Sub-Saharan African students get preference over other African students for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is awarding a new scholarship for African students to pursue an MSc in International Development in the field of Governance and State building, at the University of Birmingham.

More about the Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship

• The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was set up in 2006 in London. It aims to foster good leadership and governance in Africa by shaping the future of young Africans and impacting their minds through education, for the greater good of Africa.

Synopsis of the International Development – Governance and State- building program

• Program specialized for governance and state building, combining the severity of the political economy with the realism of development.
• Since good governance and state building go hand in hand, it covers such important issues as corruption, accountability, transparency, human rights issues, justice and democratic processes.
• What is the program content specific to the scholarship?
• Click on course structure to know more about the content and pathways to the Foundation scholarship.

Does the program include field-work?

• Yes, at no additional cost. The Foundation pays for the successful candidate to do field-work in a country and topic according to their choice or even participate in a study visit organized by a recognized body.

What is the duration of this course?

• This is a 2-year course followed by an internship of 6 months with the Foundation in London

Who can apply for this scholarship?

• Only African nationals who live in Africa can apply. Preference is given to Africans domiciled in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Recently graduated students who want to work with NGOs, international development projects or government’s development projects.

What are the other conditions of eligibility?

• A higher second class Honors degree or similar, from a recognized university, is a minimum requirement or
• A lower second class Honors degree, from a recognized university, with exceptional work experience.
• Good academic record in economics and statistics in at least one course at the undergraduate level (attach proof).
• Good command of both written and spoken English. Applicants not having English as the first language must have scored a minimum 6.5 in the IELTS or 580 / 93 for TOEFL.

What does the scholarship include?

• Tuition fees for the entire duration of the course.
• Airfare to the UK and return to your place of domicile
• Visa fees
• A monthly stipend of £920 for 18 months.
• An arrival allowance of £920
• The Foundation will pay for the 6-month internship, directly to the selected candidate.

How to apply?

• Make your application online at www.birmingham.ac.uk
• Include a 500 word commentary on why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.
• Email your application, CV and the 500-word commentary to Mrs. Debra Beard at d.l.beard@bham.ac.uk. Ensure that you mention ‘Mo Ibrahim Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email.

When is the last day for submission of the application?

• Completed application must reach Mrs. Debra Beard no later than the 11th June 2012