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

Applications are invited for PhD studentships focused on the area of state capacities, governance and bureaucracy for development. This may include projects designed to understand public sector governance capabilities, political settlements, state business relations, the governance of state-owned enterprises, the governance of development policy design and implementation, and so on. But applications must focus on the public sector/state/civil service, on governance, and on development. 

Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation Masters 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.

The scholarship provides for fees for three years and an annual bursary of £16.000 per year.

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 Masters 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 referee to [email protected]).

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: [email protected]