Overview of the 2026 AfDB–SHOU Scholarship Opportunities The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), in collaboration with Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), announces the 2026 AfDB–SHOU Scholarship Programmes for African nationals. These prestigious opportunities are designed to strengthen Africa’s expertise in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, and aquatic resource management. The initiative aligns with the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), which prioritises capacity development, innovation, and environmental sustainability across the continent. Shanghai Ocean University is an internationally recognised institution renowned for its research excellence in marine and aquatic sciences. With state-of-the-art training facilities, globally experienced faculty members, and a strong emphasis on innovation, SHOU provides an exceptional academic environment for postgraduate and professional development. Scholarship Coverage The scholarship offers comprehensive financial and academic support to successful applicants. It covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend. Scholars also benefit from access to modern laboratories, advanced research equipment, and specialised training spaces.It should be noted that travel-related expenses, including international flights and visa costs, are the responsibility of the selected candidates. Available Programmes The 2026 scholarship intake includes a range of academic programmes at both Master’s and PhD levels. Areas of study include: Aquaculture Marine Science Fisheries Food Science Engineering Applied Economics and Fishery Economics In addition to postgraduate degrees, the partnership offers a three-week Summer School Programme focused on marine cultivation and fisheries management. This short programme is designed for early-career professionals and students seeking to enhance technical capacity in a condensed, practice-oriented environment. Learning Structure and Training Approach All programmes integrate theoretical instruction with extensive practical engagement. This approach allows scholars to develop both academic and hands-on competencies in key marine and fisheries disciplines. Training components include: Academic lectures delivered by subject matter experts Laboratory-based experimentation and data collection Research seminars and academic discussions Field visits to aquaculture facilities, marine research stations, and environmental monitoring sites Participants acquire skills in modern aquaculture systems, hatchery operations, water quality monitoring, environmental sampling, and fisheries technology. The programmes also emphasise cross-cultural collaboration, enabling scholars to work in diverse, international teams while developing global scientific perspectives. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be nationals of an AfDB Regional Member Country Possess relevant academic qualifications or professional experience in fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences, or related blue economy fields Demonstrate strong academic achievement Meet the English language requirements, evidenced by an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 or above Provide evidence of prior research experience if applying for a PhD programme Applicants who lack formal English proficiency tests may still be considered if they demonstrate an adequate level of English communication suitable for postgraduate study. Application Process and Important Dates The deadline for submission of applications is 10 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the selection team for further evaluation. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection, and the scholarship does not provide any form of employment with the African Development Bank Group. When completing the application form, personal information such as name, email address, and contact details will only be collected if the applicant explicitly provides them. Applicants should review all questions carefully and respond accurately, particularly regarding professional experience, academic background, research contributions, and supervisor contact details. Important Notice on Data Privacy The application form is hosted on Microsoft Forms. As indicated by the platform, Microsoft does not collect or manage applicant data on behalf of the scholarship organisers. The owner of the form is solely responsible for data privacy and usage. Applicants are strongly advised not to include highly sensitive personal information and to exercise caution when providing professional or academic references. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.