Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2025 PhD Scholarships at the University of London

The Centre of African Studies, as part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, is offering a PhD scholarship to African nationals.

Applications are now open for PhD studentships focusing on state capacities, governance, and bureaucracy in the context of development. Projects may explore areas such as public sector governance capabilities, political settlements, state-business relations, governance of state-owned enterprises, and the design and implementation of development policies. All proposed projects must center on topics related to the public sector, governance, and development, with an emphasis on the role of the state and civil service.

Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation PhD Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has generously provided SOAS with two PhD scholarships per year for African students undertaking a fulltime PhD programme in the field of Governance for Development in Africa.

1. The scholarship provides for fees for three years and an annual bursary of £16.000 per year.
2. The scholarship also covers visa costs, HIS and TB (if undertaken), provided receipts are submitted to the Centre of African Studies office.

Requirements for Mo Ibrahim Foundation PhD Scholarship

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. 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.

Application Documents

Please provide 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 the referee to ab17@soas.ac.uk).

Application Deadline

March 31, 2025

How to Apply

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

For more details,visit University of London website