Fully Funded AfDB SHOU Scholarships 2026: Study Marine Science and Blue Economy in China

If you are serious about shaping Africa’s blue economy — not just talking about it in policy meetings — this scholarship is one of the strongest tickets you can get.

The AfDB/Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) Scholarship Programme 2026 offers fully funded Master’s and PhD studies in China for African nationals working in or committed to the fisheries, aquaculture, and wider blue economy sectors.

This is not “partial support” or “reduced fees.” Tuition, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend are covered. You get placed at a university that lives and breathes marine science, surrounded by researchers who spend their days worrying about things like sustainable aquaculture, ocean governance, and food security.

You will, however, pay for your own flight and visa. In the grand scheme, that’s a very small entry fee for a world-class degree and a serious boost to your influence back home.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is backing this as part of its 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy, which makes this more than just an academic exercise. You are being trained with a purpose: to return and strengthen African institutions, policies, and technical systems in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management.

If you are an African early- to mid-career professional who looks at the word “blue economy” and thinks, “I want to actually build that,” keep reading. This is designed for you.

AfDB SHOU Scholarship 2026 at a Glance

What This Scholarship Actually Offers

The headline is simple: your degree costs are paid. But the real value goes far beyond free tuition.

First, the financial package. As a successful applicant, you can expect full coverage of tuition fees, which, at an international research-focused university, are not trivial. Your accommodation is taken care of, so you are not frantically scrolling rental apps in Shanghai trying to decode contracts in a language you do not speak. Meals are covered as well, which removes one of the biggest everyday stresses for international students: staying fed while staying on a budget.

On top of that, you receive a monthly stipend. This is your living money — transport, personal expenses, basic supplies. It will not make you rich, but it will make you functional and focused. Instead of squeezing in side gigs to survive, you can actually concentrate on your research.

Second, the academic environment. SHOU is not a general-purpose university with a small marine science corner. It is internationally recognized for marine science, aquaculture, and ocean governance as its core specializations. Think of it as an ecosystem of people who all care about water: fish, oceans, ecosystems, policy, and the economics that tie them all together.

You gain:

• Access to experienced faculty whose daily work is directly connected to global debates on ocean management, sustainable aquaculture, and blue food systems.
• Use of modern laboratories and research facilities, which matter a lot when your work involves water quality, fish breeding, or marine ecosystems.
• A network that includes over 40 international institutional partners — which means joint projects, visiting experts, and collaborators who are not just from China, but from all over the world.

Third, the professional edge. This is not just about getting a diploma. The programme includes specialized professional training in marine and aquatic sciences. You are being groomed as someone who can move comfortably between:

• Scientific research
• Government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Regional and international organizations
• Private sector actors in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine-related industries

Put bluntly: if you use the time well, you can come back as the person in the room who is not only qualified, but also familiar with global conversations, tools, and standards.

The only costs that stay with you: your plane ticket and visa fees. That still makes this one of the most generous blue-economy-focused scholarships available to Africans right now.

Who Should Apply: Is This You?

This programme is not for people who just “kind of like the ocean.” It is aimed at Africans who want to shape policy, research, and practice in fisheries, aquaculture, and the wider blue economy.

For the Master’s Programme

You are a good fit if you:

• Are a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country (essentially, a citizen of one of the African countries that belong to the Bank).
• Have some experience or clear interest in fisheries or the blue economy, even if your current job title is not “marine scientist.” You might be working in coastal planning, agriculture with an aquaculture component, environmental NGOs, or government.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree. Ideally it is in a related field (marine science, fisheries, biology, environmental science, economics, policy, etc.), but the door is open even if your degree is in something else, provided you show serious motivation to pivot into the sector.
• Are under 35 years old at the time you apply. This is very much an early-career scholarship.
• Can demonstrate strong academic performance, typically with a GPA around 3.0 or higher (or the equivalent in your grading system).
• Meet the English language requirement: at least IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.

Picture a 28-year-old fisheries officer in Ghana who has been working with coastal communities but feels technically underpowered, or a 24-year-old biology graduate from Rwanda working in an aquaculture startup. Those are the kinds of people this Master’s track is built around.

For the PhD Programme

The PhD route is for those already with a solid academic and professional foundation in the blue economy space.

You should:

• Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country with concrete experience in fisheries or the blue economy.
• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant area: Marine Science, Aquaculture, Economics, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
• Meet the English proficiency threshold (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).
• Have research experience and at least one published paper. It does not have to be Nature-level work, but it must show you can carry out and communicate research.
• Show strong analytical and policy skills — this programme is interested in people who can convert data into decisions and strategies.
• Demonstrate communication and teamwork abilities, preferably with experience working in multicultural environments.

