The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) have opened applications for the 2026 AfDB–SHOU Scholarship Programmes, offering fully funded academic opportunities to African nationals seeking advanced training in marine science, aquaculture and ocean governance.
The initiative, announced on the institutions’ official platforms, aims to strengthen Africa’s technical capacity in the blue economy.
The scholarships form part of the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy for 2024–2033, which prioritises the development of specialist skills that support sustainable fisheries, resilient aquatic food systems and more effective management of marine resources. The Bank says the partnership with SHOU will help build a new generation of African experts capable of leading research, shaping policy and expanding scientific understanding of oceans, freshwater ecosystems and aquaculture production.
Leading global hub for marine science
SHOU is recognised worldwide as a premier research institution specialising in marine science, aquaculture and ocean governance. Its collaborations with more than 40 international universities and organisations position it as a global leader in sustainable aquatic development. The AfDB says the university’s strengths make it an ideal partner for Africa’s long-term skills transformation in the blue economy.
In a joint statement, SHOU and the AfDB called on eligible applicants across the continent to seize the opportunity, saying the programme will ‘fortify Africa’s institutional and technical foundation for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine-resource management’.
Fully funded training for selected students
The 2026 scholarship covers:
• Summer school programmes
• Master’s programmes
• PhD programmes
Successful candidates will receive funding for tuition, accommodation, meals and monthly stipends. Scholars will also gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories, experienced faculty members and advanced research facilities.
However, candidates must cover their own airfare and visa fees. The AfDB emphasises that the scholarship ‘does not confer employment status’ with the Bank.
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with required minimum scores of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.
Supporting Africa’s blue-economy goals
African governments have placed increasing emphasis on expanding sustainable ocean industries as part of broader economic diversification strategies. As aquaculture production rises and coastal states seek to protect marine ecosystems, demand for highly skilled professionals is growing.
The AfDB argues that investing in ocean science and aquaculture expertise is critical to strengthening national and regional fisheries governance, boosting food security and improving the management of shared marine resources. By training African scholars at SHOU, the Bank hopes to equip the continent with specialists capable of advancing innovation in aquatic food systems and environmental protection.
Application details and deadline
Applications must be submitted online via the official 2026 AfDB–SHOU Scholarship link. A detailed information document—covering eligibility criteria, programme structure and application requirements—is available for download on the AfDB website.
- Application link: 2026 AfDB–Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) Scholarship
• Information booklet: AfDB x SHOU 2026 Scholarship PDF
• Closing date: 10 December 2025
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and must adhere to SHOU’s academic regulations and code of conduct.
The AfDB says the initiative reinforces its commitment to strengthening Africa’s human capital pipeline in specialised fields essential to sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.
