Full vacancy title: 2027 African Development Bank Group Shanghai Ocean University Scholarship Master Degree Program
Location: College of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Position Grade:
Position Number:
Posting Date: 05-Nov-2026
Closing Date: 12-Nov-2026
Scholarship programs: Two full-time, three-year master’s programs are available:
- Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI), a Chinese-taught, three-year, full-time professional program
- Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies), an English-taught, three-year, full-time academic program
Scholarship location: College of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Closing date: 12 November 2026
INTRODUCTION
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) are pleased to invite qualified African candidates to apply for the 2027 SHOU Scholarship Programmes.
In line with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), the scholarship programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s human capital and multilingual communication capacity by nurturing a new generation of highly qualified translators and interpreters, equipped to operate effectively in the global language services industry.
SHOU is a globally recognised, research-oriented university specialising in marine science, aquaculture and ocean governance. It collaborates with more than 40 international institutions and organisations, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable aquatic development and food systems.
Founded in 2006, the College of Foreign Languages offers undergraduate programmes in English, Japanese and Korean. It also runs two master’s programmes and five teaching departments, including a dedicated Chinese teaching unit serving international students.
SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE
For all successful candidates, the scholarship will cover:
- Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and monthly stipends;
- Access to experienced faculty, language-learning resources, and relevant academic and research facilities;
- Specialised academic and professional training in translation, interpreting, foreign languages and area studies.
Please note: Successful candidates will be responsible for the cost of their flight tickets and visa fees.
The AfDB and SHOU warmly invite qualified candidates from across Africa to take up this opportunity to develop advanced expertise in translation, interpreting, foreign languages and area studies, while strengthening the continent’s multilingual communication capacity.
PROGRAMMES & REQUIREMENTS
1. Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) (Chinese-taught, 3 years)
The programme trains high-level translators and interpreters for the global language services industry, covering translation practice, conference interpreting and modern translation technology.
- Language requirements: HSK Level 5 or above
2. Master of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Area Studies) (English-taught, 3 years)
The programme is centred on Area Studies, covering regional languages, cultures, politics and economies, with particular emphasis on ocean civilisation and global governance. It welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including public policy, international relations and other social science and humanities disciplines. Students with STEM backgrounds wishing to change study track are also welcome to apply.
- Language requirements: IELTS 6.0/ TOEFL 80 or above
Applicants must be nationals of an AfDB Regional Member Country.
Applicants to either programme must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and must not be older than 30 years as at 1 September 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to contact potential SHOU supervisors in advance. The full supervisor directory is available at the link below
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates are invited to submit their online applications by 12 November 2026 using the application link below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Applicants must complete and submit the online application form. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps, which may include an online interview with SHOU.
- Successful applicants are expected to comply with all SHOU rules, regulations and codes of conduct.
- This scholarship does not confer employment status with the African Development Bank Group.
This position is not a regular position of the African Development Bank.
Should you encounter technical difficulties in submitting your application, please send an email with a precise description of the issue and/or a screenshot showing the problem to: HR Direct HRDirect@AFDB.ORG
Apply for this position
1- Regular Staff
If you are currently working at the African Development Bank as a regular staff, click on the button below to apply for this position.
2- External Candidate
If you are not currently working at the African Development Bank, or if you are a Short Term Staff (STS), a Technical Assistant or a Consultant at the Bank, click on the button below to apply for the position.
To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.
Applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are considered for further assessment will be contacted. Applicants should submit a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any additional documents that may be stated as required. The President of the African Development Bank reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. https://www.afdb.org
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the Bank does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The African Development Bank Group declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever.
“Please note that the Bank does not accept dual nationality. Therefore, you are required to declare the nationality you would like to be considered by the Bank throughout your career, if hired. Please upload supporting Government issued IDs such as passport, National Identity Card or Certificate etc.”
