2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at University of Birmingham | UK (Fully Funded)

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, offers a fully funded scholarship designed for African students pursuing postgraduate studies.

This program combines academic training with practical experience, featuring a one-year MSc program followed by a structured internship.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Abroad: Study in the United Kingdom
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All African Countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | £19,104 annual stipend | Airfare | Internship
• Deadline: April 24, 2026

University of Birmingham Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship Details

This scholarship supports a two-year program made up of:

• A one-year Master’s degree.
• A one-year internship split between academic research and practical work with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London.

The program is designed to bridge the gap between theory and policy, focusing on development, governance, and leadership across Africa.

Participants will:

• Spend six months engaged in research with academic supervisors.
• Spend another six months working directly with the Foundation on ongoing initiatives.
• Gain exposure to high-level policy discussions, including events like the Ibrahim Forum and Governance Weekend.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at University of Birmingham Requirements

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold a first-class honours degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Have an academic background in relevant fields such as social sciences, development studies, international relations, public administration, or related disciplines.
• Be under 30 years of age at the time of application.
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent if required).
• Be a national of an African country and currently residing in Africa (preference given to Sub-Saharan Africa applicants).

Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship 2026

The scholarship package includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Round-trip airfare and visa costs
• Monthly stipend of approximately £1,592 for 18 months
• Arrival allowance of £1,082
• Additional funding during the internship period provided by the Foundation

Courses Eligible for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

The academic component includes core and optional modules such as:

• International Development.  (20 credits)
• Development Policy and Politics. (20 credits)
• Dissertation (research-focused project, potentially involving fieldwork). (60 credits)

Students can also select from modules like:

• Governance and State-building. (20 credits)
• Democracy, Dictatorship, and Development. (20 credits)

Additional electives can be chosen across departments with approval. (60 credits)

Required Documents for Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

Applicants must prepare:

• Academic transcripts and standard admission documents.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A 500-word personal statement explaining suitability for the scholarship.

How To Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official application page via the link below.
2. Apply for the eligible Master’s program through the University of Birmingham online portal.
3. After submission, email your application ID to Debra Beard.
4. Use “Mo Ibrahim Scholarship” as the email subject line.
5. Do not attach supporting documents to the email.

Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.