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African Development Bank Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship 2026 (AfDB-SHOU) | Fully Funded

Posted April 30, 2026
African Development Bank Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship 2026 (AfDB-SHOU) | Fully Funded

Job Description

African Development Bank (AfDB) 2026 Fully Funded Scholarship at Shanghai Ocean University

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 fully funded scholarship programs at Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) in China.

The scholarship provides full tuition, accommodation, meals, and monthly stipends, offering exceptional support for African students pursuing advanced studies in marine, aquatic, and blue economy fields.

AfDB–Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: China
  • Study Abroad: Asia
  • Category: Postgraduate | Master’s & PhD Scholarships
  • Eligible Countries: All African Countries
  • Benefits: Full Scholarship, Living Stipend, Travel Support, Professional Training
  • IELTS: Not required for some categories
  • Deadline: December 10, 2025

Scholarship Overview

The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), invites qualified African nationals to apply for the 2026 SHOU Scholarship Programmes.

Aligned with AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), this initiative aims to develop a new generation of African experts in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, and ocean governance, strengthening the continent’s technical and institutional capacity in the blue economy.

Shanghai Ocean University is globally recognized for excellence in marine sciences, aquaculture, and ocean governance, with partnerships across more than 40 international institutions.

The African Development Bank Group remains Africa’s premier development finance institution, committed to driving economic growth and social development across the continent.

Eligibility Requirements

Master’s Programme

Applicants must:

  • Be a national of one of AfDB’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs) with experience or interest in the fisheries or blue economy sector.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field—or any field with demonstrated interest in blue economy careers.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 minimum).
  • Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
  • Show strong academic performance (e.g., GPA ≥ 3.0).

PhD Programme

Applicants must:

  • Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country with experience in fisheries or the blue economy.
  • Hold a Master’s degree in Marine Science, Aquaculture, Economics, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or related fields.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 minimum).
  • Have research experience with at least one published paper.
  • Possess strong analytical, research, and policy development skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork abilities, including experience in multicultural environments.

Scholarship Benefits

The AfDB–SHOU Scholarship provides:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Monthly living stipend
  • Access to leading experts, advanced laboratories, and world-class research facilities
  • Specialized professional training in marine and aquatic sciences

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Qualified and interested candidates should follow the application guidelines provided by the African Development Bank and Shanghai Ocean University.

Important Notes

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent steps.
  • Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).
  • Successful candidates must comply with all SHOU rules, regulations, and codes of conduct.
  • This scholarship does not constitute employment with the African Development Bank Group.

Application Deadline: December 10, 2025

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Requirements

Master’s Programme

Applicants must:

  • Be a national of one of AfDB’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs) with experience or interest in the fisheries or blue economy sector.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field—or any field with demonstrated interest in blue economy careers.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 minimum).
  • Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
  • Show strong academic performance (e.g., GPA ≥ 3.0).

PhD Programme

Applicants must:

  • Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country with experience in fisheries or the blue economy.
  • Hold a Master’s degree in Marine Science, Aquaculture, Economics, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or related fields.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 minimum).
  • Have research experience with at least one published paper.
  • Possess strong analytical, research, and policy development skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork abilities, including experience in multicultural environments.

Scholarship Benefits

The AfDB–SHOU Scholarship provides:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Monthly living stipend
  • Access to leading experts, advanced laboratories, and world-class research facilities
  • Specialized professional training in marine and aquatic sciences

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Qualified and interested candidates should follow the application guidelines provided by the African Development Bank and Shanghai Ocean University.

Important Notes

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent steps.
  • Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).
  • Successful candidates must comply with all SHOU rules, regulations, and codes of conduct.
  • This scholarship does not constitute employment with the African Development Bank Group.

Application Deadline: December 10, 2025