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Study in UK | SOAS London Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027

June 21, 2026 10:11 am

Study in UK | SOAS London Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2027

A scholarship worth up to £45,479 is now available at SOAS University of London for students seeking a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The award particularly focuses on future leaders committed to Africa’s development agenda. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation backs this funding package, which combines tuition support with a substantial living stipend. This makes it one of the more attractive master’s scholarships currently available for the 2026/27 academic intake.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS targets international applicants enrolling in a one-year taught master’s programme in London. The award primarily seeks academically strong candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in governance, leadership, public policy, or development challenges affecting Africa. Successful recipients receive funding valued at £45,479, covering tuition fees and providing maintenance support during their studies.

A Funding Package That Goes Beyond Tuition

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. The university deducts tuition fees directly from this amount, while the remaining balance goes 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 covers full-time one-year taught master’s programmes beginning in September 2026.

The award does not fund pre-sessional courses. Applicants should plan their finances accordingly if additional English-language preparation is required before enrolment.

Who Has the Best Chance of Selection

The scholarship opens itself to overseas-fee-paying students starting a new master’s degree at SOAS in September 2026. You must possess at least the equivalent of a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1). You must also secure an unconditional admission offer before the scholarship selection panel meets.

Students from around the world may receive consideration. However, the selection process strongly favours applicants ordinarily resident in Africa. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders capable of contributing to governance improvements, institutional development, and sustainable growth across the African continent.

Candidates who can clearly connect their academic goals with Africa’s future development priorities will be particularly competitive.

Why SOAS Remains a Strong Destination for Development Studies

Located in central London, SOAS University of London has developed an international reputation for teaching and research focused on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The institution is widely recognised for programmes in international development, public policy, economics, governance, law, social sciences, and regional studies.

For students interested in public leadership, governance reform, sustainable development, and international cooperation, SOAS offers access to a global academic network. The university also maintains strong connections with policymakers, development practitioners, and international organizations.

The scholarship’s alignment with both SOAS and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reflects a shared focus on leadership development and evidence-based policymaking.

What Applicants Need to Prepare

First, submit an application for admission to an eligible master’s programme at SOAS. Admission assessments can take several weeks, so apply early to avoid delays in obtaining the required login credentials for the scholarship portal.

The scholarship selection panel will evaluate you based on academic achievement and the quality of your personal statement. Explain your academic objectives, leadership potential, and intended contribution to governance or development outcomes, particularly within Africa.

SOAS advises applicants not to use generative AI tools to write scholarship statements. Such tools may be used for grammar checks and structural planning only.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London is 19 June 2026 at 12 noon UK local time.

Visit the SOAS website today, review the full scholarship details, and prepare your application. Your £45,479 funded master’s degree in London awaits.