The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships support talented African students and emerging leaders pursuing postgraduate education and professional development at selected academic and research institutions. Applications are open annually. Through its…[full details below]
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships provide opportunities for talented African students and emerging leaders who want to pursue postgraduate studies and strengthen their professional skills. The programmes are designed to support individuals interested in contributing to Africa’s development through education, leadership, governance and related fields.
Scholarship opportunities are offered through partnerships with selected universities and research institutions. Depending on the programme, beneficiaries may receive financial support for their studies and professional development. Current opportunities have been associated with institutions such as the University of Birmingham, SOAS University of London and Chatham House, although available programmes and funding arrangements can vary.
If you are an African student or young professional planning to advance your education or leadership career, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships are worth exploring. Eligibility requirements, available courses, application procedures and funding benefits differ by institution, so applicants should carefully review the specific scholarship opportunity before applying.
SUMMARY
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Scholarship Type: Postgraduate Scholarships and Fellowship Funding
- Host Institution(s): Partner Institutions in the UK
- Scholarship Worth: Varies by Programme
- Number of Awards: Not Specified (Limited)
- Study Level: Postgraduate/Professional Fellowship
- Nationality: African Students and Professionals
Scholarship Overview
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships form part of the Foundation’s efforts to develop the talent of outstanding Africans and strengthen the next generation of leaders across the continent.
Rather than operating as a single scholarship with one application process, the Foundation supports opportunities through selected partner institutions. Each institution determines the eligible programme, academic requirements, funding package, application procedure and deadline. Current and recent opportunities are awarded through partner institutions as follows:
University of Birmingham
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation supports one scholarship each year for the MSc Development Policy and Politics programme with an integrated Mo Ibrahim Foundation internship.
The two-year programme combines postgraduate study with practical experience. It includes the one-year MSc programme followed by an integrated internship, including time working with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living allowance.
- Airfare to the United Kingdom.
- Academic and professional development.
- Integrated internship experience.
SOAS University of London
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation introduced a scholarship at SOAS University of London to support future leaders committed to Africa’s development.
For the 2026/27 academic year, two scholarships were available for students undertaking any eligible full-time, one-year taught master’s degree at SOAS.
Each scholarship was valued at £45,479, from which tuition fees were deducted and the remaining amount paid to the recipient as a maintenance stipend.
The 2026/27 application round has now closed. Applicants interested in future awards should monitor SOAS and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for a new call.
Chatham House
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship supports one African professional each year to spend approximately ten months at Chatham House.
The programme provides an opportunity to undertake an individual research project while participating in the activities and research environment of Chatham House.
Applicants should note that this is a professional research fellowship rather than a university degree scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary according to the particular Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship or fellowship. Generally, applicants should:
- Be an African national where required by the particular programme.
- Meet the academic admission requirements of the participating institution.
- Hold the appropriate previous academic qualification for the programme.
- Demonstrate strong academic ability and potential.
- Show an interest in areas relevant to Africa’s development, governance and leadership, where applicable.
- Meet any additional eligibility requirements established by the partner institution.
Applicants should check the individual scholarship before applying, as degree requirements, residency conditions and professional experience requirements are not identical across the programmes.
Scholarship Benefits
Funding depends on the scholarship and participating institution.
Available support may include:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Maintenance or living allowance.
- Travel or airfare.
- Research and professional development opportunities.
- Internship or practical work experience.
- Other programme-specific support.
Applicants should refer to the particular scholarship announcement for the exact funding package available during the relevant application cycle.
How to Apply
There is no single application form covering all Mo Ibrahim Foundation postgraduate scholarships. Applications are handled by the participating institutions according to the requirements of each programme.
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship page and identify the scholarship or fellowship relevant to their academic and professional goals.
- Follow the link to the participating university or institution and review the current eligibility criteria, funding and application deadline.
- Apply for admission to the required postgraduate programme where university admission is part of the scholarship process.
- Complete the separate scholarship application where required by the institution.
- Submit all required academic and supporting documents before the applicable deadline.
Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided by the relevant institution, as the application procedure differs between the University of Birmingham, SOAS and Chatham House opportunities.
Application Documents
Required documents vary according to the scholarship and host institution and may include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Personal or supporting statement.
- Proof of admission or programme application.
- References or recommendation letters where required.
- Other documents specified by the host institution.
Applicants should use the document requirements published for the particular scholarship cycle rather than assuming that the same documents apply to every Mo Ibrahim Foundation opportunity.
Application Deadline: Varies by institution and scholarship programme.
The SOAS Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship for 2026/27 closed on 17 June 2027. Applicants interested in subsequent rounds should monitor the Foundation and participating institutions for new application announcements. See Ongoing Scholarships to Study in UK
The University of Birmingham and Chatham House opportunities operate according to their respective application schedules.