The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has generously provided SOAS with one PhD scholarship per year for African students undertaking a full‐time PhD programme in the field of Governance for Development in Africa.
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.
Students are expected to be on fieldwork during the second year, and to write the thesis in the third year in their country of origin.
Candidates accept the scholarship offer on the basis of the funding conditions.
Scholarship Criteria
Domicile/Residency: Applicants must be domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Eligible Programmes: PhD Programme (Full‐time) Research undertaken by scholarship applicants must directly address or be applicable to the issue of Governance in Africa.
Assessment: Scholarship candidates will be assessed based on their intended research, academic merit and references. SOAS is committed to accepting only those scholarship candidates who can demonstrate an ability to complete a PhD within three, or at most, four years.
In order to apply for the PhD scholarship you will need to first have a confirmed place in the PhD programme from the SOAS Admissions Office.
In addition to the application form, you will need to send:
- Your research proposal (as sent to the SOAS Admissions Office)
- A supporting statement of the intended research (1000 words max). This should outline the research objectives, appropriate methods and research relevance. It should also make clear the relation between the proposed research and the core themes of governance and development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Deadline to apply: 30 April 2015
For further details and application please visit the Mo Ibrahim Foundation GDAI - PhD Scholarships page.
