SCHOLARSHIP: University of London, UK International Scholarship for Postgraduate | Ph.d Students

The Centre of African Studies, School of African Studies (SOAS) University of London offers 2 PhDs to African nationals as part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

The focus of the project remains the same in terms of creating a dedicated environment to support the study of the socio-economic, political, and legal links between governance and development.

About university:

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) is an African foundation, established in 2006 with one focus: the critical importance of governance and leadership in Africa. It is our belief that governance and leadership lie at the heart of any tangible and shared improvement in the quality of life of African citizens.

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA Leadership is about making choices, defining priorities, and taking risks. Governance is about properly documenting and effectively implementing these choices.

Scholarship deadline:

March 31st, 2025

Scholarship details:

• Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
• Study Abroad: Study in UK 
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships 
• Eligible Countries: All African Countries 
• Reward: Full Scholarship | £5,000 Annual Stipend | Travel Costs

Scholarship eligibility requirements:

To be considered for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, you must:

• Candidates must be domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country.
• Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• The eligible PhD are only those within the following departments:
  • Development Studies
  • Law
  • Economics
  • International Relations/Politics
  • CISD (Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy)
  • DEFIMS (Department for Financial and Management Studies)
  • Distance Learning: Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CEFIMS), DEFIMS
  Once the place is secured, the applicants can apply for the scholarship.

Selection Criteria: 

Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by a panel consisting of SOAS academic members. The assessment of your application will be based on the information in your scholarship application.

Scholarship Application Guidelines:

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• A copy of the unconditional offer received from SOAS admissions office.
• CV (please include your email address).
• Two pages max statement outlining knowledge and interest in governance-related issues.
• Your research proposal (as sent to the SOAS Admissions Office).
• One academic reference (to be sent directly by referee to ab17@soas.ac.uk).

To apply, send your unconditional offer of admission, research proposal, CV, and one reference to:

Angelica Baschiera
Coordinator
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative
Email: ab17@soas.ac.uk

• NOTE: By 31st of March you must have an Unconditional offer for PhD in order to be considered for funding.
• Note that it takes 8 weeks to receive an offer of admission for PhD, therefore to apply for the PhD at least or before January 2025.

Scholarship Benefits:

• PhD: The scholarship is on a part?present form and it provides for fees for three years. However, accommodation and living cost are covered for the first year only.
• The scholarship will also cover in total 2 return flights : one during the first year, and one for the viva (plus one week’s accommodation around the viva).
• In year 2 and year 3, the successful candidate will also receive an annual stipend of £5,000.
• We also cover visa cost, provided receipts are submitted to the Centre of African Studies office.
• We expect students to be on fieldwork during the second year, and to write the thesis in the third year in their country of origin.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY