The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) invite interested and qualified African nationals to apply for the 2026 SHOU Scholarship Programmes.
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When is the Application Deadline:
December 10, 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
The African Development Bank–Shanghai Ocean University (AfDB–SHOU) Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded postgraduate fellowship designed to build Africa’s expertise in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, and blue economy development.
The program supports outstanding African students to pursue Master’s, PhD, or specialized Summer School training at Shanghai Ocean University—one of the world’s leading institutions in marine and aquatic sciences.
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The fellowship is funded under AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) to strengthen Africa’s institutional and technical capacity for sustainable aquatic resource management.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Programs include (but are not limited to):
- Aquaculture
- Marine Science
- Fisheries
- Food Science and Technology
- Environmental Science
- Ocean Governance
- Aquatic Biology
- Engineering related to marine systems
- Applied Economics / Fishery Economics
- Marine Resource Management
- Blue Economy and related fields
- 3-week Summer School in marine cultivation & fisheries
Type:
- Master’s Degree Program
- PhD Degree Program
- Short-Term Summer School Training
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
For Master’s Programs
- Be a national of any AfDB Regional Member Country
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (preferably related to fisheries, marine science, or blue economy)
- Be under 35 years old
- Have English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80)
- Demonstrate strong academic performance (GPA ≥ 3.0)
For PhD Programs
- Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree
- Have prior research experience with at least one published paper
- Meet English language requirements
- Possess strong analytical and research skills
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Relevance of previous studies or experience in fisheries or blue economy
- Quality of research proposal or study plan
- Research experience (especially for PhD applicants)
- Interview performance (for shortlisted candidates)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants must be citizens of African Development Bank Regional Member Countries (All African nations).
Where will the Award be Taken?
Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
How Many Awards?
Not specified — multiple awards across Master’s, PhD, and Summer School categories.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The AfDB–SHOU Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- Free accommodation
- Meals provided
- Monthly stipend
- Access to world-class laboratories, research facilities, and expert faculty
- Specialized professional training in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine sciences
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Field visits, lab training & cross-cultural experience
Note: Successful candidates must cover flight tickets and visa fees.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Master’s Degree: 2–3 years
- PhD Degree: 3–4 years
- Summer School: 3 weeks
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should:
- Submit an online application via the official AfDB–SHOU Scholarship portal.
- Provide all required documents, including:
- CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal or study plan
- English proficiency proof
- Passport copy
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
