AfDB–SHOU 2026 Full Scholarship: Train as Africa’s Next Blue Economy Expert in China 

AfDB–SHOU 2026 Full Scholarship: Overview

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) are offering fully funded scholarships for African nationals for the 2026 academic year. This prestigious programme aligns with AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), aiming to develop a new generation of African specialists in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, and ocean governance.

SHOU is a globally respected research university with strong partnerships across 40+ international institutions—making it a prime destination for advanced training in aquatic development and sustainable food systems.

AfDB–SHOU 2026 Full Scholarship: Eligibility

The specific eligibility document is downloadable, but based on the public brief, applicants must:

• Be African nationals.

• Demonstrate a strong academic background relevant to marine, aquatic, or environmental studies.

• Meet the English proficiency requirement:

  • IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 minimum.

• Be able to comply with SHOU rules and codes of conduct.

• Satisfy programme-specific requirements (varies by Summer School, Master’s, or PhD).

Only shortlisted candidates will move to the next stage.

Benefits

The scholarship provides:

• Full tuition coverage

• Free accommodation

• Meals covered

• Monthly stipends

• Access to world-class laboratories and research facilities

• Specialized training in:

  • Marine sciences

  • Aquaculture

  • Fisheries management

  • Ocean governance

Note: Flight tickets and visa fees must be paid by the applicant.

Fellowship/Program Components

A. Summer School Programmes

Short-term intensive modules on:

• Marine ecosystems

• Sustainable aquaculture

• Fisheries management

• Blue economy innovation

B. Graduate Programmes

Master’s Degrees and PhD Programmes focusing on:

• Marine biology

• Ocean governance

• Fisheries science

• Aquaculture engineering

• Environmental and aquatic resource management

Training includes coursework, fieldwork, and hands-on research supervised by SHOU faculty.

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Submit an online application via the official AfDB–SHOU scholarship portal.

• Provide English language test results (IELTS or TOEFL).

• Upload academic documents, transcripts, CV, research interest (for graduate programmes), and any additional requirements detailed in the downloadable information guide.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on:

• Academic merit

• Alignment with Africa’s blue economy priorities

• Demonstrated potential to contribute to national or continental development

• Strength of motivation and background

• English language proficiency

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Application Process

Step 1

Download and review the detailed scholarship types & eligibility document.

Step 2

Prepare required documents (academic records, test scores, CV, etc.).

Step 3

Submit the online application through the official portal.

Step 4

Wait for shortlisting and follow instructions for next steps.

Important Dates

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