The Mo Ibrahim Foundation in partnership with SOAS University of London has announced applications for the 2026/2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships, offering fully funded support worth £45,479 for African students pursuing master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship program aims to support and develop future African leaders committed to governance, development, and social transformation across the continent. According to SOAS University of London, two scholarships will be awarded for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The scholarships are open to applicants enrolling in any full time one-year taught master’s program beginning in September 2026 at SOAS University of London. The award covers full tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend, with the total value amounting to £45,479.
In the official scholarship announcement, SOAS described the vision behind the partnership:
“This award aims to support and nurture future leaders committed to Africa’s development.”
The university further explained that the program aligns closely with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s mission of strengthening leadership and governance across Africa.
“The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an African organization founded and funded by Dr Mo Ibrahim and dedicated to strengthening leadership and governance across the continent, has generously established a new scholarship at SOAS,”
the university stated in the scholarship announcement.
The scholarship specifically gives preference to students who are ordinarily resident in African countries and applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in governance, leadership, or development issues affecting Africa.
According to the eligibility requirements published by SOAS, candidates must hold an overseas fee status, possess at least a UK upper second-class honors degree or international equivalent, and secure an unconditional admission offer before the scholarship selection panel convenes.
Applications for the scholarship close at 12 noon UK local time on 17 June 2026. Applicants are required to first apply for an eligible master’s program before submitting a separate scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal.
The scholarship comes at a time when increasing numbers of African students are seeking international postgraduate opportunities in governance, international relations, development studies, economics, law, and public policy. SOAS University of London remains one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions specializing in Africa, Asia, and Middle Eastern studies.
On its postgraduate scholarship platform, SOAS highlighted its broader commitment to supporting international students through financial aid initiatives.
“Over 320 awards totaling £4m” are being offered for the 2026/27 academic year, according to the university’s scholarship information portal.
The university also noted that approximately “1 in 3 of our international postgraduates received a scholarship” during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Founded by Sudanese born businessman and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has become internationally recognized for promoting good governance, leadership, and accountability in Africa. The foundation is widely known for initiatives such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
The scholarship program reflects growing investments by African philanthropic organizations in higher education and leadership development. Analysts say such initiatives are increasingly important as African countries seek skilled professionals capable of addressing governance challenges, economic transformation, and sustainable development.
SOAS stated that scholarship applications will be assessed based on academic merit and personal statements submitted during both the admissions and scholarship processes.
The university also warned applicants against inappropriate use of artificial intelligence tools during the application process.
“Applicants should not use generative AI tools to write their scholarship application statements,”
SOAS said in its official guidance to candidates.
The selection and shortlisting process is expected to conclude by mid-July 2026, with successful candidates contacted first before notifications are sent to unsuccessful applicants.
The scholarship has already generated significant attention among international applicants online, particularly among students from Africa and Asia discussing application timelines and funding opportunities on education forums and social media platforms. Some applicants on Reddit described delays in scholarship portal access, while others shared experiences navigating the admissions and funding process.
Education experts say the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship continues to represent one of the most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities available to African students pursuing development focused studies in the United Kingdom. Through the initiative, the foundation and SOAS hope to empower a new generation of African leaders equipped to contribute to governance reform, policy innovation, and socio-economic progress across the continent.