on SOAS admission requirements.

4. What courses are eligible?

Eligible programmes are mainly related to:

• Governance
• Development
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• African Studies

5. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 17 June 2026.

6. Can undergraduate students apply?

No. The scholarship is mainly for postgraduate taught master’s programmes.

Conclusion

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 is one of the best fully funded UK scholarships available for African students interested in governance, development, leadership, and public policy.

With funding worth over £45,000, access to world-class education, and exposure to international leadership networks, the scholarship offers an excellent pathway for students seeking careers in:

• Global development
• International governance
• Diplomacy
• Economic policy
• Sustainable development