The University of Birmingham, through its International Development Department (IDD), in partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, is offering a prestigious fully funded scholarship for the MSc in Development Policy and Politics. This unique two-year programme combines academic excellence with practical experience, providing scholars with a one-year master’s degree followed by a fully integrated one-year internship.

This opportunity is specifically designed to empower talented African students who are passionate about governance, leadership, and development policy. The programme emphasizes the critical role of politics in development and equips scholars with the analytical and practical skills needed to address global and regional challenges.

Overview of the MSc Development Policy and Politics Programme

The MSc Development Policy and Politics programme is grounded in the understanding that “politics matters” in shaping development outcomes. The course explores how governance, power structures, and policy decisions influence development at national and global levels.

Students benefit from:

• A multidisciplinary curriculum
• Exposure to real-world policy challenges
• A diverse and international student body
• Research-led teaching informed by cutting-edge academic work

The programme bridges the gap between theory and practice, enabling students to apply academic insights to real-world development contexts.

Programme Structure

The scholarship covers a two-year pathway, structured as follows:

Year 1: MSc Academic Programme

Students complete a full-time master’s degree with the following components:

Core Modules

• International Development (20 credits)
• Development Policy and Politics (20 credits)

Dissertation

• 60-credit research project
• Opportunity for overseas fieldwork

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a wide range of modules, including:

• Governance for Development
• Democracy, Dictatorship and Development
• Additional modules across the School of Government

Year 2: Internship Programme

The second year is dedicated to a structured internship experience, divided into two phases:

1. International Development Department (IDD)

• 6 months of research work
• Collaboration with academics and GSDRC

2. Mo Ibrahim Foundation (London)

• 6 months working on governance initiatives
• Participation in:
  • Now Generation Forum
  • Ibrahim Forum
  • Ibrahim Governance Weekend

This internship provides hands-on exposure to high-level policy work and leadership initiatives focused on Africa’s development.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Return airfare to and from the United Kingdom
• Visa costs
• Monthly stipend of £1,592 (for 18 months)
• Arrival allowance of £1,082

Additionally:

• The final 6 months of internship funding is provided directly by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

This comprehensive financial package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional development.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet strict academic and demographic requirements:

Academic Requirements

• A First-Class Honours degree or equivalent
• Degree must be in a relevant field such as:
  • International Relations
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Development Studies
  • Public Administration
  • Anthropology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Education
  • Human Geography
  • Psychology
  • Diplomacy

(Note: Business-related degrees are excluded)

Age Requirement

• Must be under 30 years old at the time of application

Nationality Requirement

• Must be an African national
• Must be domiciled or permanently resident in an African country
• Preference is given to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa

English Language Requirement

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5
• TOEFL: Minimum 580 / 93

Application Process

The application process consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Pre-Application Screening

• Submit a screening form as early as possible

Stage 2: Full Application

• Eligible candidates will receive an invitation
• Submit full application before the deadline

Application Deadline

• Friday, 24 April 2026 (17:00 UK time)

Why This Scholarship Matters

This programme is more than just a degree—it is a leadership pipeline for Africa’s future policymakers and change-makers. Scholars gain:

• Academic excellence from a globally recognized university
• Real-world experience with a leading African governance foundation
• Access to elite policy networks and forums
• Skills to influence governance and development outcomes

Contact Information

• University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
• Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 3344

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the University of Birmingham MSc Development Policy and Politics Scholarship 2026 program.

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