Four Timor-Leste nationals were awarded SEARCA scholarships to pursue non-degree courses under an Academic Bridging Program at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in School Year 2010/2011.
Of the four new scholars, one is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The four new Timorese scholars, their non-degree programs at UPLB, and their positions at their home institutions are:

• Mr. Mario Jose Morais, Animal Science, National Consultant, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Dili, Timor-Leste;
• Ms. Monica Moreira, Agronomy, Production Assistant, Care International Timor-Leste;
• Mr. Luis G. Pinto, Agronomy, Monitoring and Evaluation Program Office, International NGO-Catholoc Relief Services, Timor-Leste; and
• Mr. Luis Tavares, Animal Science, Lecturer, National University of Timor-Leste, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Two other Timorese who were awarded scholarships to undertake the Academic Bridging Program and had deferred their enrolment to School Year 2010-2011 have also begun their non-degree programs at UPLB. They are Ms. Ana Jeannie Magno De Corte-Real Araujo (Agronomy) and Mr. Ergilio F. Vicente (Community Development). Ms. De Corte-Real Araujo works with the International Labor Organization, while Mr. Vicente is affiliated with Centro Juventude Covalima and Vocational Training Center, respectively. The DAAD also supports the scholarships of Ms. De Corte-Real Araujo and Mr. Vicente.
The Program aims to provide assistance to best qualified scholarship candidates from the transition economies of Southeast Asia, including Timor-Leste, in upgrading the BS degree of agriculture graduates to enable them to qualify for admission to the Graduate School of reputable universities in Southeast Asia and even outside the region.