The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Opens Application window for the Scholarship program for the Academic year 2027 at SOAS University of London for the Masters African Students.A scholarship worth up to £45,479.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an African non-grant foundation founded in 2006 by businessman Mo Ibrahim. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and Dakar, Senegal, it works to recognise achievement within leadership in Africa through initiatives including:
What Are the Key Details of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027?
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | SOAS University of London |
| Scholarship Name | Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027 |
| Funded By | Mo Ibrahim Foundation |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Study Type | Full-Time |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Number of Awards | 2 Scholarships |
| Scholarship Value | £45,479 |
| Eligible Students | International Students (Preference to Africans) |
| Location | London |
| Application Deadline | 17 June 2026 (12 Noon UK Time) |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition Fees + Maintenance Stipend |
What Benefits Does the Scholarship Provide?
Unlike many university scholarships that only reduce tuition costs, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship provides a fixed award value of £45,479 for each recipient. Tuition fees are deducted directly from this amount, while the remaining balance is paid to the student as a maintenance stipend to support living expenses in London.
Two scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year. The funding is intended exclusively for full-time one-year taught master’s programmes beginning in September 2026.
The award does not provide funding for pre-sessional courses, and applicants should plan their finances accordingly if additional English-language preparation is required before enrolment.
Who Can Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027?
- Any full-time 1-year taught masters degree programme beginning in 2026/27.
In order to be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a new admission, starting in September 2026.
- Be an Overseas fee status applicant.
- Have a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
- Hold an unconditional offer for their programme by the time the scholarship panel meet.
This scholarship does not cover funding or allow for pre-sessional programmes.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship Master’s Scholarship
- Candidates will be assessed by a selection panel based on their academic merit and personal statement. Information included in your scholarship and admissions applications will be reviewed by the panel.
- Preference will be given to candidates who are ordinarily resident in an African and those who demonstrate an interest in governance and/or development in Africa.
- Applicants should not use generative AI tools to write their scholarship application statements. You may, however, use AI tools to check grammar and spelling or to help you plan the structure of your statements. For further guidance on appropriate AI use, please refer to our guidance to students on the use of AI.
SOAS will not consider late or incomplete applications.
The scholarship shortlisting and awarding period is expected to be completed by mid-July at the earliest. Successful candidates will be contacted first, and once all awards have been allocated, unsuccessful candidates will be notified.
How Can You Apply for the Scholarship?
For enquiries regarding your programme application procedure please email mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk.
For any enquiries regarding the scholarship application procedure, please email scholarships@soas.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded Master’s scholarship offered at SOAS University of London for outstanding students, with preference given to African applicants.
Who can apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship?
International students who meet the academic requirements and have applied for an eligible Master’s programme at SOAS can apply. Preference is given to applicants from Africa.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend to support living expenses during study in London.
How many scholarships are available?
Two scholarships are available under the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship programme.
Which university hosts this scholarship?
The scholarship is hosted by SOAS University of London in the United Kingdom.
What level of study is supported?
The scholarship supports full-time Master’s degree programmes.
How long is the scholarship valid?
The scholarship supports a one-year taught Master’s programme.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Applicants should apply for admission to an eligible programme and obtain the necessary admissions credentials to complete the scholarship application.
What academic qualifications are required?
Applicants should normally hold at least a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an international equivalent.
Are African students given priority?
Yes. Preference is given to applicants who are ordinarily resident in African countries.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open to international applicants, although African candidates receive preference.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants may need academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, personal statement, and other supporting documents requested by SOAS.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No specific age limit has been announced for the scholarship.
What fields of study are eligible?
Eligible applicants can choose from approved one-year taught Master’s programmes offered by SOAS University of London.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to development, and the quality of the application.
Can I apply if I am already studying at SOAS?
The scholarship is generally intended for new students beginning an eligible Master’s programme.
When is the application deadline?
Applicants must submit their scholarship application before the official deadline stated by SOAS.
When will successful candidates be notified?
Successful applicants are usually notified after the selection process has been completed.
Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?
Applicants should review the scholarship terms and conditions regarding simultaneous funding.
Is English language proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must meet the English language requirements of their chosen SOAS programme.
Where can I apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027?
Applications are submitted through the official SOAS admissions and scholarship portal after applying for an eligible Master’s programme.
Why should I apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship provides financial support, access to world-class education, leadership development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to Africa’s future development.
