Scholarship Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is structured as a two-year program encompassing a full one-year MSc program followed by an integrated one-year internship. This structure is meticulously designed to equip scholars with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute to development efforts in Africa.

Host Institution

The University of Birmingham, a prestigious institution in the United Kingdom, serves as the host for this esteemed scholarship. The university is renowned for its research excellence and commitment to providing a transformative educational experience to its students.

Scholarship Details

This fully funded scholarship covers the entire tuition fee, visa costs, round-trip airfare, a living allowance of £17,100, and a settling allowance upon arrival in the UK. Additionally, scholars benefit from a six-month research internship with the University's academics, followed by a six-month stint at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London, contributing to various initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country, with a preference for candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Be under 30 years of age at the time of application.
  • Hold a first-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English with at least level 6.5 in the IELTS or 580/93 for TOEFL.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship offers:

  • Full tuition fee coverage for the MSc program.
  • Airfare to and from the United Kingdom, including visa costs.
  • A monthly stipend of £950 for 18 months, plus an arrival allowance of £950.
  • The internship phase is directly funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Application Process

To apply:

  1. Visit the application page through the provided link.
  2. Submit your application via the University of Birmingham’s online system before the deadline.
  3. After applying, email your application ID number to Debra Beard, ensuring 'Mo Ibrahim Scholarship' is in the subject line of the email.

Required Documents

  • A 500-word statement outlining why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.
  • CV.

Courses Eligible

Eligible courses include compulsory modules in International Development, Development Policy and Politics, and a Dissertation with a focus on a topic of the candidate's choice. Optional modules include Governance and State-building or Democracy, Dictatorship and Development, among others.

This scholarship is a gateway for young African leaders to enhance their knowledge, skills, and experience in development-related fields. It represents a significant investment in the future of African governance and policy-making, aligning with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's vision of supporting effective, sustainable, and strategically minded leadership across the continent.

Applications are open until April 8, 2024, offering a life-changing opportunity for African students committed to contributing to the continent's development.