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2027 African Development Bank Group – Shanghai Ocean University Graduate Scholarship

Opportunities

Closing date: 12 November 2026

INTRODUCTION

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) are pleased to invite interested and qualified Africans to apply for the 2027 SHOU Scholarship Programs.

The aim of the scholarship programs is to strengthen Africa’s institutional and technical capacity in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, and resource management, in alignment with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033). SHOU is a world-class, globally recognized, research-oriented university specializing in marine science, aquaculture, and ocean governance.

It collaborates with over 40 international institutions and global organizations, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable aquatic development and food systems.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

For all successful candidates, the scholarships will cover:

• Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and monthly stipends;

• Access to world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities;

• Specialized professional training in marine and aquatic sciences.

Note: Successful candidates will be responsible for flight tickets and visa fees.

The AfDB and SHOU invite qualified candidates from across Africa to seize this unique opportunity to advance their expertise and contribute to the continent’s blue economy transformation.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED

Graduate Programs: Master’s (3 years) and PhD (4 years)

1. College of Fisheries and Life Science: Aquaculture; Biology

2. College of Marine Living Resour Ce Sciences and management: Fishery Resources

3. College of Oceanography and Ecological Science: Marine Science

4. College of Food Science and Technology: Food Science and Engineering

5. College of Economics and Management: Fishery Economics and Management; Applied Economics (Chinese)

6. College of Engineering Science and Technology: Electronic Information (Chinese); Marine Science

CONTENT STRUCTURE

By the end of the program, participants will have:

• A solid understanding of China’s modern aquaculture systems;

• Hands-on skills in aquatic organism observation, environmental sampling, and hatchery operations;

• Enhanced cross-cultural communication and teamwork abilities.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Master’s Program

• Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country with experience in the fisheries or blue economy sector;

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in related field, or any field, with interest to pursue a career in the fisheries or blue economy sector;

• Have English proficiency, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 (received within the last two years);

• For Chinese-taught programs: HSK 5 with a score above 180 (received within the last two years); 

• Be no older than 30 years old by 1st September 2027;

• Outstanding academic performance (e.g., GPA ≥ 3.0).

Applicants whose Chinese language ability does not meet the relevant requirements can apply for a Chinese language program of up to 2 years before starting the study program. They should meet the specific age requirements when starting their study program.

Ph.D. Program

Be a national of an AfDB’s Regional Member Country with experience in the fisheries or blue economy sector;

• Hold a master’s degree in Marine Science, Aquaculture, Economics, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or a related field;

• English proficiency, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80;

• Be no older than 35 years by 1st September 2027;

• Research experience with at least 1 paper published

• PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to potential SHOU supervisors in advance. Candidates should send their CV, research proposal, and published paper(s) to supervisors for pre-evaluation. The supervisor should be contacted before sending in the application with the respective name stated in the application form.
The full supervisor directory is available at: .

• Strong analytical, research, and policy development skills;

• Possess excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with experience in multicultural environments.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit an online application until November 12, 2026, at the link below

IMPORTANT NOTICE

• Complete online application form and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps, including online interviews with SHOU.

• Successful applicants must comply with all SHOU rules, regulations, and codes of conduct.

• This fellowship does not confer employment status with the African Development Bank Group.

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THIS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK'S REGIONAL MEMBER COUNTRIES. IF GRANTED, THE SCHOLARSHIP DOES NOT CONFER ANY EMPLOYMENT STATUS WITH THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP.

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Applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are considered for further assessment will be contacted. Applicants should submit a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any additional documents that may be stated as required. The President of the African Development Bank reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level.  The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the Bank does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The African Development Bank Group declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever . 

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“Please note that the Bank does not accept dual nationality. Therefore, you are required to declare the nationality you would like to be considered by the Bank throughout your career, if hired. Please upload supporting Government issued IDs such as passport, National Identity Card or Certificate etc.”