The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) have opened applications for their 2027 scholarship programmes for qualified African candidates. The opportunities cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, with particular emphasis on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science and resource management.
The partnership supports the development of technical and institutional expertise in Africa's blue economy, in line with the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy for 2024–2033. Applications close on 17 November 2026.
Scholarship benefits and costs
Successful candidates will receive full tuition, accommodation, meals and monthly stipends. The scholarship also provides access to research facilities, academic staff and specialised training in marine and aquatic sciences.
Recipients must pay for their own flight tickets and visa fees.
Bachelor's degree programmes and requirements
The bachelor's degree scholarship covers four years of study. Applicants must have an HSK Level 4 Chinese-language test score above 180 obtained within the previous two years and must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).
Courses are listed under the following colleges:
- College of Fisheries and Life Science: Aquaculture; Biological Science.
- College of Marine Living Resource Science and Management: Marine Fishery Science and Technology; Marine Resources and Environment.
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science: Marine Science.
- College of Food Science and Technology: Food Science and Engineering; Biopharmaceuticals.
- College of Economics and Management: International Economics and Trade.
- College of Engineering Science and Technology: Mechanical Design Manufacturing and Automation; Electrical Engineering and Automation; Robotics Engineering.
- College of Foreign Languages: English.
Three-year language and area studies master's programmes
SHOU is also offering two three-year master's degree programmes to nationals of AfDB Regional Member Countries. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree and be no older than 30 on 1 September 2027.
- Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI): A Chinese-taught programme covering translation practice, conference interpreting and translation technology. Applicants need HSK Level 5 or above.
- Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies): An English-taught programme covering regional languages, cultures, politics and economies, including ocean civilisation and global governance. Applicants need IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 or above. Candidates from social sciences, humanities and STEM backgrounds may apply.
Research-based master's and PhD programmes
Additional graduate scholarships cover three-year master's degrees and four-year PhD programmes in the following fields:
- College of Fisheries and Life Science: Aquaculture; Biology.
- College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management: Fishery Resources.
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science: Marine Science.
- College of Food Science and Technology: Food Science and Engineering.
- College of Economics and Management: Fishery Economics and Management; Applied Economics (Chinese).
- College of Engineering Science and Technology: Electronic Information (Chinese); Marine Science.
Master's degree eligibility
Applicants must be nationals of AfDB Regional Member Countries with experience in fisheries or the blue economy. They must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field or another field with an interest in building a career in the sector.
- Be no older than 30 on 1 September 2027.
- Have strong academic results, with a GPA of at least 3.0 given as an example.
- Meet English proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, with the result obtained within the previous two years.
- For Chinese-taught programmes, have HSK Level 5 with a score above 180 obtained within the previous two years.
Applicants who do not yet meet the relevant Chinese-language requirement may apply for up to two years of Chinese-language study before their degree. They must still meet the applicable age condition when their degree programme begins.
PhD eligibility and supervisor contact
PhD applicants must be nationals of AfDB Regional Member Countries with fisheries or blue economy experience. They need a master's degree in Marine Science, Aquaculture, Economics, Environmental Policy, Development Studies or a related field, as well as English proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.
Candidates must be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027 and must have research experience with at least one published paper. Strong research, analytical, policy development, communication and teamwork skills are also required.
PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential SHOU supervisor before applying. They should send their CV, research proposal and published papers for pre-evaluation, then name the supervisor on the application form. The SHOU supervisor directory provides contact information.
Application deadline and further information
The closing date for the 2027 AfDB–SHOU scholarship programmes is 17 November 2026. Candidates can consult the African Development Bank's official current vacancies page for further information about the opportunity.
