The University of Birmingham, through its International Development Department (IDD), offers a prestigious scholarship for the MSc in Development Policy and Politics, delivered in partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. This unique two-year programme combines academic study with a fully integrated internship, providing participants with both theoretical grounding and practical experience in global development and governance. The initiative is designed to equip future African leaders with the analytical and policy skills required to address complex development challenges. Programme Structure and Experience The programme is structured over two years and includes: Year 1: Full-time MSc study in Development Policy and Politics Year 2: Integrated internship combining research and policy engagement The internship is divided into two phases: Six months with the International Development Department, contributing to academic research and working with the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC) Six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London, supporting initiatives focused on governance and leadership in Africa Participants will also engage in high-level forums such as the Now Generation Forum and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend, connecting with emerging African leaders and global policymakers. Academic Curriculum The MSc programme emphasises the critical role of politics in development, recognising that sustainable progress is deeply shaped by governance, power, and policy dynamics. Students develop strong analytical and research skills while engaging with real-world challenges. Core Modules International Development Development Policy and Politics Dissertation (including potential overseas fieldwork) Optional Pathways Students select from specialised modules such as: Governance for Development Democracy, Dictatorship and Development Additional elective modules may be chosen across the School of Government or other departments, subject to approval. Scholarship Benefits The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that selected candidates can fully focus on their academic and professional development. Benefits include: Full tuition fee coverage Return airfare to the United Kingdom and visa costs Monthly stipend of £1,592 for 18 months Arrival allowance of £1,082 Additional funding for the six-month internship provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation This funding structure supports both academic study and professional placement, making the programme accessible to outstanding candidates across Africa. Eligibility Criteria The scholarship is highly competitive and targets academically strong and motivated individuals committed to development and governance in Africa. Applicants must: Hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline Be under 30 years of age at the time of application Be an African national residing in an African country (preference for Sub-Saharan Africa) Demonstrate strong proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent if applicable) Relevant academic fields include: Politics and International Relations Development Studies Sociology and Social Policy Anthropology and Human Geography Public Administration Environmental Studies Education and related social sciences Applicants who do not meet the academic threshold will not be considered. Application Process The application process is conducted in two stages: Stage 1: Pre-Application Screening Candidates must first submit a screening form to assess eligibility. Stage 2: Full Application Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Deadline: 24 April 2026 at 17:00 (UK time) Applicants are encouraged to complete the pre-screening process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the full application stage. Learning Outcomes and Career Impact The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and policy practice. Participants gain: Advanced understanding of political dimensions of development Strong research and analytical capabilities Practical experience in international development organisations Exposure to global governance debates and policy processes Access to influential professional networks across academia and policy sectors Graduates are well-positioned for careers in international organisations, government agencies, research institutions, and non-governmental organisations. Institutional Strength and Global Perspective The International Development Department at the University of Birmingham is recognised for its cutting-edge research and diverse academic community. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures that students engage with global perspectives and real-world policy challenges. The partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation strengthens the programme’s focus on African governance, leadership, and sustainable development, making it a highly impactful opportunity for emerging leaders. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.