MSc Development Policy and Politics (Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship) 2026 – Fully Funded + Paid Internship in the UK
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The MSc Development Policy and Politics (with Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship) is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for African students interested in governance, policy, and development. Offered by the University of Birmingham in partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, this programme combines academic study with hands-on policy experience in the UK.
Summary:
This fully funded scholarship at the University of Birmingham offers African students a unique 2-year MSc programme in Development Policy and Politics, including a fully paid internship with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London. The scholarship covers tuition, flights, visa, and a monthly stipend of £1,592. Designed for future African leaders under 30, the programme blends academic training with real-world governance experience, making it one of the most competitive and impactful development scholarships available.
Scholarship Overview
- Programme: MSc Development Policy and Politics (with Internship)
- Institution: University of Birmingham
- Partner: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Study Location: United Kingdom (Birmingham & London)
- Duration: 2 years
- Year 1: MSc Degree
- Year 2: Internship (Research + Foundation placement)
Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)
This is a high-value, fully funded UK scholarship, covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Return airfare to/from the UK
- Visa costs covered
- Monthly stipend: £1,592 (for 18 months)
- Arrival allowance: £1,082
- Additional funding during internship (covered by the Foundation)
This is one of the few scholarships that combines academic funding + paid professional experience.
Programme Structure
Year 1 – MSc Degree
Core modules include:
- International Development
- Development Policy and Politics
- Dissertation (with possible overseas fieldwork)
Optional modules:
- Governance for Development
- Democracy, Dictatorship and Development
- Other modules across the School of Government
Year 2 – Internship Experience
Split into two parts:
- 6 months: Research work with academics at the International Development Department (IDD)
- 6 months: Placement at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London
During this period, you may:
- Work on governance and policy projects
- Participate in the Now Generation Forum
- Engage in the Ibrahim Governance Weekend
- Network with African leaders and policymakers
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an African national living in Africa
- Be under 30 years old at the time of application
- Hold a First Class Honours degree (or equivalent)
- Have a degree in a relevant field such as:
- Politics / International Relations
- Development Studies
- Sociology / Social Policy
- Public Administration
- Anthropology
- Environmental Studies
- Education, etc.
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 93+
Preference is given to candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Country Eligibility
- Open to African nationals only
- Must be a resident in an African country
How to Apply
- Apply for the MSc Development Policy and Politics programme
- Submit all academic and supporting documents
- Indicate interest in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship
- Meet all academic and English language requirements
Important:
Applications for the 2026 intake are currently closed. Prepare early for the next cycle.
Selection Process
Candidates are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence (First Class degree is mandatory)
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to Africa’s development
- Relevance of academic background
- Communication and analytical skills
Important Notes
- Extremely competitive (only one scholarship available)
- Strict academic requirement (First Class degree only)
- Age limit: under 30
- Combines study + real-world policy experience
- Ideal for future leaders in:
- Governance
- Public policy
- Development sector
Why This Scholarship Matters
This is not just a degree, it’s a career accelerator.
The programme is designed to:
- Build Africa’s next generation of policy leaders
- Strengthen governance and institutional capacity
- Bridge theory and real-world impact
- Provide direct access to top-level networks in development
For Africans serious about working in:
- Government
- International organisations
- Policy think tanks
This is one of the most powerful opportunities available.
For more information and application:
