Studying the history, politics, languages, and cultures of Africa at a world-class institution is a transformative experience. The University of London—specifically through member institutions like SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)—is globally recognized as the premier hub for this field.
However, pursuing a degree in the UK can be a significant financial investment. If you are looking for a scholarship for African Studies at the University of London, this comprehensive guide covers the top funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step strategies to build a winning application.
Why Pursue African Studies at the University of London?
The University of London offers an unparalleled academic ecosystem. In particular, SOAS University of London holds the world’s largest concentration of scholarly expertise focused on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
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World-Class Faculty: Learn from leading global experts in African development, linguistics, post-colonial politics, and anthropology.
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The SOAS Library: Gain access to one of only five National Research Libraries in the UK, housing millions of rare manuscripts, archives, and books dedicated to Africa.
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Global Networking: London is a central hub for international NGOs, diplomatic missions, and think tanks, providing exceptional career leverage post-graduation.
Top Scholarships for African Studies at the University of London
Securing funding requires knowing exactly where to look. Several highly prestigious internal and external scholarships specifically target students pursuing African Studies or development-related fields within the University of London network.
1. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation explicitly aims to support and nurture future leaders committed to Africa’s development.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees plus a substantial maintenance stipend for living costs (totaling over £45,000).
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Level: Full-time, one-year Taught Master’s programmes.
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Target Audience: Applicants who are ordinarily resident in an African country and demonstrate a clear career interest in African governance or development.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this award represents a partnership between the UK government and University of London colleges.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, return airfare to the UK, a monthly living allowance (stipend), and a thesis grant.
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Level: Taught Master’s degrees.
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Target Audience: Citizens of developing Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
3. British Council GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship scheme offers dynamic funding opportunities for postgraduate students from specific countries, including several African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
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Coverage: A minimum of £10,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year taught master’s course.
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Target Audience: International students with strong academic backgrounds who are willing to act as ambassadors for UK higher education.
4. Chevening Scholarships
As the UK government’s global scholarship programme, Chevening funds outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world.
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Coverage: Fully funded, including tuition, flights, accommodation, and stipends.
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Level: Any eligible one-year Master’s degree at the University of London.
Eligibility Criteria for African Studies Funding
While every award has its unique parameters, most panels look for a baseline set of academic and professional qualifications:
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Academic Standing | A minimum of a Upper Second-Class Honors degree (2:1) or its international equivalent. |
| Residency & Status | For region-specific awards, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. |
| Offer of Admission | Virtually all scholarships require you to apply for and hold an unconditional or conditional offer of admission from the university before the final funding selection. |
| Language Proficiency | Meeting the university’s English language requirements (such as IELTS or TOEFL benchmarks). |
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your Scholarship
Winning a competitive scholarship requires a strategic, phased approach.
Step 1: Secure Admission Early
You cannot be awarded a scholarship without being admitted to a program first. Apply to your chosen University of London Master’s or PhD program at least 4 to 6 months before the scholarship deadline to ensure your admission profile is processed in time.
Step 2: Tailor Your Personal Statement
Your statement of purpose shouldn’t just state that you love Africa. It needs to articulate why studying African Studies in London is vital to your specific career trajectory, and how your research will practically contribute to the continent’s socio-economic or cultural landscape.
Step 3: Gather Strong Academic References
Reach out to undergraduate professors or professional mentors who can speak authoritatively about your research capabilities, leadership traits, and commitment to the field. Give them at least a month’s notice to write a compelling letter.
Insider Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Avoid Generative AI Clichés: Funding panels value authenticity. While AI tools are excellent for mapping out structures or polishing grammar, do not let an AI write your personal statement. Your unique story, voice, and passion must drive the essay.
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Align with the Sponsor’s Mission: If you apply for the Mo Ibrahim scholarship, emphasize governance and leadership. If you apply for a Commonwealth award, focus on developmental impact.
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Be Specific About Your Goals: Rather than saying “I want to help Africa,” state: “I plan to analyze post-colonial agricultural policies in East Africa to inform sustainable development frameworks.” Concrete goals signal a mature researcher.
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Watch Deadlines Visually: Create a calendar tracking course admission deadlines alongside individual funding closing dates, as they rarely align perfectly.
Securing a scholarship for African Studies at the University of London is entirely achievable with careful preparation. Focus on institutions like SOAS, build a strong academic application early, and align your personal narrative directly with the development of the African continent.