Governance for Development in Africa Initiative: PhD Scholarship at the University of London 2025

Governance for Development in Africa Initiative: PhD Scholarship at the University of London 2025

Applications are invited for PhD studentships focused on state capacities, governance, and bureaucracy for development. These 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.

When is the Application Deadline:

31 March 2025

Tell Me About the Award:

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, through the Centre of African Studies at SOAS University of London, offers a PhD scholarship for African nationals as part of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative (GDAI). This scholarship supports doctoral research that addresses public sector governance, state capacities, and bureaucracy, focusing on governance for development in Africa.

Which Fields are Eligible?

• Development Studies
• Law
• Economics
• International Relations/Politics
• Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)
• Department for Financial and Management Studies (DEFIMS)
• Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CEFIMS, DEFIMS for distance learning)

Type:

PhD Scholarship

Who can Apply for the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative: PhD Scholarship?

African nationals who have obtained an unconditional offer for a PhD in one of the eligible departments at SOAS by the deadline.

How are Applicants Selected?

Applicants are assessed on academic merit by a panel of SOAS academic members, based on the scholarship application and relevance of the proposed research to governance and development themes.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

African countries only

Where will the Award be Taken?

SOAS, University of London

Read Also: The University of the Arts London (UAL) is offering £7,000 Scholarships to International Postgraduates in the UK

How Many Awards?

One award

What is the Benefit of the Award?

The scholarship covers full tuition and provides a maintenance stipend for the duration of the PhD program.

How Long Will the Award Last?

Up to the standard duration of a PhD program at SOAS

How to Apply for the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative: PhD Scholarship:

To apply, submit the following documents by 31 March 2025:

1. Unconditional offer letter for the PhD program.
2. CV (with email address).
3. Two-page statement on your interest and knowledge in governance-related issues.
4. Research proposal (as submitted to SOAS).
5. One academic reference, sent directly by the referee to ab17@soas.ac.uk.

Send all application materials via email to:

Angelica Baschiera
Coordinator, Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance for Development in Africa Initiative
Email: ab17@soas.ac.uk

Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

For more information, please visit the official SOAS website or contact the Centre of African Studies.