Deadline alert: The African Development Bank’s English notice gives a closing date of 17 November 2026. The French version of one notice gives 12 November 2026, so apply by 12 November to be safe.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) in China are offering fully funded scholarships for 2027 to nationals of African countries. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend.
The latest call is for two three-year master’s programmes at SHOU’s College of Foreign Languages, in translation, interpreting and area studies. It supports the Bank’s plan to build Africa’s multilingual skills. A separate AfDB–SHOU call covers master’s and PhD study in other fields.
At a Glance
| Funders | African Development Bank Group and Shanghai Ocean University |
| Where | Shanghai, China |
| Programmes | Master of Translation and Interpreting (Chinese-taught); Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies, English-taught); plus a separate master’s and PhD call |
| Duration | 3 years, full-time (master’s) |
| Covers | Tuition, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend |
| Not covered | Flights and visa fees |
| Who can apply | Nationals of AfDB regional member countries (African countries) |
| Deadline | 17 November 2026 (English notice). Apply by 12 November to be safe. |
The Two Master’s Programmes
1. Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI)
- A professional, Chinese-taught programme over three years, full-time.
- It trains translators and interpreters in translation practice, conference interpreting and translation technology.
- SHOU asks for Chinese at HSK 5 or above.
2. Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies)
- An academic, English-taught programme over three years, full-time.
- It covers regional languages, cultures, politics and economies, with a focus on ocean civilisation and global governance.
- SHOU asks for IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 or above.
Benefits
- Full tuition for the whole programme
- Accommodation and meals
- A monthly stipend
- Access to experienced faculty, language-learning resources and research facilities
- Specialised training in translation, interpreting, foreign languages and area studies
Note: the AfDB notice says successful candidates pay for their own flights and visa fees.
Eligibility
- You must be a national of an AfDB regional member country, which means any African member country of the Bank.
- You need at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s applicants must be no older than 30 on 1 September 2027.
- Language: HSK 5 Chinese for the translation and interpreting master’s, or IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 for the English-taught area studies master’s.
- The AfDB’s separate master’s and PhD call also asks for strong grades (for example a GPA of 3.0 or above). PhD applicants must be no older than 35 and hold a master’s degree with at least one published paper.
How to Apply
- Choose your programme, and check that you meet the age, degree and language rules.
- Open the official AfDB scholarship notice (links below) and use the online application form linked there.
- Submit the form before the deadline. Aim for 12 November 2026, because the English and French notices give different dates.
- Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. The next step may be an online interview with SHOU.
Official AfDB notice: SHOU 2027 master’s programmes (translation and area studies) · Official AfDB notice: SHOU 2027 master’s and PhD programme · SHOU programme page
Note: the AfDB website may show a security check before loading. SHOU also runs its own university scholarship for the same programmes, which has a later deadline (1 February 2027) and a separate application through its admissions portal.
Tips
- Get your language score ready. The Chinese-taught programme expects HSK 5. If you don’t have it, the English-taught area studies master’s may suit you better.
- Check your age. You must be 30 or younger on 1 September 2027.
- Budget for flights and a Chinese student visa, since the scholarship doesn’t cover them.
- Prepare for an online interview, and be ready to explain how a translation or area studies degree fits your career.
