Closing Date: 12 November 2026
African Development Bank Group Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for Africans in China
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship Program 2027 is offering fully funded undergraduate, master’s and PhD opportunities for eligible African students wishing to pursue higher education in China.
The programme is a partnership between the African Development Bank Group and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), a leading Chinese institution specialising in marine science, aquaculture and ocean governance. It aims to strengthen Africa’s technical and institutional capacity in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science and resource management.
Successful applicants will receive full tuition coverage, accommodation, meals and monthly stipends throughout their studies. The scholarships also provide access to experienced academics, research facilities and specialised professional training.
Applications are open to nationals of African Development Bank Regional Member Countries, with the deadline set for 12 November and 17 November 2026.
About the AfDB–Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship
The African Development Bank Group Shanghai Ocean University scholarship programme supports the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), particularly its commitment to developing human capital and strengthening Africa’s blue economy.
The blue economy includes economic activities connected to oceans, fisheries, aquaculture and other aquatic resources. Developing expertise in these areas is important for improving food security, creating employment and promoting sustainable use of Africa’s marine and freshwater resources.
Shanghai Ocean University provides an opportunity for African students to gain academic knowledge and practical experience in these fields while studying in an international environment.
Available Scholarship Programmes
The 2027 African Development Bank Group Shanghai Ocean University scholarship programme offers opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
1. Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships – Four Years
Undergraduate applicants can pursue programmes in the following areas:
- Aquaculture and Biological Science.
- Marine Fishery Science and Technology.
- Marine Resources and Environment.
- Marine Science.
- Food Science and Engineering.
- Biopharmaceuticals.
- International Economics and Trade.
- Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation.
- Electrical Engineering and Automation.
- Robotics Engineering.
- English.
All undergraduate programmes under this scholarship track are taught in Chinese.
2. Master’s Degree Scholarships – Three Years
Available postgraduate fields include:
- Aquaculture and Biology.
- Fishery Resources.
- Marine Science.
- Food Science and Engineering.
- Fishery Economics and Management.
- Applied Economics.
- Translation and Interpreting.
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies).
The language of instruction depends on the selected programme. The Area Studies master’s programme is taught in English, while the Master of Translation and Interpreting is taught in Chinese.
3. PhD Scholarships – Four Years
Doctoral opportunities are available in areas including aquaculture, biology, fishery resources, marine science, food science and engineering, and fishery economics and management.
These programmes are particularly relevant to researchers interested in advancing knowledge and developing solutions for Africa’s fisheries and blue economy sectors.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following support:
- Full tuition fees: The scholarship covers university tuition throughout the approved study programme.
- Accommodation: Students receive accommodation support in China.
- Meals: Meals are covered under the scholarship.
- Monthly stipend: Successful candidates receive a monthly allowance to support their living expenses.
- Academic and research facilities: Students gain access to experienced faculty, specialised laboratories and research infrastructure.
- Professional training: Participants receive specialised training relevant to their selected academic disciplines.
However, students are responsible for their own international flight tickets and visa fees. These expenses are not covered by the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
The African Development Bank Group Shanghai Ocean University Scholarships are open to nationals of African Development Bank Regional Member Countries. Specific requirements depend on the selected study level.
Bachelor’s applicants must:
- Be no older than 25 years by 1 September 2027.
- Have HSK Level 4 with a score above 180, obtained within the previous two years.
- Take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).
Master’s applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant or other field, depending on the selected programme.
- Be no older than 30 years by 1 September 2027.
- Meet the applicable language requirements. English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, while Chinese-taught programmes require HSK Level 5 with a score above 180.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and meet any additional programme-specific requirements.
PhD applicants must:
- Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Be no older than 35 years by 1 September 2027.
- Have research experience and at least one published academic paper.
- Meet the English-language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.
- Demonstrate strong research, analytical and communication skills.
PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors at Shanghai Ocean University before applying, submitting their CV, research proposal and published papers for preliminary assessment.
Applicants who do not meet the required Chinese-language proficiency may be eligible for up to two years of Chinese-language preparation before beginning their academic programme, subject to the applicable conditions.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 African Development Bank Group–Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship Program close on 12 November 2026 and 17 November 2026.
Interested applicants should review the official vacancy announcements and select the appropriate application category.
Official application links:
- Bachehttps://www.afdb.org/en/about-careers/current-vacancieslor’s Degree Scholarship
- Master’s and PhD Scholarships
- Master’s Degree in Foreign Languages and Area Studies
Applicants should carefully check the individual requirements before submitting their online applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include online interviews with Shanghai Ocean University.
The AfDB–Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for African students to acquire advanced qualifications and specialised expertise in China. Students interested in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, engineering, economics, languages and related disciplines are encouraged to apply before the November deadline.
