Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc in Governance & State-building 2025 at University of Birmingham: Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for the ongoing Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc Scholarship in Governance & State-building via the University of Birmingham application portal.

The International Development Department, University of Birmingham, is pleased to offer one scholarship for our MSc in International Development (Governance and State-building), for the academic year starting in September 2025.

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Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc in Governance & State-building 2025 at University of Birmingham.

The scholarship is provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is for a two-year programme, with the successful candidate undertaking the full MSc programme, with a one-year internship being integral to the programme. The internship will consist of six months with IDD and six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London.

About the programme.

The Governance and Statebuilding programme is one of the specialised streams within international development, and takes an interdisciplinary standpoint, combining the theoretical rigour of political economy and the practical experience of development. The good governance agenda occurs now increasingly alongside the debate on state-building, which encompasses issues such as accountability and transparency, corruption, conflict, political settlement, human rights, participation, access to justice and democratisation. Governance and state-building are of particular interest to governments, nongovernmental organisations and development agencies, as well as to a growing and vibrant academic community.

The pathway for the Foundation scholarship comprises the following modules:

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International Development (20 credits)
Governance and State Building (20 credits)
One of the following four modules (20 credits)
Development Policy and Politics
Development in Practice
Conflict and Development
Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development
Choice of optional modules (60 credits) – choose from over 25 IDD modules plus others from across the University. Dissertation (60 credits) – in-depth focus on a topic of particular interest, with support from a supervisor. This may involve overseas fieldwork in a country chosen by the candidate.

Eligibility

The entry requirements consist of:

A first-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university is essential.
Good written and spoken English. For those whose first language is not English, evidence of this capacity is required. Applicants should reach at least level 6.5 in the IELTS or 580 /93 for TOEFL. Please check the University website for more information on English language requirements.
Applicants must be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The scholarship

The scholarship includes:

1. Full tuition fee
2. Air fare to and from the United Kingdom and visa
3. Monthly stipend of £950 for 18 months
4. Arrival allowance of £950

The remaining six months for the internship will be funded directly to the successful candidate by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

How to Apply Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc in Governance & State-building 2025 at University of Birmingham.

Applications must be received through the University online application system, by 6 May 2025. In addition to the usual documents to be submitted, you must also upload a 500-words statement and CV. This statement should set out why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

You must then send your application ID number to Debra Beard. Please include ‘Mo Ibrahim Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email. Please do not include any supporting documents in this email.