The Pan-African Frontiers Studentship is a fully funded MPhil/PhD opportunity at SOAS University of London for the 2026/27 academic year. This studentship is linked to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project ‘Pan-African Frontiers: Reparative Futures and the Reimagining of Global Order’, led by Dr Daniel Mulugeta and hosted by the SOAS Centre for Pan-African Studies (CPAS) in the Department of Politics and International Studies. The project explores Pan-Africanism as a transcontinental political formation connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and diasporic communities in debates on global justice, reparations, and institutional reform.
SOAS University of London is a leading institution specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Centre for Pan-African Studies (CPAS) provides an interdisciplinary research environment engaging with African politics, global governance, diaspora relations, and historical justice. The successful candidate will join CPAS and contribute to a wider research programme bringing together scholars and practitioners across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
Pan-African Frontiers Studentship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622 for 2026/27)
- Doctoral skill development
- Teaching experience via SOAS Teaching Scholarship scheme
- Participation in interdisciplinary research networks across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America
Pan-African Frontiers Studentship Eligibility Criteria
- Be new admissions for 2026/27
- Possess or expect a Master’s degree in a relevant field (Merit or Distinction preferred)
- Non-UK Master’s holders must be in the top rank (evidenced by references/transcripts)
- Meet SOAS English language requirements (if applicable)
- Open to Home and Overseas fee status applicants
How to Apply for Pan-African Frontiers Studentship
- Submit personal statement (max 1 page)
- Submit research proposal (max 4 pages)
- Submit CV (max 2 pages)
- Provide one academic reference
- Provide academic transcripts and certificates
- Provide proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Apply via the SOAS admissions portal after programme application
- Ensure all documents are uploaded before 15 May 2026 (12 noon UK time)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Pan-African Frontiers Studentship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded MPhil/PhD opportunity at SOAS University of London.
What is the Pan-African Frontiers Studentship?
The Pan-African Frontiers Studentship is a fully funded MPhil/PhD opportunity at SOAS University of London linked to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project ‘Pan-African Frontiers: Reparative Futures and the Reimagining of Global Order’. It explores Pan-Africanism as a transcontinental political formation connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and diasporic communities in debates on global justice, reparations, and institutional reform.
What benefits does this studentship provide?
The studentship provides full tuition fee coverage, a maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622 for 2026/27), doctoral skill development, teaching experience via the SOAS Teaching Scholarship scheme, and participation in interdisciplinary research networks across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
Who is eligible to apply for this studentship?
Applicants must be new admissions for 2026/27, possess or expect a Master’s degree in a relevant field (Merit or Distinction preferred), with non-UK Master’s holders needing to be in the top rank as evidenced by references/transcripts. Applicants must meet SOAS English language requirements if applicable, and the studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status applicants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for application is 12 noon UK local time on 15 May 2026. All documents must be uploaded before this deadline, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How do I apply for this studentship?
First apply for the MPhil/PhD programme with required documents including personal statement, research proposal, CV, academic reference, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. Then apply for the scholarship via the SOAS admissions portal using your programme application credentials.
What research areas are suitable for this studentship?
Research proposals should engage with themes related to Pan-Africanism, global justice, and international order. Possible areas include reparations politics, African/Caribbean actors in global governance, Pan-Africanism and sovereignty, regional organizations, transnational diaspora networks, comparative politics of justice, and responses to global inequality.
How many studentships are available?
There is one studentship available for the 2026/27 academic year. The award covers tuition fees in full and includes a maintenance allowance for a three-year full-time programme.
When will applicants be notified of results?
The scholarship shortlisting and awarding period is expected to be completed in June at the earliest. Successful candidates will be contacted first, and once all awards have been allocated, unsuccessful candidates will be notified.
What is the duration of this studentship?
The studentship lasts for three years as part of a full-time doctoral programme beginning in the 2026/27 academic year.
Who should I contact for enquiries about this studentship?
For programme application enquiries, email [email protected]. For scholarship application enquiries, email [email protected].
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