2027 African Development Bank Group (AfDB) & Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship Master Degree Program

Overview

Are you an ambitious African professional or recent graduate looking to elevate your career? The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) are officially inviting qualified nationals from AfDB Regional Member Countries to apply for the 2027 SHOU Scholarship Master Degree Program in Shanghai, China.

Designed under the AfDB Ten-Year Strategy, this prestigious fully-funded scholarship aims to build Africa’s human capital, strengthen multilingual communication capacity, and develop specialized expertise in global language services, ocean governance, and international area studies.

Available Master’s Programs & Specializations

Applicants can choose between two fully-funded, full-time, three-year master’s tracks:

1. Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI)

• Format: Chinese-taught, 3-year, full-time professional program

• Focus: Prepares high-level translators and interpreters for the global language services industry, emphasizing translation practice, conference interpreting, and modern translation technology.

• Language Requirement: HSK Level 5 or above.

2. Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies)

• Format: English-taught, 3-year, full-time academic program

• Focus: Centers on regional languages, cultures, politics, and economics with a core emphasis on ocean civilization and global governance. Open to candidates from diverse backgrounds including humanities, social sciences, public policy, international relations, and STEM professionals looking to transition fields.

• Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or above.

Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

Successful scholars will receive comprehensive financial support covering:

• Full tuition fees

• On-campus accommodation

• Monthly living stipends and meals

• Access to world-class academic resources, experienced faculty, and specialized research facilities at the College of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Ocean University.

• Note: Scholars are responsible for personal flight tickets and visa processing fees.

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

To qualify for this scholarship opportunity, candidates must:

• Be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country..

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.

• Be no older than 30 years of age as of September 1, 2027.

• Meet specific language proficiencies (HSK Level 5 for MTI; IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 80 for Area Studies).

• Important Note: This program is an academic scholarship opportunity and does not confer employment status with the African Development Bank Group.

Important Dates

• Posting Date: November 5, 2026

• Application Closing Date: November 12, 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their online applications directly through the official: >> African Development Bank Group Vacancy Page.

Female candidates from AfDB member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.