Think of someone who has already spent a few years in a research institute or ministry, maybe contributed to a national fisheries management plan, and now wants to deepen their skills to influence regional or continental agendas. That’s the typical profile.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

This will be competitive. Here is how to give yourself a serious advantage.

1. Tie Your Story to Africa’s Blue Economy, Not Just Your Career

Do not just say, “I like marine science.” Frame your goals in terms of how your skills will address real problems in African fisheries and oceans.

For example:

• Overfishing and stock collapse in your national waters
• Poor regulation of aquaculture leading to pollution
• Missed economic opportunities from value addition in fisheries
• Climate impacts on coastal communities and marine ecosystems

Show that this degree is not a hobby; it is a direct step toward work that matters for your country and region.

2. Be Specific About Your Experience

The eligibility mentions experience in the fisheries or blue economy sector — but “experience” can be broad. Spell it out.

Instead of writing “Worked in the blue economy sector,” write:

• “Conducted data collection on small-scale fisheries in three coastal communities and designed an Excel-based catch monitoring tool used by 50+ fishers.”
• “Supported development of a pilot tilapia hatchery program that increased local fingerling supply by 30 percent.”

You want the selection panel to picture you on the ground, not sitting in an office reading reports.

3. Nail the English Requirement Early

Do not wait until November 2025 to realize your IELTS has expired or you have never taken TOEFL.

• Book your test months in advance.
• Aim above the minimum (6.0 IELTS / 80 TOEFL) to avoid being borderline.
• If your prior degree was taught in English, you may still need a formal score unless the programme explicitly waives it — check early.

Your language score is not just a box to tick; it reassures them that you can survive intensive graduate-level coursework in English.

4. For PhD Applicants: Treat Your Research Proposal as Your Signature

Even if the official call uses simple language, for PhD-level applicants, your research idea is everything.

Make sure your proposal:

• Focuses on a clearly defined problem (not “the blue economy in Africa,” which is far too broad).
• Is feasible in 3–4 years with realistic data access.
• Has a clear contribution — what changes in knowledge, policy, or practice if you succeed?

Also, align your topic with what SHOU does well: aquaculture systems, fisheries science, ocean governance, marine economics, and related fields.

5. Show You Can Work Across Cultures

You will be in China in a very international ecosystem. Any prior experience that shows you can work with different cultures — regional projects, joint research, exchange programs, or just professional work across language or cultural boundaries — is worth highlighting.

Even if it is something simple like coordinating West African participants in a regional workshop, mention it and what you learned.

6. Draw a Straight Line from Scholarship to Impact

Selection panels like clarity. Spell out:

1. Where you are now (role, skills).
2. What this Master’s or PhD will add (technical knowledge, research skills, policy understanding).
3. What you plan to do afterwards — specific types of positions, institutions, or interventions.

“After graduating, I plan to join or return to X institution to lead Y type of initiative” sounds far stronger than “I hope to contribute to development.”

Suggested Application Timeline (Working Back from December 10, 2025)

You can, in theory, apply in one frantic week. You will also, in theory, produce a weaker application. Give yourself space.

March–May 2025: Exploration and preparation

• Confirm you meet all core eligibility criteria (age, nationality, degree, English).
• For PhD: start sketching a possible research topic.
• Check exam dates for IELTS or TOEFL and book early if you need a fresh score.

June–August 2025: Document and idea building

• Sit your English test if still pending.
• Request official transcripts from your university (these can take time).
• For PhD: draft a 2–3 page research concept and share it with a trusted mentor for feedback.
• Start drafting your personal statement or motivation letter.

September–October 2025: Draft the full application

• Write polished versions of your motivation statement and any required essays.
• Update your CV to highlight blue-economy-related work and achievements.
• If optional or required, identify referees and request recommendation letters early.

November 2025: Refinement and quality check

• Review every section against eligibility and selection focus areas.
• Ask a colleague or mentor to read your personal statement for clarity and impact.
• Double-check factual details: dates, degree titles, positions.

Early December 2025: Submission buffer

• Aim to submit at least a few days before December 10.
• Confirm you received a submission confirmation from the online form.
• Keep PDFs or screenshots of all submitted materials for your records.

Required Materials and How to Make Them Strong

Exact requirements may vary slightly year to year, but you should be ready with:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates: Make sure they are clear, official copies. If your grading system is unusual, consider including a brief explanation or official grade scale.
• Proof of English proficiency: Your IELTS or TOEFL score report.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Tailored to highlight anything related to fisheries, aquaculture, marine environments, environmental policy, or economics. Group experiences under clear headings if needed.
• Motivation or personal statement: This is where you tell your story. Explain your background, why this field, why SHOU, and how you will use the training back in Africa. Keep it focused and specific.
• Research proposal or study plan: More crucial for PhD applicants, but even Master’s candidates should have a clear sense of what they want to study. This doesn’t need to be a 20-page thesis; a well-crafted 2–4 page plan often does the job.
• Proof of nationality: Passport or equivalent document showing you are from an AfDB Regional Member Country.
• Publication list and research output (for PhD): Make sure your one or more publications are listed with correct citation details, links if available, and your role in the work.

Treat every document as part of one story: “This person is already contributing to the blue economy and will do much more if we invest in them.”

What Makes an Application Stand Out

When reviewers sit down with a pile of applications, three questions tend to dominate their minds:

1. Will this person thrive academically at SHOU?
   • Strong grades, solid language skills, and a track record of learning complex material quickly all help.
2. Is this person genuinely aligned with fisheries, aquaculture, or the blue economy?
   • Real-world experience, even if modest, is very convincing. Volunteer work, small projects, or local initiatives count if they are concrete.
3. Will this scholarship lead to real impact in Africa, not just a personal career boost?
   • Clear, grounded post-study plans are essential. You do not need to have a job offer lined up, but you should have a sense of direction.

Applications that shine tend to:

• Connect past experiences, current interests, and future goals in a coherent narrative.
• Demonstrate understanding of both technical and policy dimensions of the blue economy.
• Show evidence of initiative — you have not just followed instructions in your career so far; you have started or improved something.
• Use plain, direct language. The panel does not reward buzzwords. They reward clarity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few missteps show up again and again in unsuccessful applications. Avoid these:

1. Vague, generic motivation statements

“Ever since I was a child, I loved the ocean” is sweet but not enough. Replace vague passion with specific experiences, concrete achievements, and clear goals.

2. Weak or missing English scores

Hoping they will “overlook” a missing or low test score is risky. Meet the stated minimums clearly and confidently.

3. Unclear link to fisheries or the blue economy

If your background is not obviously related, that is fine — but then explain the transition. Show what you have already done to move toward the sector: courses, volunteer work, mini-projects.

4. Overambitious or unfocused PhD topics

“Transforming African fisheries policy” is not a PhD topic; it is a continental agenda. Narrow down. Pick a country, a specific policy tool, a defined sector (for example, small-scale inland fisheries), or a measurable issue (bycatch, illegal fishing, stock assessments).

5. Last-minute, error-filled submissions

Sloppy formatting, inconsistent dates, or missing details create an impression that you might handle your studies the same way. Review your application like you would review a final report for your boss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be currently working in fisheries to apply?

Not necessarily. You should have either experience or a very clear interest in the sector. If your current role is only partially connected, explain how your work touches fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, marine policy, or related fields.

Are all African countries eligible?

You must be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country. Most African countries are included, but if you are unsure, check the AfDB list of RMCs on their official website.

Is Chinese language proficiency required?

The programme is framed around English proficiency, not Chinese. That said, being open to learning some Mandarin will definitely help your daily life in Shanghai and may be viewed positively, but it is not a core eligibility requirement.

Can I apply for both Master’s and PhD at once?

Typically, you apply for one degree level that truly fits your background. If you already hold a Master’s in a relevant field and meet the research requirements, go for PhD. Otherwise, choose the Master’s and build your profile.

What happens after I submit my application?

You will usually receive an acknowledgment through the online system. Then your materials go into a selection and review process involving both AfDB and SHOU stakeholders. Timelines for notification may vary, so keep an eye on your email and any updates on the official page.

Do I need to secure a supervisor at SHOU before applying?

For PhD applicants, it is often advantageous to identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with your proposed topic. If the official call does not require pre-approval, you can still mention suitable faculty in your proposal to show you have done your homework.

Can I stay in China after graduation?

The programme is designed to build African expertise for African institutions. While short-term postdoctoral or professional opportunities abroad are common in academic careers, the spirit of the scholarship is that you will ultimately apply your skills to the blue economy on the continent.

How to Apply and Next Steps

Your starting point is the official online application form. Do not treat it as “just a form” — it is your primary interface with the selection committee.

1. Read the full call carefully on the official site to verify that all details here remain current for the 2026 intake.
2. Gather your documents: transcripts, CV, test scores, motivation statement, research plan, and proof of nationality.
3. Complete the application form slowly and accurately. Double-check dates, names, and contact details.
4. Upload all required documents in the requested format and size. If a document is not yet available, do not improvise; check guidelines or contact the programme for advice.
5. Submit well before December 10, 2025. Systems sometimes slow down right before deadlines, and you do not want a technical glitch to erase months of preparation.

Ready to move forward? Start here:

Official application page:
Apply for the AfDB SHOU Scholarship Programme 2026

If you are serious about playing a real role in Africa’s fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy future, this scholarship is absolutely worth the effort.